Iowa: Ask Committee to Support Bill Clarifying Dog Ownership Laws
An Iowa House subcommittee is considering a bill on Wednesday, January 21, that expands and clarifies laws pertaining to dog ownership. AKC encourages Iowa dog owners to contact the committee in support of House File 2016, a bill drafted with input from the AKC and some Iowa kennel clubs, which provides reasonable and important updates […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/iowa-ask-committee-to-support-bill-clarifying-dog-ownership-laws/
| January 16, 2026
Washington: Ask Committee to Support Bill Protecting Dogs in Vehicles
The Washington State Senate Committee on Law and Justice is expected to hear a bill on Monday, January 19, that will protect dogs who may temporarily need to be kept in an unattended vehicle. AKC supports this bill that will allow owners flexibility should they need to leave a dog in a vehicle for a […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/washington-ask-committee-to-support-bill-protecting-dogs-in-vehicles/
| January 15, 2026
New Jersey Legislature Adjourns With Good News for Hobby Breeders
Yesterday, both chambers of the New Jersey General Assembly failed to act on bills banning retail pet stores that could have impacted home-based breeders. AKC thanks our partner, the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs, and the many individuals who took the time to contact members of the General Assembly in defeating these bills. Your […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/new-jersey-legislature-adjourns-with-good-news-for-hobby-breeders/
| January 13, 2026
New Jersey: Assembly Considering Bill Impacting Hobby Breeders – Call TODAY January 9, 2026
The New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee has added amendments to a bill banning retail pet stores that could impact home-based breeders. The amendments are now identical to those added to Senate Bill 2511 in late December (Read AKC’s previous alert for more information) With the last voting day of the session scheduled for Monday, January […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/new-jersey-assembly-considering-bill-impacting-hobby-breeders-call-today-january-9-2026/
| January 9, 2026
Washington Information: Senate Considering Bill Allowing Volunteers to Assist With Animal Control
The Washington Senate Law and Justice Committee is considering a bill next week to, among other provisions, provide guidelines for when volunteers may be appointed to assist law enforcement with certain duties, including “animal control and caring for domestic animals”. While AKC understands the value of volunteers helping in certain aspects of community life, this […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/washington-information-senate-considering-bill-allowing-volunteers-to-assist-with-animal-control/
| January 8, 2026
Missouri: Ask Your Representative to Oppose Regulating Hobby Breeders as Commercial Entities
A bill has been pre-filed in the Missouri House of Representatives to require licensure and inspection of all breeders – including hobbyists. The bill was filed in response to media reports of a hobbyist in the state being charged with animal cruelty. The AKC absolutely agrees that all animals deserve life in a safe, humane […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/missouri-ask-your-representative-to-oppose-regulating-hobby-breeders-as-commercial-entities/
| January 2, 2026