Legislative Alerts

The Virginia Courts of Justice – Civil Law Subcommittee has just scheduled a hearing on Monday, January 18, that would include consideration of two bills that allow private citizens to remove a companion animal from a vehicle if they believe that the animal is at risk of serious bodily injury or death.  All who reside […]

The Joint Municipalities and Regional Government Committee of the Massachusetts General Court is scheduled to consider 14 legislative proposals at its next meeting on Thursday, January 21, 2016.  Included in the agenda are bills pertaining to dogs.  All concerned Massachusetts dog owners are encouraged to contact the members of the Joint Municipalities and Regional Government […]

Thursday, January 14, 2016 On Tuesday, January 19, a committee of Stamford, Connecticut’s Board of Representatives will accept public comment on proposed changes to Chapter 111 of the City’s Code of Ordinances, which currently deals with “Dogs and Other Animals.”  While several changes have already been made at the behest of resident responsible dog owners, […]

The American Kennel Club has learned that the sponsor of Senate Bill 36, which sought to expand regulations regarding who may remove animals from vehicles, has heard the concerns voiced by many and has graciously agreed to amend the legislation.  The AKC thanks Sen. Simonaire for his willingness to carefully listen to the concerns of […]

The Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, January 19, that would allow private citizens to remove a dog or cat from a vehicle if they believe that the animal’s health or safety is in danger.  Current Maryland laws only allow law enforcement officers, public safety employees, animal control […]

A Wisconsin Assembly Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Wednesday, January 13, that would make several changes to current law regarding animals taken by shelters and local humane societies.  Those who reside or participate in dog events in Wisconsin are strongly encouraged to contact the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety […]

The NY Assembly is expected to vote soon on a bill that would ban “debarking” – a veterinary practice also known as bark softening – in the state unless it is medically necessary to treat an injury, illness, or congenital defect.  The AKC opposes A1679, which would restrict the rights of responsible dog owners to […]

A new law has been passed in Pennsylvania that makes several changes regarding dog training areas, including providing protections for dogs actively training or participating in field trials.   The law will go into effect in late January 2016.  Highlights of the new law include: Making it unlawful for anyone to “willfully, negligently or maliciously” kill, […]

The Neptune Beach City Council will discuss but not vote on a proposed ordinance which will define hobby breeders and will prohibit those who own a certain number of pets from selling ANY animals. The AKC urges responsible dog owners and breeders to attend the meeting and oppose this burdensome and ineffective ordinance before a […]

Wednesday, November 11, 2015 On Monday, November 16, 2015, two committees of the New Jersey Assembly will consider bills pertaining to dogs and sales regulations.  The bills include: AB 2524 / SB 1877 – These companion bills provide that any person with disabilities accompanied by a guide or service dog, or any guide or service […]