Legislative Alerts

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 […]

More than 200 police K9s work to protect the peace and security of Massachusetts communities each day.  However, under current law, police dogs are unable to receive immediate medical care and transport by ambulance.  SB 2423 and HB 4230 allow for EMT care and transportation of police dogs injured in the line of duty. WHAT […]

A problematic animal cruelty bill is on the agenda of the Tennessee House Criminal Justice Subcommittee tomorrow, February 11, 2020, at 12:00pm.  House Bill 1643 seeks to require the court to impose a mandatory 2-year ban on custody of any companion animal for a person convicted of certain offenses involving animals.  In contrast, current law […]

Two Missouri House committees are considering bills this week that further protect the rights of those who own, breed, and show dogs in the state.  Those who reside or participate in dog events in Missouri are strongly encouraged to contact the committees and express your support for the following bills: House Bill 2241/House Bill 2244- […]

In an effort to demonstrate serious concerns with recent enforcement actions by the Town of Bloomfield, Connecticut, and to effect fair changes to the Town’s animal control efforts, dog owners and fanciers are organizing to attend this week’s “The State of Our Town” municipal meeting.  The meeting is scheduled for: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 6:00 […]

Bills regulating leaving dogs outdoors and allowing localities to arbitrarily pass laws regulating the care of dogs continue to move in Virginia.  Virginia residents are strongly encouraged to contact their State Delegate and Senator TODAY and express concerns on these bills (Scroll down for contact information). Summary: The Virginia Senate ACNR Committee recently passed Senate […]

Yesterday, several committees of the Massachusetts General Court took procedural action on dog-related bills.  Some bills were ordered to study, which means that they will likely not be considered for the remainder of the legislative session, while others had their deadlines for further consideration extended. BILLS SENT TO STUDY: The Joint Judiciary Committee ordered multiple […]

The Hawaii Senate is considering a bill that would prohibit the humane tethering of dogs if dog under the age of six months and without supervision by its owner or an agent of its owner. The bill, Senate Bill 677, would also prohibit tethering a dog restrained by means of a choke collar, pinch collar, […]

Tuesday, February 4, 2020 This bill has been removed from the February 5 agenda and AKC Government Relations will update when developments warrant. Monday, February 3, 2020 The American Kennel Club is concerned with Hawaii House Bill 2163.  The bill, introduced by Representative Roy Mitsuo Takumi, seeks to limit the practices of surgical births, debarking, […]

South Dakota Senate Bill 84 seeks to provide additional categories in its Service Animal Definition.  The bill will be considered by the Senate Local Government Committee on Wednesday, February 5th at 7:45 AM in Room 412. South Dakota law already allows individuals who are totally or partially physically disabled, totally or partially blind, or totally […]