Legislative Alerts

Alabama House Bill 209 seeks to authorize food service establishments to allow pet dogs in outdoor restaurant seating areas if the company wishes to do so.  It requires that the dog be leashed or in a pet carrier and under control, and sets out access, sanitation, and other requirements. HB 209 specifies that only service […]

The Michigan House Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee will be considering a bill tomorrow (Wednesday, February 19), that seeks to protect the rights of responsible dog owners in the state by prohibiting municipalities from enacting breed-specific policies.  This would be a significant step forward for Michigan dog owners, as there are several localities that […]

A bill is advancing in Colorado that would expand the powers of the state’s Bureau of Animal Protection agents. Currently, the purpose of the Bureau of Animal Protection as stated on the Department of Agriculture’s website, is to “serve as a support mechanism to local law enforcement agencies in conducting animal cruelty and neglect investigations.”  […]

Senate Bill 1698, which seeks to regulate Florida pet stores, has been rescheduled to be heard by the Senate Committee on Innovation, Industry, and Technology on Monday, February 17, 2020.   Among other provisions, this bill would require Florida pet stores to be licensed by the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation, set out requirements […]

Different versions of bills regulating leaving dogs outdoors and allowing localities to arbitrarily pass laws regulating the care of dogs continue to move in Virginia.  The House ACNR Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, February 19, to conform Senate Bill 272 for possible action later in the week. Summary of Legislative Activity: Update on […]

Both the House and Senate versions of legislation that would require Tennessee courts to prohibit custody of companion animals upon conviction for certain offenses involving animals will be heard in committees next week.  A problematic amendment that would establish mandatory lifetime bans will also be considered.  These bills are on the agendas of their respective […]

SB 285 recently passed the Senate Finance Committee and is pending consideration by the full Senate. The measure seeks to eliminate the West Virginia Greyhound Breeding Development Fund (GBDF) and redirect all money from the Fund to the State Excess Lottery Revenue Fund.  Additionally, it would eliminate the requirement that video lottery and racetrack table […]

The Detroit City Council will be holding a public hearing on two proposals meant to address dangerous dog and animal control concerns in the city.  The proposals are being brought forward after the tragic death of a child in August 2019 that occurred after her neighbor’s dogs escaped from their yard.  The American Kennel Club […]

The American Kennel Club is concerned with Hawaii Senate Bill 2512.  The bill, which is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health Committee on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, seeks to limit the practices of surgical births, debarking, tail docking, and ear cropping by prohibiting an animal's owner, and the owner's […]

A problematic Rhode Island House bill, H. 7361, regarding Contested Pet Ownership, is scheduled for public hearing by the House Judiciary Committee on February 12, 2020.  The bill would allow an individual to bring a complaint in equity to the district court during dispute over pet ownership of formerly cohabitating people and ask the court […]