Legislative Alerts

The Missouri Department of Conservation (Department) is proposing to amend its regulations of Chapter 9 of the Wildlife Code of Missouri, including minimal increases in permit fees. Under current regulations, it costs $22 to get either the field trial permit (for those who conduct field trials on lands that are not owned or leased by […]

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Rhode Island Legislature adjourned the legislative session without passing bills harmful to dog owners. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is very grateful to clubs’ legislative liaisons and members who responded to requests for action. H5926 – NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES/PET LEGAL STATUS – DID NOT ADVANCE. Allowing compensation for the loss […]

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) announced that it will update the Animal Welfare Inspection Guide to ensure consistency and align with congressional directives. In its announcement, APHIS noted that it will continue to use courtesy visits for facilities that are (1) considering seeking licensure or […]

The Ohio House of Representatives has unanimously passed a comprehensive rewrite of the state’s dangerous dog laws. House Bill 247 is a bipartisan measure sponsored by Rep. Kevin Miller (Dist. 69 – Newark) and Rep. Meredith Lawson-Rowe (Dist. 5- Reynoldsburg) drafted in response to several severe dog attacks in the state and the need for […]

Last night, the New York Assembly adjourned, officially ending the New York 2025 legislation session with many positive results for dogs and dog owners in the state: Hobby Breeder Licensing/Commercial Regulations Did Not Advance: Thanks to the partnership with the NY Federation,  Associated Dog Clubs of New York State (ADCNYS) and the many hobbyists who […]

Earlier this month, the Rhode Island (RI) House introduced H. 6383 as a companion to the Senate bill that seeks to change the state’s  “hobby breeder” definition. For the bill’s June 10 public hearing, the American Kennel Club (AKC) submitted testimony that highlighted concerns and requested the House Corporations Committee amend the bill with text […]

On Tuesday, June 17, at 9AM, a New Hampshire (NH) conference committee is scheduled to consider amended SB 302, which now includes text supporting fair animal cruelty investigations and procedures and that would help prevent the reoccurrence of past problematic enforcement actions.  New Hampshire residents are strongly encouraged to contact their state senator to request […]

Yesterday, Tuesday June 10, the Delaware Senate passed a bill that would remove the “Sunset” provision in current law that allows a person to receive compensatory damages for which a person who tortiously causes an injury to or death of a pet is liable. Under current law, a person is entitled to compensatory damages of […]

Recently, State Representative Kathleen “KC” Tomlinson (Dist. 18- Bucks County) introduced legislation that seeks to prohibit insurance companies in Pennsylvania from discriminating against homeowners based solely on the breed of dog they own. If passed, House Bill 1515 would prohibit insurers from making decisions on policy coverage based solely on dog breed.  They may still […]

Amended LD 1771, which would categorize “hobby kennels” as commercial “animal care facilities”, was further amended last week and passed the Maine House. The House changes were minor and clarify that humane agents could conduct inspections without a municipal animal control officer present. The Senate quickly agreed to those minor changes and adopted the bill. […]