Legislative Alerts

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Maine Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Committee) is scheduled to accept public testimony on LD 1771, “An Act to Strengthen Oversight of Kennels by Changing the Licensing Authority from Municipalities to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry”. The bill would require a hobby kennel owner to: […]

A bill seeking to address overcrowding in animal shelters by regulating hobby breeders is advancing in the California Assembly. The proposal, sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation, insinuates that people who breed as few as ONE litter are contributing to animal shelter population concerns, and, therefore, should incur significant regulations. Assembly Bill 1482 is going […]

SUMMARY Proposed changes to Greenville County, South Carolina’s Animals and Fowl ordinance are currently under consideration by the Greenville County Council.  Among its many changes, the proposal appears to require all “pet breeders”, including fanciers and enthusiasts who breed purebred dogs as a hobby, to register as a business and implement significant changes to their […]

On Monday, April 28, the Texas House Public Health Committee considered House Bill 2806, which would dramatically broaden the definition of a "dangerous dog" and make it a misdemeanor offense if a dog causes "bodily injury." Under the Texas Penal Code, "bodily injury" is defined as physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition. […]

AKC has just learned that a bill seeking to address overcrowding in animal shelters by regulating hobby breeders, will be considered in committee TOMORROW (Tuesday, April 29). The proposal, sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation, insinuates that people who breed as few as ONE litter are contributing to animal shelter population concerns, and, therefore, should […]

On Monday, a Missouri Senate Committee is considering a bill that protects dogs and the rights of dog owners when animals are seized on suspicion of neglect or abuse.  The purpose of the bill is to protect the rights of the accused and ensure they are treated as innocent until proven guilty, and to protect […]

This week, the Nevada House of Representatives passed a bill banning the retail sale of pets in Nevada pet stores. Assembly Bill 487 was amended to remove a provision that would have prohibited the sale or transfer of dogs or cats in public places, with certain exceptions for animal shelters and rescue organizations.  AKC and […]

There are 37 days remaining in the 89th Texas Legislative Session, and several dog bills are under consideration. Below are status updates for bills the AKC continues to track this session: House Bill 2806- Dangerous Dogs Status: Hearing on Monday, April 28 at 8:00am in the House Public Health Committee. The hearing will be held […]

This week, the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee passed amendments to expand the state’s consumer protection laws.  As amended, the bill now requires anyone who sells a dog – including breeders and rescues – to disclose certain information about the dog’s health and background at the time of sale. Assembly Bill 506 is part […]

Tomorrow (Tuesday, April 22), the Texas Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee will have a hearing on Senate Bill 2801, which authorizes field trials in Texas for fur-bearing animals and squirrels. Current Texas law only specifically authorizes field trials for pen-raised game birds, and this legislation should bring Texas law up to date so […]