Legislative Alerts

A set of arbitrary and harmful federal breeder bills (H.R. 2840 /S. 1385) that would mandate new requirements for certain hobby and professional dog breeders are gaining support in Congress.  We urge all responsible dog owners, breeders and enthusiasts to contact their lawmakers about the harmful consequences of the bills, and ask them not to […]

The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has just learned that Georgia House Bill 1450, entitled the Georgia Safe Outdoor Dog Act, will be considered by the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee tomorrow, Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at 9AM. As currently worded, the measure establishes some good practices to assure the health […]

The 2022 Missouri Legislative Session is in full swing and several bills supported by AKC are currently under consideration. Tomorrow, (Wednesday, March 2), a Senate committee will consider legislation that would prohibit localities from passing breed-specific laws. Senate Bill 697 is the Senate companion bill to legislation mentioned in a previous alert that would prohibit […]

A bill is quickly moving through the Utah Legislature that could protect dog shows, working dogs, and pet choice in the state. This is the last week of session, so it is important that you contact your State Representative and State Senator today and ask them to support House Bill 476.  Scroll down for contact […]

At last week’s meeting of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, a problematic amendment was filed to House Bill 2034.  This bill seeks to create requirements and penalties for tethering/restraining dogs. Because the amendment removed practical exemptions for hunting and working dogs, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has changed its position on HB 2034 from “neutral” […]

Florida House Bill CS1/HB 721 seeks to remove an exemption under current Florida state law that allows certain cities and counties to ban dog breeds.  If this legislation passes, remaining county and city laws in Florida that ban dog breeds would no longer be in effect.  For example, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, “pit […]

Next week, two Connecticut legislative committees have scheduled public hearings as follows: March 1, 2022, at 10 A.M. – HB 5232 Concerning Service Animals.  This bill is supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC) because it would update Connecticut’s laws to ensure its terms and definitions are consistent with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.  […]

On Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 1:00 pm both the Maryland House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee are considering bills that would allow a person to receive damages for mental distress or emotional harm caused by the injury or death of a companion animal. AKC encourages Marylanders to contact the House Judiciary […]

An ad hoc committee of the Montgomery City Council will meet tomorrow, February 25. Media reports in 2021 indicated that the committee was considering recommending local laws that would include: Expanded requirements to obtain a breeding permit, raising the annual permit fee from $20 to $150, and requiring the applicant to have a business license […]

This week, the voices of responsible dog owners were heard by Tennessee legislators.  Here are updates on three bills that affect dogs, plus information on how you can continue to support House Bill 1646, which would protect certain working dogs. SUPPORT:  HB 1646 – ADDITIONAL PROTECTIONS FOR CERTAIN WORKING DOGS.  House Bill 1646, a bill […]