The California Legislature returned this week from their summer break, and immediately went back to work in anticipation of ending their session at the end of August.
The following is the latest information on highlights of bills AKC is monitoring, 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: Passed Assembly, pending vote by full SenateSummary: As previously reported, this bill was significantly amended in the Assembly to address AKC’s primary concerns. While it is still being referenced as the Dog and Cat Bill of Rights, the actual law 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: Those who wish may contact their State Senator regarding this bill. Use the California Legislature’s online tool to get the contact information for your State Senator.
- AB 1901 – Disclosure for Dog Trainers
Status: Passed Assembly, pending vote by full SenateSummary: This bill was significantly amended in the Assembly the request of AKC and local clubs to remove the requirements regulating trainers in the same as boarding kennels. Now, AB 1901 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: Those who wish may contact their State Senator regarding this bill. Use the California Legislature’s online tool to get the contact information for your State Senator.
- AB 2723 – Microchipping Regulations for Dogs Claimed from Shelters and Rescues
Status: Amended on the Senate floor, pending a vote by full Senate
Summary: AB 2723states that when a shelter or rescue transfers ownership of a dog, they must provide information including microchip company information, whether 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.It was amended on the Senate floor to clarify these requirements do not reply to animals temporarily housed as a result of an emergency evacuation order.
What You Can Do: Those who wish may contact their State Senator regarding this bill. Use the California Legislature’s online tool to get the contact information for your State Senator.
- SB 971 – Public Housing and Pet Ownership
Status: Passed Senate, on Consent Calendar in AssemblySummary: 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: This bill passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee on August 3. Those who wish may contact their Assemblymember regarding this bill. Use the California Legislature’s online tool to get the contact information for your State Assemblymenber.
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.