The American Kennel Club (AKC) Government Relations (GR) team is continuing to monitor legislation in Oklahoma that could significantly impact responsible dog owners and breeders. Two measures, House Bill 4055 (HB 4055) and House Bill 3393 (HB 3393), seek to impose new licensing, fees, and inspection requirements on those who own intact dogs for breeding purposes.
Below are the latest updates on legislation of interest:
HB 4055 – Defeated in Committee
Earlier this month, HB 4055 failed in the Oklahoma House Agriculture Committee by a narrow 3–4 vote. This bill required anyone owning an intact dog for breeding purposes to pay a fee to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and allowed unannounced inspections of existing licensees.
When HB 4055 was quickly and unexpectedly scheduled for a hearing on Presidents Day, AKC GR swiftly mobilized to contact lawmakers, urging them to oppose the bill. Thanks to the efforts of AKC and some Oklahoma club members, lawmakers on the Committee, and responsible dog owners across the state, the measure was defeated in committee.
AKC strongly opposed HB 4055 because of its vague and confusing provisions, and it imposed unnecessary regulation on responsible breeders and hobbyists who already comply with Oklahoma’s existing regulatory framework.
HB 3393 – Similar Bill Still Pending
A similar measure, HB 3393, remains pending in the Oklahoma House Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Oversight. While it has not yet received committee consideration, it includes provisions comparable to HB 4055 and raises the same concerns regarding vague licensing criteria.
AKC will closely monitor developments related to HB 3393 and remain strongly opposed. AKC GR continues to educate lawmakers about the negative impacts this bill would have on small-scale, responsible breeders who uphold high standards of canine care and welfare. Updates will be provided as they are available.
HB 3391 – Monitoring Advertising Requirement Proposal
Another measure, House Bill 3391, has advanced unanimously from two committees. HB 3391 would require commercial breeders under current law (individuals who own 11 or more intact female dogs for breeding purposes) to include their state license number in advertisements. AKC is closely monitoring this bill and encourages those with concerns to contact doglaw@akc.org for more information or discussion. HB 3391 is awaiting a vote before the full Oklahoma House of Representatives. If you wish to comment on HB 3391, please get in touch with your state representative. You can find your state representative HERE.
For more on AKC’s legislative tracking and advocacy in Oklahoma and across the country, visit akcgr.org or email doglaw@akc.org.