Legislative Alerts

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 […]

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today released a letter advising of a change in the rules pertaining to importation of cats and dogs into the United States. Effective August 1, 2024, the CDC is implementing a process to standardize imports that will require that all dogs being imported into the U.S. […]

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 will be Purebred Dog Day in West Virginia, thanks to a simple resolution passed by the West Virginia Senate in March 2024. AKC encourages those who reside or participate in AKC events in West Virginia to contact sponsor Senator Mike Caputo and his cosponsors Senator Robert Plymale and Senator Mike Woelfel […]

Two dog-related bills garner continued consideration in the Massachusetts General Court. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Massachusetts residents to: Review and identify any concerns with the re-drafted and favorably released bills known as “Ollie’s Law;” and Contact your legislators in opposition to 826, banning new pet retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits. TO […]

Two dog-related bills continue to advance in the Vermont General Assembly. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Vermont residents to contact legislators on the following issues. HOUSE BILL 626 – ESTABLISHES DIVISION OF ANIMAL WELFARE Amended H. 626 would establish a Division of Animal Welfare at the Department of Public Safety, which will be charged […]