Legislative Alerts

September 27, 2019 Yesterday, a Prince George’s County committee held a public hearing on a proposal that would make several significant changes to the county’s animal laws.  The committee announced that no vote would be taken, but the measure would be brought back in the near future. AKC continues to encourage those who reside or […]

Thursday, September 26, 2019 Despite concerns from New Hampshire residents, the Dog Owners of the Granite State (NH DOGS), AKC, and others, Governor Sununu re-negotiated a state budget with legislative leaders keeping intact the new definition of “pet vendor” and striking “commercial kennel” from state law. Click here to view our previous alert on the […]

September 25, 2019 A Prince George’s County (Maryland) policy committee is expected to consider numerous changes to the county’s animal laws at a hearing tomorrow, Thursday, September 26. Those who reside or participate in dog events and activities in Maryland are strongly encouraged to contact the Prince George’s County committee and express concerns with how […]

Friday, September 20, 2019 On August 20, AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) issued an alert that the Legislation and Rules Committee of Stamford, Connecticut’s Board of Representatives was scheduled to consider limiting consumer choice by requiring pet shops in the city that sell dogs and cats to source animals only from shelters and rescues.  At […]

Thursday, September 19, 2019 On Tuesday, September 24, the Massachusetts General Court’s Joint Committee on the Judiciary will consider SB 989 and SB 990, which prohibit the outside and unattended confinement of dogs from 10pm to 6am.  “Outside and unattended” would mean any dog exposed to the elements for a duration of longer than 15 […]

September 19, 2019 The Bakersfield City Council removed two items from their agenda that were scheduled for a first reading. These proposals would have amended existing ordinance and added new language to the city’s animal ordinances. After removal from the council’s consent agenda, the items were referred to a subcommittee where the proposals will be […]

September 16, 2019 An overreaching animal ordinance is back on the agenda for 9/17/19 in Hattiesburg, MS.  The ordinance has been minimally amended, and additional amendments might be added.   However, as of the time of this message, many provisions of concern remain in Draft #3 of the ordinance, and new problematic provisions have been added. […]

Monday, September 16, 2019 On Thursday, September 26 at 1pm, the Joint Committee on Financial Services will consider three bills banning discrimination against dogs based on breed, size, or weight.  Both HB 1037 and SB 595 prohibit insurance companies from denying insurance to homeowners/renters or from requesting higher payment of premiums, unless the dog has […]

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 On Tuesday, September 17 at 1pm, the Massachusetts General Court’s Joint Committee on Judiciary will consider HB 3657 regarding the misrepresentation of service animals.  The bill ensures that individuals and businesses will be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, by making the misrepresentation of a pet dog as a service […]

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 Yesterday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued new finalized station-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations.  According to its summary, the FWS will open seven National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) to hunting and fishing, expand hunting and sport fishing at 70 other NWRs, add pertinent station-specific regulations for other NWRs that […]