Legislative Alerts

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (Department) has proposed amendments to the rules applying to commercial pet breeders and animal shelters. Oklahoma’s Commercial Pet Breeders and Animal Shelter Licensing Act defines “commercial breeder/commercial pet breeder” as any individual, entity, association, trust, or corporation who possesses eleven or more intact female animals for the […]

Summary: On Wednesday, November 29, the Bakersfield City Council advanced the first reading of a proposal to overhaul the city’s laws related to dog ownership, dog breeding, and kennel licensing. While the agenda is not yet posted, it is likely this could be considered again on Wednesday, December 13.  It is essential that the council […]

On Friday, December 1, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation (Commission) adopted the first round of rules to implement the 2023 changes to the state’s Dog or Cat Breeders Act.  These changes were needed to quickly implement rules for additional breeders who are required to comply with the law by January 1, 2024. SUMMARY […]

On January 3, 2024, HB 1102 will be introduced and referred to the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee.  Not only would the bill seek to describe brachycephaly as a “birth deformity that causes suffering”, but it would also criminalize the sale and breeding of brachycephalic dogs and any dog that could be claimed […]

On Monday, December 4, the New Jersey Senate Economic Growth Committee will discuss two dog-related bills, both of which should be of concern to New Jersey dog owners and purebred dog fanciers.  Senate Bill 182 seeks to require the licensing of pet groomers, and establishes licensing and operating requirements for facilities where grooming is performed.  […]

Summary: On Wednesday, November 29, the Bakersfield City Council will discuss a proposal to overhaul the city’s laws related to dog ownership, dog breeding, and kennel licensing. As currently written, the proposal would, among many other changes: Require a kennel permit and possible inspections for anyone who owns more than three dogs at least twelve […]

Yesterday, the American Kennel Club (AKC) submitted a comment in support of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) proposed formalization of requirements that have been in place since August 2021 for the importation of live dogs for resale, whether through retail or wholesale channels or fee-based adoption, […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recently issued an alert that the Barnstable, Massachusetts, Department of Animal was proposing changes to its dog regulations. The town has notified AKC that the town manager has extended the deadline to submit comments to December 8. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Barnstable residents are encouraged to review the proposal and […]

AKC has continued to track radical animal rights activists in their push to force a ballot initiative on Oregon voters in the November 2024 general election. Known as IP 3, or “The Abuse, Neglect, and Assault Exemption Modification and Improvement Act”, the initiative would ban many dog-training practices and classify some humane dog breeding practices […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has learned that the Barnstable, Massachusetts, Department of Animal Control held an October 18 public hearing on changes to its dog regulations.  The proposal would: Establish a new “multiple dog licenses” category for a private residence maintaining four to six dogs or for breeding dogs for show or sport which […]