Legislative Alerts

Connecticut law already allows the owner of a companion animal that has been intentionally injured or killed to collect economic damages (i.e., claims substantiated by a specific cost), including veterinary care cost and the monetary value of the animal.  Connecticut Senate Bill 228 would go a drastic step further and allow non-economic damages in cases […]

On Thursday, March 3, 2016, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Insurance and Real Estate Committee will consider House Bill 5443, which would prohibit insurance companies from establishing minimum premiums, canceling, refusing to renew, or refusing to issue a homeowners insurance policy based solely on the breed of dog owned by the insured or applicant.  The […]

Monday, February 29, 2016 On Thursday, March 3, 2016, committees of the New Jersey Legislature will consider several dog-related bills.  New Jersey residents are strongly encouraged to take action on the bills, as noted below. Senate Economic Growth Committee The New Jersey Senate Economic Growth Committee is scheduled to consider three bills dealing with dogs […]

An Illinois committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, March 1, that would ban debarking unless it is medically necessary to treat an illness, congenital defect, disease or injury.  While the AKC supports the provision in House Bill 5004 that only allows debarking to be performed by a licensed veterinarian, we oppose the […]

A proposal has been introduced in West Virginia that would require the sterilization of all dogs and cats, with very few exceptions. All bills must be considered in committee by the end of this week, so it is important that all who reside or participate in conformation, hunting, performance, or other activities with dogs in […]

The American Kennel Club cares deeply about the welfare of all dogs and supports the ability of law enforcement or public safety officers to remove dogs from vehicles when they are in distress due to heat or other environmental conditions that present an immediate danger to the dog. However, a number of bills were introduced […]

Two bills proposed in Iowa that would have further regulated breeders have been significantly amended in committee.  The original language has been deleted in its entirety and replaced with a proposal for a new “Quality Assurance Council”.  This new council will be charged with reviewing applications from commercial breeders “who seek to receive a quality […]

On Wednesday, February 24, the Rhode Island House Health, Education, and Welfare Committee will consider several dog-related bills, including House Bill 7062, which seeks to further restrict the practice of humane tethering of dogs.  Current Rhode Island law provides specific exemptions from the state’s restrictions on the practice of tethering animals.  Exempted parties include licensed […]

A Wisconsin bill that will make it more difficult for owners to reclaim lost pets was rushed through the legislature this week. Those who reside or participate in dog events in Wisconsin are strongly encouraged to contact Governor Walker TODAY and respectfully ask him to veto SB450. Among other provisions, SB450 would shorten the time […]

South Dakota Senate Bill 157 seeks to provide additional regulations for commercial breeding operations.  The bill will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, February 18, 2016.  Concerned breeders are encouraged to contact the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and respectfully express their concerns. South Dakota law already defines a commercial breeding […]