Legislative Alerts

New York Assembly Bill 3595 would prevent senior citizens from being denied occupancy or evicted from a multiple dwelling because they own a pet.  We encourage all New York residents to contact their State Assemblyperson and the members of the Assembly Housing Committee, and ask them to support this legislation. Summary: There are many positive […]

The Ohio House Criminal Justice Committee has scheduled a public hearing on House Bill 14 for Wednesday, February 2 at 9:00 a.m. This bill removes the term "pit bull" from Ohio’s statutory definition of vicious dogs. The committee will also be considering House Bill 25, which would also remove the breed-specific language from Ohio law.  […]

The West Virginia House Agriculture Committee is scheduled to consider House Bill 2015 this Wednesday, February 2. This problematic bill would limit dog ownership and place restrictions on dog breeding.  The AKC strongly supports the humane treatment of dogs, including providing an adequate and nutritious diet, clean living conditions, regular veterinary care, kind and responsive […]

The Nebraska Agriculture Committee is scheduled to consider Legislative Bill 427 on February 8. Legislative Bill 427 seeks to further regulate "commercial dog breeders" in Nebraska.  Current law defines "commercial breeders" as anyone "engaged in the business of breeding dogs" and owns or harbors four or more intact dogs or cats, sells at least 31 […]

On January 19, the Wyoming Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously passed Senate File 100, which seeks to add "puppy mills" and "animal hoarding" to the definition of animal cruelty. The AKC strongly supports the humane treatment of dogs, including providing an adequate and nutritious diet, clean living conditions, regular veterinary care, kind and responsive human companionship […]

The American Kennel Club is pleased to share the attached bipartisan "dear colleague" letter from Congressmen Dan Boren (D-Okla.) and Paul C. Broun, M.D., (R-Ga.) to their colleagues in Congress outlining concerns with federal "PUPS" legislation, H.R. 5434. Click here to read the letter. The American Kennel Club is pleased to share the attached bipartisan […]

On Wednesday, December 8, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Board will consider extensive, onerous regulations for breeders who sell 25 or more dogs each year. Responsible dog owners and breeders are encouraged to attend the hearing and indicate on the sign-in form that you are attending in opposition to the […]

Dear AKC Delegates, Judges, Club Officers and Breeders, The Oklahoma Board of Commercial Pet Breeders has moved its Rules Hearing regarding proposed regulations for the commercial breeder law (SB 1712) passed by the Oklahoma legislature earlier this year.   Here is the revised location information: Oklahoma Board of Commercial Pet Breeders Hearing Information December 9th, […]

Dear AKC Delegates, Judges, Club Officers and Breeders, The Oklahoma Board of Commercial Pet Breeders has issued proposed regulations for the commercial breeder law (SB 1712) that was passed by the Oklahoma legislature earlier this year.  A copy of the proposed regulations can be found here. Although the regulations must reflect the underlying statute they […]

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is conducting a study of animal welfare in North Carolina. The study will focus on current laws and regulations pertaining to the welfare of dogs, the oversight of public and private animal shelters, spay/neuter programs, the score of commercial breeding operations, and consumer protection issues. The […]