Over the past couple weeks, AKC Government Relations has sent out several alerts regarding bills impacting dog owners in the state.
With bill hearing deadlines looming at the end of the month, a number of hearings will be scheduled over the next few weeks.
Below are updates on the latest status on each one and how your can contact the members. Note that some, such as the bill regarding emergency preparedness plans for kennels, have hearings beginning on Monday, April 4.
AKC GR will also continue to provide individual updates and alerts when necessary.
We thank all the dog owners in California who have already begun taking action on bills scheduled for hearings.
Below are a few of the bills currently being tracked by AKC Government Relations:
Assembly Bill 1901 – Regulating all dog trainers as boarding kennels
Status: Scheduled for hearing in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on April 19
AKC Alert Link
Action Needed: Contact the author and committee members TODAY!
AKC alert link for more information
Summary: AB 1901 would regulate all dog trainers as boarding kennels, creating numerous unnecessary and impractical burdens on those who train dogs in the state but do not board them overnight. View the previous alert for talking points and information on how to contact the author and committee.
**We understand there have been some technical issues at the state capitol, so if you cannot submit comments to the author online, please email to both of the following email addresses:
Vincenzo.Caporale@asm.ca.gov
Michael.Adamski@asm.ca.gov
These are the two staffers who work for the author and can make sure he receives your letter. Even if you are not in the author’s district, it is essential that his office hear from California dog owners and trainers!
Assembly Bill 1881 – Dog and Cat Bill of Rights
Status: Scheduled for hearing in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on April 26
AKC Alert Link
Action Needed: Contact the author and committee members
Summary: AB 1881 bill would create a dog and cat “bill of rights”. AKC is joining other organizations in strongly opposing this bill. Use the link provided for talking points and information on how to contact the committee and author. Ask them to work with AKC on more reasonable solutions to promote responsible pet ownership in the state.
Assembly Bill 1648 – Disaster Evacuation Plans for Kennels
Status: Scheduled for hearing in the Assembly Emergency Management Committee on Monday, April 4
AKC Alert Link
Action Recommended: Those who wish to comment on this bill should contact the author and committee before Monday’s hearing.
Summary: Under this bill, having an animal disaster preparedness plan would be mandatory as a condition of obtaining and keeping a kennel license in your county or city. View the alert link provided to view more information on the bill and how to contact the author and committee.
Assembly Bill 2723 – Microchip Requirements, Pet Theft Code Revisions
Status: Passed Assembly Committee on Business and Professions on March 29, Referred to Committee on Public Safety
AKC Alert Link
Action Recommended: Those who wish to comment on this bill should submit online comments to the author and the Committee on Public Safety using the links provided.
Summary: AB 2723 would expand current law to state that when a dog is claimed or reclaimed from the shelter, the shelter or rescue may not release the dog to a person seeking to reclaim it unless they are registered as the primary owner with the microchip registry company, or the person is authorized by the person registered as the primary owner. View the alert for more details. AKC understands that amendments may be offered.
AKC Government Relations will continue to monitor all bills impacting dog owners in California and will provide updates as they are available. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.