Legislative Alerts

A Hawaii joint Senate committee is holding votes on Tuesday and Wednesday for HB 1736—addressing Hawaii’s feral cat overpopulation crisis that does not (currently) include dogs. However, proposed amendments expand the bill’s mandatory sterilization requirements to include dogs brought into Hawaii. Dog owners are strongly encouraged to contact the joint committee and urge members to […]

On Wednesday, April 9, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors' Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee will hold a hearing on a proposed ordinance (File No. 251162) that would institute mandatory spay/neuter for nearly all dogs in San Francisco. It also would add the word “guardian” to law – potentially changing the legal status of […]

A Colorado Senate committee is considering a bill on Tuesday (March 24) that restricts consumer choice and some sales, and makes false claims about breeders and pet stores. Colorado residents are strongly encouraged to contact the Senate State, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee before the hearing on Tuesday.  Ask them to oppose House Bill 26-1011 […]

On Tuesday (March 24), the Illinois House Agriculture and Conservation Committee will consider a bill that would impose extensive new requirements on licensed dog breeders. This bill is identical to SB 2990 considered last week in the Senate and applies “one-size-fits-all” commercial-style standards to all breeders (Under Illinois law, a dog breeder is anyone who […]

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) announced that it is extending the period for comments about potential updates to its dog welfare regulations.  The original comment period was to end today, Thursday, March 19th.  The comment period will now end on Thursday, April 20, 2026. APHIS […]

Minnesota Senate File 1943, which seeks to prohibit pet shops from selling dogs and cats, is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee on Friday, March 20, 2026.  Pet shops that have been open for at least one year would be grandfathered.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes SF 1943 […]

With yesterday, March 16, being considered the committee reporting courtesy date (the deadline to move bills out of their original committee), it appears that the Maryland House Economic Matters Committee will likely not be voting on House Bill 1551.  This is a bill that includes provisions to require annual registration for all dog breeders, and […]

This is the last week for Senate committees to consider two important bills that will benefit responsible dog owners and home-based hobby breeders. The bills have now been assigned to committee and it is important for you to contact the committees TODAY and express your support: House File 2190 updates dog ownership laws and requires […]

On Thursday, March 19, the Massachusetts Senate is scheduled to consider Senate Bill 2720 , which seeks to prohibit pet shops from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits; and Senate Bill 3014, which, in addition to banning the retail sales of dogs and cats at pet shops, would also allow responsible pet ownership in public housing, […]

Yesterday, the Iowa House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed two important bills that will benefit responsible dog owners and home-based hobby breeders. AKC Government Relations thanks all who took the time to contact their State Representatives.  Your actions have made a difference! The Senate must act quickly on these bills to ensure they continue to advance […]