Legislative Alerts

Earlier this week, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a new rule for the importation of dogs into the United States. The rule, which becomes effective on August 1, 2024, will require all dogs to be at minimum six months of age prior to import into the U.S. The American […]

Today, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee released draft language for the 2024 Farm Bill. This must-pass bill reauthorizes USDA programs for five years and also seeks to address federal animal welfare and breeder oversight programs. As introduced, the bill supports important priorities for dog enthusiasts and responsible breeders, including canine health, welfare and the rights […]

On May 15, House Bill 539 was introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives.  This bill seeks to expand the number of dog breeders subject to state licensing as “high volume breeders” by redefining that group to include breeders with six or more breeding dogs who sell directly to the public. Ohio law defines a […]

Tennessee’s legislative session ended on April 25, 2024, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report multiple legislative successes that benefit dogs and dog owners. AKC thanks members of AKC-affiliated clubs, sportsmen, and every individual who contacted their state lawmakers about bills that affect our dogs. Special thanks go to the Nashville Kennel […]

Good news for Florida pet owners! A bill that, among other provisions, reenacts state sales tax holidays on certain disaster preparation supplies was signed by the Governor as Chapter 2024-158. This year’s sales tax holiday dates are June 1-June 14 and August 24-September 6. The American Kennel Club and the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs […]

Last week, a San Antonio City Councilmember requested an ordinance intended to address at-large and dangerous dog issues in the city.  However, the request includes concerning provisions requesting the city adopt practices requiring the spaying/neutering of at-large animals even if the owner is identified. The AKC understands the City’s desire to address dangerous dog and […]

In today’s edition of the Federal Register, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published its newly finalized rule on the importation of dogs.  The 123-page rule, which will become effective on August 1, 2024, is available at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-05-13/pdf/2024-09676.pdf. Last week, AKC published this post that alerted dog owners with a summary of […]

Today, the Vermont House of Representatives agreed to minor H. 626 changes made by the Senate Committee on Government Operations, sending the bill to the Governor’s desk for consideration. With strong support of the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Vermont Federation of Dog Clubs (VT Federation), and others, amended H. 626 would: Establish a Division […]

The Connecticut General Assembly adjourned the 2024 session late in the night on May 8. Two bills supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (CFDRDO) have passed both chambers and are their way to the Governor. SB 339 requires restitution by anyone that injures […]

On Tuesday, May 14, a New York Senate Committee will consider a bill that will allow responsible dog owners more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and socialization with their well-behaved pets, while still protecting and respecting the ability of all New Yorkers to enjoy state parks. New York residents, and those who enjoy traveling and/or […]