AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in California. With bill deadlines looming, many bills have had action over the last week or have hearings or votes pending within the next week.
AKC GR will continue to provide individual updates and alerts when necessary. We thank the many club members who have taken the time to contact the Assembly over the past several weeks. Your acts have made a significant, positive difference for dog owners!
Below are the latest updates, along with information should you wish to comment on any of these measures. Note that some bills, such as the amended Dog and Cat Welfare bill (formerly the Dog and Cat Bill of Rights) and a bill regarding microchipping of shelter and rescue dogs, are scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday, May 11:
AB 1881 – “Dog and Cat Welfare” (formerly the “Dog and Cat Bill of Rights”)
Status: Scheduled for hearing on May 11 in the Assembly Appropriations Committee
Summary: As previously reported, this bill was significantly amended in a previous committee to address AKC’s primary concerns. While it is still being referenced as the Dog and Cat Bill of Rights, the actual chapter created by the bill is now simply called “Dog and Cat Welfare”, and all references to “rights”, “guardian”, and other terms of concern have been removed. AKC is grateful to the California Veterinary Medical Association, the Animal Health Institute, and the California Animal Welfare Association for joining us in opposing the original bill and supporting AKC’s amendments.
How to comment: Those who wish may email a letter to the committee at approps.committee@assembly.ca.gov, with the bill number in the subject line.
AB 2723 – Microchipping Regulations for Dogs Claimed from Shelters and Rescues
Status: Scheduled for hearing on May 11 in the Assembly Appropriations Committee
Summary: AB 2723 would amend current law regarding microchipping when a dog is adopted from a local shelter or rescue. As amended by the Assembly Business and Professions Committee, when a shelter or rescue transfers ownership of a dog, they must provide information including microchip company information, if the dog has a current microchip number, and any other information needed so the new owner can register themselves as the primary contact on the microchip. In addition, before transferring or selling a dog, the shelter or rescue much document and keep records of all efforts made to contact the microchip’s primary contact, if the dog is microchipped.
This has been significantly amended from the original bill which, among other provisions, would have only allowed shelters to release a lost dog to the primary contact listed on the microchip. This provision has been removed at the request of local shelters.
How to comment: Those who wish may email a letter to the committee at approps.committee@assembly.ca.gov, with the bill number in the subject line.
AB 1901 – Disclosure for Dog Trainers
Status: Passed the Assembly on May 5. Pending transmission and committee assignment in the Senate
Summary: As previously reported, this bill was significantly amended at the request of AKC and local clubs to remove the multiple pages of requirements regulating trainers the same as boarding kennels. As passed by the Assembly, the bill simply requires certain items to disclosed to new clients, including the nature and goals of the class, any civil suits that have been brought against the trainer relating to dog training, and whether the trainer is certified. The bill does not require that a trainer be certified in order to teach classes. Many trainers may opt to provide their qualifications in lieu of a certification.
AKC will provide updates once the bill is transmitted to the Senate and assigned to committee.
AB 1781 – Shelter and Rescue Animal Transport
Status: Passed the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on April 26 and is pending a vote by the full Assembly.
Summary: AB 1781 would regulate shelters and rescues transporting animals. It would require them to ensure that transport vehicles protect a dog’s health and safety.
How to comment: Those who wish to contact their Assemblyperson regarding Assembly Bill 1901 may do so by typing your address on the State Assembly’s “Find Your California Representative” page.
AB 1648 – Disaster Preparedness Plans for Kennels
Status: Passed Assembly Emergency Management Committee, likely being held for year in Assembly Appropriations
Summary: AB 1648 would require anyone who has a city or county kennel license to also have an animal disaster preparedness plan. It appears this bill will be referred to the Suspense File, meaning it will not advance further this year.
AKC Government Relations continues to closely monitor all bills with the potential to impact California dog owners and will provide updates as they are available. For questions, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.