Legislative Alerts

Overreaching breeder regulation legislation has again been introduced in the Florida Legislature.  SB 1830  and HB 1481 seek to impose registration and inspections requirements on any dog owner of an intact female dog more than six months of age.  Similar to legislation first introduced in 2023, these bills are also part of an extensive anti-breeder […]

On Thursday, March 6, the New Jersey Assembly Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture Committee will consider Assembly Bill 4051, which seeks to repeal the state’s consumer protection laws for pet purchasers and implement a statewide ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by pet shops.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all concerned […]

The Illinois House Agriculture and Conservation Committee has cancelled its meeting scheduled for today, which included a bill that would have placed extreme genetic testing and sterilization requirements on dogs bred in the state. AKC understands the committee and sponsor are hearing from many concerned clubs and breeders about House Bill 1902. Thank you to […]

The Abilene City Council decided to pull the proposed mandatory spay and neuter ordinance from its February 27 agenda following significant community feedback. An amended version of the ordinance is expected to be discussed at the March 13, 2025, council meeting at the same location: March 13, 2025 8:30 AM 2nd Floor Council Chambers 555 […]

On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the Land Development Regulation Commission of Marion County, Florida, will hold  a public hearing on “Limitations on Ownership and Possession of Dogs and Cats for unincorporated areas of the county”.  The proposal includes updated, restrictive definitions impacting dog ownership in the county, including commercial breeder (new), high volume breeder (new), […]

AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) encourages Rhode Island residents to take action as soon as possible on H. 5926, which is intended to compensate for the loss of companionship, love, and affection provided by a pet that has been seriously injured or killed due to another person’s unlawful and intentional or negligent actions by allowing […]

A bill in Illinois seeks to require all breeders to “have their dogs genetically tested for diseases that cause early death or physical impairments.”  If a “genetic defect or mutation” is found that would cause this, it would require that the dog sterilized immediately. It is possible that this bill could be considered as early […]

Currently, animal owners in California can perform certain functions on their animals like giving vaccines or basic wound care under what’s known as the “owner exemption”—allowable under current regulations from the California Veterinary Medical Board (CMVB). This policy is up for consideration by the California Legislature on Tuesday, March 4, as a part of their […]

A bill seeking to address concerns in animal shelters and to regulate hobbyist dog breeders, was recently introduced. The proposal, sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation, insinuates that people who breed as few as ONE litter are contributing to animal shelter population concerns, and, therefore, should incur significant regulations. What You Can Do: Although the […]

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee will accept public testimony on SB 1386, concerning dog breed insurance underwriting and service dogs.  The bill would prohibit homeowners' insurance and renters' insurance policies from discriminating based on harboring or owning any dog of a specific breed or mixture of […]