The end of June brought Oregon’s 2025 legislative session to a close, joining Washington state in adjourning for the year. While both states had fairly limited legislative activity concerning dogs and dog owners, both did see bills introduced that sought to regulate dog breeders.
For your reference, below are a few of the significant bills AKC tracked and their respective outcomes. The AKC thanks all who participated in these legislative sessions and had their voices heard in protecting the interests of responsible dog owners. Because of your efforts, the bills seeking to regulate breeders did not become law. The AKC also thanks legislators and their staffs for their engagement with AKC throughout the legislative session.
You can see the complete list of bills by checking the AKC legislative tracker.
Washington:
- House Bill 1716 – Modifying Dog Breeding Regulations (bill failed)
Summary: Sought to broaden dog breeding regulations in Washington State, reducing the number of dogs one can own and imposing stricter care standards, with violations classified as gross misdemeanors.
- House Bill 1149 – Preventing Cruelty to Animals (became law)
Summary: This bill reasonably strengthens animal cruelty laws in Washington State by refining definitions, increasing penalties, and clarifying procedures for the seizure and care of animals, with specific timelines for owner response and bond requirements. AKC will monitor its implementation.
- House Bill 1046 – Motor Vehicle Damage Liability-Rescue of Vulnerable Person or Domestic Animal (became law)
Summary: Provides civil liability immunity for individuals who forcibly enter vehicles to rescue vulnerable people or domestic animals, under specific conditions – including requiring that law enforcement be notified or 911 called before entering the vehicle or immediately thereafter. AKC will monitor implementation of the bill to ensure the rights of responsible dog owners are protected.
Oregon:
- Senate Bill 1076—Animal Rescue and Breeder Regulations (bill failed)
Summary: Addresses fees and licensing structure for animal rescues and also directed the state Department of Agriculture to develop a licensing framework for breeders of companion animals, including the possibility of home inspections for hobbyists. Read AKC’s previous alert for more information on the bill.
- Senate Bill 328—Concerning Animal Shelter Euthanasia (bill failed)
Summary: Sought to prohibit animal shelters in Oregon from euthanizing dogs and cats due to space constraints, except in cases of terminal illness or severe injury, and requires annual reporting on animal intake and destruction, with oversight by the State Department of Agriculture. AKC monitored this bill and did not take a position.
Over the coming weeks and months, AKC will begin to turn our attention to what the 2026 legislative session might look like. Some early possibilities for bills to be on the lookout for are ones that concern dog breeders and new regulations on animal shelters.
AKC will continue to monitor the Oregon and Washington Legislatures for any new developments or changes to bills that could impact you. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.