Legislative Alerts

On, Wednesday, February 4, the House Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems deferred consideration of House Bill 1594 – a proposal that would have mandated the sterilization of dogs being imported into the state. The American Kennel Club appreciates all who took the time to contact the committee and attend the hearing – your voices […]

The House companion to Florida Senate Bill 1356, House Bill 1521, is now scheduled to be heard by the House Subcommittee on Industries and Professional Activities on February 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. This bill would require dog breeders to register with the state and establish new operational regulations. Florida residents are strongly encouraged to […]

Yesterday, the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (ACNR) Committee voted to approve legislation to ban “debarking” – a standard veterinary practice also known as bark softening – except when such procedure is necessary to treat or relieve any injury, disease, or congenital defect that is causing or may cause the dog physical pain or […]

Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 4, a Hawaii committee will consider a bill to mandate the sterilization of dogs being imported into the state. Hawaiian residents are strongly encouraged to contact the committee today and ask them to not support House Bill 1594.  Visit the Hawaii Legislature website and create an account to submit written testimony or […]

Florida lawmakers will consider two dog-related bills this week that could significantly affect dog breeding, pet sales, dog breeding, and animal regulations statewide.  Senate Bill 1004 is a consumer protection bill that seeks to add new requirements for Florida pet dealers and when financing agreements are used to purchase a pet.  Senate Bill 1356 would […]

Tomorrow (Tuesday, February 3) at 9:30am, the Virginia Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (ACNR) Committee, Companion Animal Sub-Committee will consider legislation to ban “debarking” and a bill that seeks to define a “puppy mill”. Virginia residents should use the contact information provided below to express any concerns you have with these bills today: Senate […]

The Philadelphia City Council Committee on Rules will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 3, on Bill 250989, a proposal that would impose a three-year moratorium on the breeding and sale of puppies in Philadelphia. You are urged to contact the members of the Rules Committee now and let them know how a three-year […]

The Iowa House Judiciary Committee has unanimously passed a bill updating Iowa’s dog ownership laws and requiring shelters to scan dogs for a microchip. The bill, now renumbered as House File 2190, will soon be considered by the full House of Representatives. (Read AKC’s previous alert for more details on the bill). AKC encourages Iowa […]

Vermont House Bill 578 is a multi-faceted animal cruelty bill that, as introduced, may impact artificial insemination practices and create a significant risk of depriving residents of their property.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes H.578 as introduced, and urges all Vermont residents to contact legislative committee members to not advance H.578 unless substantively amended.  […]

Two South Dakota bills that seek to strengthen protections related to the use of service dogs are scheduled for committee hearings tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27, 2026.  South Dakota residents are encouraged to contact legislators via email to express support for Senate Bill 81 and Senate Bill 82 before tomorrow’s 8:30AM meeting. What These Bills Do […]