Legislative Alerts

A bill has been introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives that would place further regulations on breeders, and restrict pet choice and consumer protection in the state. Supporters of House Bill 20-1084, known as the “Humane Pet Act”, are claiming this bill will protect animals in Colorado.  However, there are numerous concerns, including: False […]

The Washington House Committee on Public Safety will consider HB 2317, legislation concerning animal welfare on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at 8:30 a.m. The bill will positively amend Washington code and is primarily supported by the American Kennel Club, with one request for a clarifying amendment regarding ear cropping and tail docking. The changes to […]

The Lake County (IL) Board is considering a resolution tomorrow (Tuesday, January 14) that would prohibit retail pet stores from selling any dogs or cats.  Instead, they would only be allowed to provide animals from shelters or rescues. Even if you do not personally provide dogs to pet stores, this resolution could have significant implications […]

On Thursday, January 16, 2020, multiple animal bills will be reviewed by the New Hampshire House Committee on Environment and Agriculture.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly encourages those who reside in New Hampshire to contact the committee to express significant concerns with three bills. HB 1627 seeks to establish a statewide database of all […]

An anti-ownership proposal that seeks to create court-appointed animal advocates in Florida is on the agenda of the Florida Senate Committee on Agriculture on Tuesday, January 14, at 2:30 p.m. Animal owners are urged to immediately contact committee members and respectfully ask that they do not advance Senate Bill 1048.  Please scroll down for contact […]

The New York Senate Domestic Animal Welfare Committee will hold its first meeting of the year on Wednesday, January 15. Bills to be considered in this hearing include: Senate Bill 3559 – Current law establishes fines for those who knowingly violate state law requiring that dogs left outdoors be provided with appropriate shelter for the […]

Wednesday, January 8, 2020 With one week left of the current legislative session, New Jersey Senate Bill 3322, an “animal advocates” bill that was recently amended on the floor of the State Senate to include more significant anti-ownership provisions, is being fast tracked.  The bill is now scheduled for a floor vote tomorrow, Thursday, January […]

Earlier this year, AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) alerted Maine breeders to the presence of an anti-breeder definition proposed in LD 1311, a bill that seeks to ban animal sales by pet stores.  The proposed “animal rescue entity” definition sought to exclude all breeders from animal rescue activities.  Given that many responsible purebred dog breeders […]

The Town of Greenburgh, NY, is holding a public hearing on Wednesday, December 11, on a proposal that will prohibit retail pet stores from selling any dogs or cats.  Instead, they would only be allowed to “showcase” animals available for adoption from a shelter, rescue, or adoption agency. Current state law requires that pet dealers […]

The voices of responsible Florida dog owners made a difference, and an amendment was filed to Florida Senate Bill 522. AKC urges responsible dog owners to contact committee members immediately in support of the proposed changes that address the vast majority of issues with the original measure.  In addition, AKC Government Relations has recommended an […]