AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in California. AKC is currently neutral on these bills and several contain AKC’s amendments.
Below is information on bills with upcoming hearings and/or votes, along with information on how to contact the appropriate lawmakers. AKC GR will continue to provide individual updates and alerts when necessary.
- AB 1881 – “Dog and Cat Welfare” (formerly the “Dog and Cat Bill of Rights”)
Status: Hearing in the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee on June 20. Also assigned to the Senate Judiciary CommitteeSummary: 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.What You Can Do: The committee is accepting formal comments until 5pm on Monday, June 13. Letters may be submitted via the online legislative portal. Follow the instructions to create and account (if you have not done so already) and log in to upload a letter. - AB 1901 – Disclosure for Dog Trainers
Status: Hearing in Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee on June 13. Also assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.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 in the same as boarding kennels. As passed by the Assembly, the bill now 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 has certifications. The bill currently 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.What You Can Do: The formal comment period has ended, but those who wish may contact the individual committee members by clicking on their names on the committee home page. The home page will also provide teleconference information for the hearing on the evening of June 12. - AB 2723 – Microchipping Regulations for Dogs Claimed from Shelters and Rescues
Status: Hearing in Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee on June 13.
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.What You Can Do: Those who wish may contact the individual committee members by clicking on their names on the committee home page. The home page will also provide teleconference information for the hearing on the evening of June 12. - AB 1781 – Shelter and Rescue Animal Transport
Status: Passed the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee. On Senate Floor.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.What You Can Do: The bill passed the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee this week and will soon be scheduled for a vote by the full Senate. Those who wish may contact their State Senator. Contact information may be found by typing your address - SB 971 – Public Housing and Pet Ownership
Status: Hearing in Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee on June 29Summary: As amended by the Senate, SB 971 requires that public housing financed by the state allow residents to own or maintain “common household pets”. A refundable deposit may be required, but landlords may not require a monthly fee to keep the animal. Considerations may be made to limit the number of animals based on the unit’s size and prohibitions on potentially dangerous or vicious dogs. The landlord may not place restrictions based on an animal’s size or weight, but may have leashing, nuisance or liability insurance requirements.What You Can Do: Those who wish may submit a letter to the committee no later than June 24. Follow the instructions on the committee website for information on uploading a letter.
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.