Legislative Alerts

Rhode Island Senate Bill 2055 seeks to amend the state’s Care of Dogs statute (1) by removing the provision that currently allows dogs to be kept outside during certain temperature conditions if they have access to an outdoor housing facility and (2) by eliminating tethering exemptions for hunting and sled dogs.  AKC opposes S2055 as […]

The Virginia Senate is expected to vote very soon on a bill that would prohibit the humane tethering of dogs unless the temperature is above 32 degrees or below 85 degrees. The AKC strongly believes that no dog should ever be kept in a situation where its health or safety is at risk.  However, Senate […]

The New York Senate Consumer Protection Committee is scheduled to consider a bill tomorrow (Tuesday, February 6) that would make significant changes to the state’s laws concerning the sale of animals. Those who reside and sell dogs in New York are encouraged to contact the committee prior to the hearing tomorrow at 10:00 am and express […]

Rhode Island House Bill 7167, which will be heard by the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, February 7, seeks to allow domestic protection orders issued in the state to also order for the safety and welfare of all household animals and pets.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports H7167’s amendments to the state’s domestic violence statutes […]

The New Hampshire Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is scheduled to consider Senate Bill 569 on February 6, which seeks to significantly expand the state’s definition of ‘commercial kennel’ and impose bond for care requirements for those charged with cruelty.  The American Kennel Club and the Dog Owners of the Granite State, our New Hampshire federation, are […]

The New Mexico Senate Public Affairs Committee is considering a bill tomorrow, Tuesday, January 30, that would appropriate money from the general fund to programs that assist with temporary housing and care for domestic violence victims and their pets. The AKC supports Senate Bill 113, which recognizes the complex dynamic involving pets and domestic violence. Sociological and […]

The Virginia House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Subcommittee will be considering a number of bills on Monday, January 29, that would impact dog owners, AKC events, and certain out-of-state dog sales. Those who reside or participate in events in Virginia are strongly encouraged to contact the committee prior to the hearing, and if possible […]

The Hawaii House Health and Human Services Committee is scheduled to consider House Bill 1823 on Tuesday, January 30, 2018.  The bill seeks to create a misdemeanor for those found to have knowingly and misrepresents themselves, through conduct or verbal or written notice, as being disabled in an attempt to receive the benefits and protections afforded under […]

The Kansas House Agriculture Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, January 30, that would increase the license fees for many who are regulated under the Kansas Pet Animal Act. The bill would also change the license year from ending on June 30 to ending on September 30. Summary: The Kansas Pet Animal […]

On Monday, the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service formally published a request in the Federal Register for public input on the idea of recognizing third-party inspections when determining the frequency of federal inspections for facilities regulated under the Animal Welfare Act.