Legislative Alerts

Wednesday, April 17, 2019 The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has proposed new regulations for the operation of animal shelters and animal rescue organizations, and amendments to the Commonwealth’s regulations applying to pet shops. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages potentially impacted entities and individuals to carefully review the proposals, below, and respectfully share their […]

Monday, April 08, 2019 Texas House Bill 2347 seeks to require animal shelters and releasing agencies to scan an animal for a microchip as soon as practicable after the animal is placed in their custody.  In the interest of returning lost or at-large animals to their owners, the American Kennel Club supports HB 2347.  Texas […]

April 8, 2019 An ordinance with unclear provisions that could affect hobby breeders and rescue groups is scheduled for a vote by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, April 9.  Brevard County citizens who are concerned about vague and problematic provisions in the ordinance are encouraged to immediately contact their commissioners. The […]

April 5, 2019 The Virginia General Assembly met yesterday for a veto session and rejected the governor’s recommendations that could have required Virginia dog owners, sportsmen, and exhibitors to tether their dogs in a manner that could be harmful and contradict current law.  This was the latest in a series of bills and amendments this […]

Friday, April 05, 2019 The Borough of Madison, New Jersey, is expected to consider a proposal, Ordinance 11-2019, that would restrict pet shops and their owners, and kennels and their operators to breeding and selling dogs and cats sourced only from licensed animal shelters and rescue organizations. The proposal uses the state definition of “kennel”, […]

April 4, 2019 Each year, the New York General Assembly introduces dozens of bills that would impact dog owners, breeders, fanciers, and sportsmen.  The vast majority of these bills are re-introduced every year and never even receive a committee hearing. Due to the 2018 elections, there are many new legislators in Albany, new leaders and […]

April 2, 2019 A Virginia bill that had many provisions of concern to responsible dog owners was significantly amended prior to the end of session in February, but some concerns remained. The governor has now sent Senate Bill 1025 back to the General Assembly and they will be voting tomorrow (Wednesday, April 3) on his […]

March 29, 2019 The Texas House Public Health Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 3, on a bill that would allow dogs in outdoor eating establishments, with permission from the business owner. The AKC supports HB 1801, as it allows responsible dog owners more opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and […]

Thursday, March 28, 2019 On Thursday, April 4, the Maine Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry will hear LD 1311. The bill would strike “pet shop” from the definition of “seller” and prohibit any seller (i.e., owner or operator of a breeding kennel or animal dealer licensed by United States Department of Agriculture) from selling […]

Tuesday, March 26, 2019 The Connecticut Joint Committee on Environment held a hearing on March 1 on HB 5386, which sought to implement a law prohibiting pet stores from sourcing dogs or cats from anywhere but animal shelters and rescues, similar to legislation passed in California in 2018.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) submitted testimony […]