Legislative Alerts

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed Senate Bill 2801, which exempts individual participants in squirrel or furbearing animal field trials from the Texas hunting license requirement.  Under this new law, which takes effect immediately, only the field trial organizer is required to purchase a field trial permit that covers all participants, removing the need for […]

Yesterday, the Massachusetts House and Senate adopted for the first time since 2019 major structural adjustments to how the House and Senate will work together. The new rules reshape legislative timelines, the flow of bills through committees and what information is publicly available. Below is a summary of the rules package changes detailed in S. […]

Amended LD 1771, which requires “hobby kennels” to obtain a state license under the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s (DACF) authority to regulate commercial “animal care facilities”, has become law without Governor Mills’ signature. Public Law Chapter 414 becomes effective Wednesday, September 24, 2025. The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly endorses the right to […]

Summary: On Tuesday, June 24, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors advanced a proposal that will significantly overhaul the county’s animal ordinance code. The ordinance includes new breeding permitting requirements for breeding as few as one dog.  It is unclear if this applies solely to breeding females, or if it applies to stud dogs as […]

The Missouri Department of Conservation (Department) is proposing to amend its regulations of Chapter 9 of the Wildlife Code of Missouri, including minimal increases in permit fees. Under current regulations, it costs $22 to get either the field trial permit (for those who conduct field trials on lands that are not owned or leased by […]

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Rhode Island Legislature adjourned the legislative session without passing bills harmful to dog owners. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is very grateful to clubs’ legislative liaisons and members who responded to requests for action. H5926 – NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES/PET LEGAL STATUS – DID NOT ADVANCE. Allowing compensation for the loss […]

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) announced that it will update the Animal Welfare Inspection Guide to ensure consistency and align with congressional directives. In its announcement, APHIS noted that it will continue to use courtesy visits for facilities that are (1) considering seeking licensure or […]

The Ohio House of Representatives has unanimously passed a comprehensive rewrite of the state’s dangerous dog laws. House Bill 247 is a bipartisan measure sponsored by Rep. Kevin Miller (Dist. 69 – Newark) and Rep. Meredith Lawson-Rowe (Dist. 5- Reynoldsburg) drafted in response to several severe dog attacks in the state and the need for […]

Last night, the New York Assembly adjourned, officially ending the New York 2025 legislation session with many positive results for dogs and dog owners in the state: Hobby Breeder Licensing/Commercial Regulations Did Not Advance: Thanks to the partnership with the NY Federation,  Associated Dog Clubs of New York State (ADCNYS) and the many hobbyists who […]

Earlier this month, the Rhode Island (RI) House introduced H. 6383 as a companion to the Senate bill that seeks to change the state’s  “hobby breeder” definition. For the bill’s June 10 public hearing, the American Kennel Club (AKC) submitted testimony that highlighted concerns and requested the House Corporations Committee amend the bill with text […]