Legislative Alerts

Yesterday, a bill was introduced in the Michigan House that would place arbitrary limits on when a dog can be outside. As proposed, the measure would have a significant negative impact on many Michigan residents who own and/or breed dogs, as well as those who participate in outdoor activities with their dogs. Among other provisions, […]

Last week, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published amendments to the regulations governing the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NAVP). Under the Animal Health Protection Act, the USDA may take steps to prevent the introduction and interstate spread of diseases and pests to ensure that the health […]

South Dakota Senate Bill 136 seeks to allow therapy dogs to accompany vulnerable witnesses when testifying in South Dakota courts. The bill has passed in the Senate and will be considered by the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 10:00 AM. The bill requires that before the introduction of a certified therapeutic […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) learned this morning that Senate Bill 338, which as introduced would lower the threshold for state licensure for breeders and increase costs for licensees, will be heard in the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee today, March 3, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. AKC Government Relations understands that amendments may be […]

This Friday, March 6, the Connecticut Joint Environment Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on HB 5338, which seeks to prohibit the sale of animal fighting paraphernalia.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the difficulties in prosecuting those who engage in animal fighting under current law, which requires catching individuals in the act.  […]

Three bills affecting animal owners in Tennessee are scheduled for votes on March 3-5, 2020.  Please scroll down to view each bill.  Mandatory Sentencing—Lifetime Bans on Custody of Companion Animals.  Senate Bill 1747/House Bill 1643 has passed in the Senate and is scheduled for a vote in the House on Thursday, March 5 at 9:00 […]

As stated in a previous alert, different versions of bills in Virginia regulating leaving dogs outdoors in specific temperature ranges and allowing localities to arbitrarily pass laws regulating the care of dogs have been moving in Virginia. Both bills passed their respective Chambers, but HB 1552 was amended in committee prior to final House passage.  […]

The Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee held a hearing on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, on House Bill 406, which seeks to define “extreme weather conditions” to mean temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or an active weather warning issued by the National Weather Service.  Under such conditions, the bill bans […]

The New York Senate Environmental Conservation Committee is scheduled to consider Senate Bill 7542 on Tuesday, March 3.  It seeks to prohibit hunting contests where the sole objective is taking the largest number of game or wild birds.  It further clarifies that any prohibition will not apply to field trials, dog training areas, or canine […]

Minnesota House File 3369, which seeks to prohibit the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet shops, is scheduled to be considered by the Minnesota House Committee on Commerce on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes legislation that attempts to artificially manipulate the market in favor of pets sourced solely […]