Legislative Alerts

On Thursday, February 15, the Vermont House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs will consider H. 626, which is an omnibus bill relating to animal welfare protections. The bill, which has been sought by many for the past several years, would: Establish a Division of Animal Welfare at the Department of Public Safety. It […]

Tomorrow, February 13, is the last day in the State of Washington for bills introduced to be voted out of their original chamber. AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in Washington state. Below are the latest updates, along with contact information if you wish to comment on any of these measures. AKC […]

Next Tuesday, February 21, 2024, the New Hampshire (NH) House Judiciary Committee will hear public testimony on HB 1684, which seeks to expand the relationships eligible for “loss of consortium” damages. Loss of consortium refers to the loss or impairment of the intangible benefits of a relationship, typically between spouses. When death or serious impairment […]

On Thursday, February 15, an Arizona committee will consider multiple bills impacting animals, including bills regulating dogs outdoors and amending the laws regarding seizure of animals when the owner is suspected of mistreatment. Those who wish to comment may do so by using the contact information listed below. SB 1047 – New Provisions for Dogs […]

New Jersey Senate Bill 1253 seeks to create a three-year pilot program to assess the academic and health benefits associated with the use of therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly supports S.1253; and encourages New Jersey residents to express their support of S.1253 with the members of […]

Committees in the Hawai’i State Legislature are scheduled to consider dog-related bills on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.  Hawai’i residents are encouraged to review the bills listed below and share concerns with the appropriate committee members. Senate Bill 2874 seeks to establish a non-refundable income tax credit for residential landlords who lease a unit to a […]

On Tuesday, February 13, a Kansas committee will consider House Bill 2542, which make numerous changes to the Kansas Pet Animal Act.  The most concerning provision of the legislation will allow the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture to enter contracts with any licensed animal shelter or rescue to seize animals and provide care for […]

Three bills of interest to Tennessee dog owners are scheduled for committee hearings next week. HB 1635/SB 1595 seek to prohibit emotional support animals that are not trained or being trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability from being brought into indoor areas of food service establishments. While AKC supports this legislation […]

On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, the New Hampshire (NH) House Environment and Agriculture Committee voted 14-to-6 that HB 1680 was inexpedient to legislate.  The bill sought to restrict “retail pet stores,” which it would have defined as anyone with a physical facility who transferred more than 30 dogs per year at retail.  HB 1680 is […]

A bill to allow the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to circumvent USDA animal experts in enforcing federal breeder licensing and potentially undermine the current hobby breeder exemptions for USDA licensing is gaining traction in Congress. Your U.S. Senators and Representative need to hear from you TODAY!  Let them know you are a constituent and […]