Legislative Alerts

Amended LD 1771, which would categorize “hobby kennels” as commercial “animal care facilities”, was further amended last week and passed the Maine House. The House changes were minor and clarify that humane agents could conduct inspections without a municipal animal control officer present. The Senate quickly agreed to those minor changes and adopted the bill. […]

Legislation is likely to move any time in the New York legislature that could force virtually every hobby breeder in the state to be licensed, inspected, and regulated as pet dealers. As mentioned in a previous alert, Senate Bill 8252 and Assembly Bill 8653 include some clarifying language to address the ban on dog and […]

Late Wednesday night, the Connecticut (CT) General Assembly finalized the legislative session and adjourned. American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) appreciates the advocacy of the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (CFDRDO). Below is a summary of key legislation. PROHIBITING INSURANCE DOG BREED DISCRIMINATION STALLS: AKC thanks the CT residents who […]

Two Rhode Island (RI) bills of concern to the American Kennel Club (AKC) have been amended before being passed by the State Senate. Earlier this week, the State Senate delayed its scheduled vote on S. 325, “Animal Care”, which sought to further restrict the state’s definition of “hobby breeder”. Yesterday, before passing the bill, the […]

The Ohio House Public Safety Committee is holding public hearings on a significant rewrite of the state’s dangerous dog laws. House Bill 247 was introduced in response to several tragic incidents in the state and a demand from the public as well as animal control and law enforcement to strengthen Ohio’s dangerous dog laws.  Concerns […]

The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (JCMRG) has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 1PM to 5PM, on multiple animal bills, including some opposed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). OPPOSE: UPDATING ANIMAL HEALTH INSPECTIONS HB 2253 and SB 1458 are mirror bills that would remove Massachusetts’ legal […]

A pivotal point has been reached in the California Legislature session.  The deadline has passed for bills that were subject to a fiscal committee review to be eligible for further advancement during the session. This year was especially challenging for bills that increased spending given the state’s sizeable budget deficit. We are pleased to report […]

Amended LD 1771, which would categorize “hobby kennels” as commercial “animal care facilities”, was fast tracked and passed the Maine Senate yesterday. Last month, the Maine Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Committee) accepted testimony on LD 1771. Thanks to the Maine dog owners who expressed opposition to the bill, the committee adopted an […]

Yesterday, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Senate voted amended S. 1386, concerning dog breed insurance underwriting and service dogs, favorably.  Amended S. 1386 was immediately transferred to the House and placed on its calendar for a vote.  Connecticut residents are strongly encouraged to contact your state Representative with your strong support. As noted in the American […]

This week, the Rhode Island (RI) Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture voted to recommend passage of S. 325, “Animal Care”, which would further restrict the state’s definition of who is a “hobby breeder”.  On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, S. 325 will be voted upon in the Senate - without any changes to address concerns […]