Legislative Alerts

Tennessee Senate Bill 916 seeks to update the state’s criminal laws by adding animal fighting as a recognized form of racketeering activity. The American Kennel Club (AKC) unequivocally opposes dog fighting and the breeding and/or training of dogs for fighting.  As a means to further address and curb illegal activities associated with animal fighting, AKC […]

The Connecticut Joint Planning and Development Committee’s public hearing agenda for Monday, February 24, 2025, includes HB 6998, which would (1) require dog license renewals every three years, not annually; (2) require an owner to annually submit a valid rabies certificate for each dog to the town clerk; and (3) impose no penalty for failure […]

On February 27, the Abilene City Council is holding its second hearing on an animal ordinance that would significantly impact pet owners in the city. The ordinance includes two key problematic provisions: Mandatory spay/neuter for all dogs and cats over six months old. An exemption only for those who obtain a commercial breeder permit – even […]

On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security will accept public testimony on HB 6964, which would create a taskforce to study what provisions could be made in certain circumstances to allow emergency medical services personnel to provide emergency treatment and transportation to an injured police K-9. […]

On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the New Hampshire (NH) Senate Judiciary Committee will hear public testimony on SB 290, which seeks to add a definition of “torture” to NH’s animal cruelty law. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is deeply concerned that, as currently worded, SB 290 could be used as the basis for inappropriate criminal […]

Yesterday, a bill regulating commercial dog breeders advanced from committee that included an amendment requested by the AKC to further clarify how a commercial breeder should be defined in the state. The AKC thanks the Pacific Pet Alliance and other passionate Hawaiians for their efforts to protect responsible dog owners and hobbyists in the state. […]

Georgia House Bill 177 seeks to provide protection for household pets in both family violence and dating violence protective orders.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all Georgia dog owners to contact the House Judiciary Committee to express support for HB 177 prior to the hearing tomorrow (Tuesday, February 11) at 1:00 pm. (Scroll down […]

A bill regulating virtually all dog trainers in New Jersey has been held by the sponsor after overwhelming opposition and concerns were raised. New Jersey Senate Bill 3814 sought to establish the “Dog Training Licensing Board” to license and regulate dog trainers.  In addition, the board would establish a training philosophy that must be used […]

The Missouri Agriculture Policy Committee is considering a bill on Tuesday, February 11, that would make several changes to protect dogs and the rights of dog owners when animals are seized on suspicion of neglect or abuse.  The purpose of the bill is to protect the rights of the accused and ensure they are treated […]

Hawai’i Senate Bill 593, a bill that seeks to regulate commercial dog breeders by establishing a definition for what constitutes as a dog breeder in Hawai’i, sets a statewide limit law for intact dogs, and establishes standards of care has been scheduled for its first committee hearing on Monday, February 10. Hawai’i club members and […]