Legislative Alerts

This morning, the Michigan Senate Agriculture Committee passed two bills that would establish a new Animal Welfare Commission in the state to create new rules, licensing, inspections, and other requirements for anyone who breeds dogs in Michigan.    This commission will be given broad powers to regulate animal welfare in the state, and yet those directly […]

The Miami-Dade County Commission has temporarily withdrawn the measure that would repeal the county's current ban on specific breeds and types of dogs.  It is believed that a new measure will be introduced that will repeal the ban and also amend the county's cruelty laws.  AKC Government Relations will continue to closely monitor this proposal and […]

A rescheduled first reading on an ordinance to end the Miami-Dade County “pit bull” ban is scheduled to be held tomorrow, November 15, 2016.  Click here to read AKC’s previous legislative alert with meeting details.  For more information, please contact AKC Government Relations at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org. A rescheduled first reading on an ordinance to […]

On Monday, November 14, the New Jersey Senate is scheduled to vote on a bill that would impact those who are charged with cruelty violations and whose animals are seized.  AKC urges New Jersey residents to call their State Senator and express concerns with Senate Bill 2454.  Visit the AKC Legislative Action Center and type […]

Bills in New Jersey that would significantly restrict the ability of pet owners to obtain a puppy of their choice and restrict and some hobby breeders, have been reassigned to a new committee and are scheduled for a hearing on Monday, November 14.  AKC urges those who breed or sell dogs in New Jersey, or […]

The New Jersey Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee is considering several bills on Monday, November 14, that impact New Jersey dog owners and breeders.  AKC encourages dog owners who reside or participate in events in New Jersey to contact the committee members prior to the hearing regarding these bills on Monday, November 14 at […]

A rescheduled first reading on an ordinance to end the Miami-Dade County “pit bull” ban is scheduled to be held on November 15, 2016. This ordinance was initially considered by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners on October 5 and failed to pass. However, because that meeting was abbreviated due to an approaching hurricane, commissioners […]

The Pinellas County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider changes to the county animal ordinance at its October 11 meeting.  Among other provisions of concern, the proposed ordinance would define a person who sells one litter of cats or dogs per year as “pet dealer” and require compliance with […]

On October 5, 2016, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to hold a first reading on an ordinance to end the community’s “pit bull” ban. If the ordinance passes on this first reading, it will be assigned to a committee and a date will be set for a public hearing.  Concerned dog owners […]

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently published definitions of terminology that will be used to better categorize information that appears in USDA inspection reports. A bulletin released by APHIS on September 22, 2016 defines new and existing terms and provides explanations and examples of how the terms are used in inspection reports. […]