Legislative Alerts

The Washington State Senate Committee on Law and Justice is expected to hear a bill on Monday, January 19, that will protect dogs who may temporarily need to be kept in an unattended vehicle. AKC supports this bill that will allow owners flexibility should they need to leave a dog in a vehicle for a […]

Yesterday, both chambers of the New Jersey General Assembly failed to act on bills   banning retail pet stores that could have impacted home-based breeders. AKC thanks our partner, the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs, and the many individuals who took the time to contact members of the General Assembly in defeating these bills. Your […]

The New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee has added amendments to a bill banning retail pet stores that could impact home-based breeders. The amendments are now identical to those added to Senate Bill 2511 in late December (Read AKC’s previous alert for more information) With the last voting day of the session scheduled for Monday, January […]

The Washington Senate Law and Justice Committee is considering a bill next week to, among other provisions, provide guidelines for when volunteers may be appointed to assist law enforcement with certain duties, including “animal control and caring for domestic animals”. While AKC understands the value of volunteers helping in certain aspects of community life, this […]

A bill has been pre-filed in the Missouri House of Representatives to require licensure and inspection of all breeders – including hobbyists. The bill was filed in response to media reports of a hobbyist in the state being charged with animal cruelty.  The AKC absolutely agrees that all animals deserve life in a safe, humane […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is monitoring a proposal by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department that, in part, seeks to update Fis Chapter 814 regarding Field Trials.  If adopted as proposed, Fis Section 814.03 - Field Trials Application Form, would be simplified to update the form’s date, provide a link to the form […]

The New Jersey Senate and Assembly decided today to hold the bills banning retail pet stores and potentially impacting home-based breeders, meaning there will not be a vote before the end of the year. AKC thanks all who have taken the time to contact their lawmakers regarding Assembly Bill 4051 and Senate Bill 2511. Neither […]

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently expressed support for 2026 legislation that will seek to “crack down on abusive ‘puppy mills’ and strengthen animal welfare standards” in Florida.  The governor made the announcement from the grounds of a well-funded animal rescue, which championed extreme anti-breeder legislation filed in the Florida legislature earlier in 2025. The Governor’s […]

The New Jersey Senate is seeking to amend bills banning retail pet stores, and recently added text that could impact home-based breeders. Senate Bill 2511 and Assembly Bill 4051 are scheduled for a vote by the Senate on Monday, December 22.  Club members, hobby breeders and anyone who seeks to obtain a pet from a […]

The New Jersey Assembly Committee on Children, Families, and Food Security passed A. 4051 out of Committee.  Both it and its Senate companion, S. 2511, have now passed out of committee in the New Jersey Legislature and are eligible to be considered by the full Senate and General Assembly (see previous alert). These bills repeal […]