Legislative Alerts

On Friday, April 5, the Supreme Court of Texas issued its opinion in the case of Strickland v. Medlen. In a majority opinion authored by Justice Don R. Willet, the court noted that pets hold a special place in the hearts of their owners, but ultimately held that non-economic damages are not available in cases […]

A number of legislative bills have been filed in Maine that could ultimately impact the state's dog breeders and owners.  While some may prove beneficial to responsible dog breeders and owners, other may prove troublesome.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) urges all concerned residents of Maine to learn about the bills detailed below and to […]

Yesterday, the West Virginia Senate passed an amended version of Senate Bill 437. This newly amended version of the bill addressed many of the issues with the bill; however, the AKC remains concerned about the definition of commercial breeder. This is now defined vaguely as one who owns 11 or more intact dogs (male or […]

The Maryland Senate Finance Committee will consider legislation on Tuesday, February 5, that would prohibit insurance companies from refusing to issue or renew homeowner's or renter's insurance policies solely because someone owns a dog, regardless of breed. Maryland residents are encouraged to contact the committee and express support for Senate Bill 296, which would protect […]

House Bill 63, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from enacting breed-specific regulations, was passed unanimously by the House Health, Government and Indian Affairs Committee yesterday. The bill now advances to the House Judiciary Committee. The AKC strongly encourages New Mexico residents to contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee and ask them to […]

New Hampshire House Bill 497 seeks to make significant changes to the state’s animal cruelty statutes.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Dog Owners of the Granite State (DOGS), AKC’s New Hampshire federation, both oppose HB 497 as unnecessary.  Concerned New Hampshire dog owners are encouraged to contact the members of the NH House […]

A public hearing will be held February 1, 2013 on House Bill 233, which would require licensing of "commercial dog breeders" subject to unnamed fees, would require unannounced inspections, and would establish requirements and standards of care. A commercial dog breeder would be defined as a person who owns, maintains, or otherwise has custody or […]

The Wyoming Senate unanimously passed Senate File 137, which provides peace officers, animal control officers, and local governments with the ability to take animals if they witness what they believe to be acts of cruelty. If the animals are taken, then the owner must cover the costs of care, and the local government may have […]

AKC Government Relations has just learned that New Mexico House Bill 63, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from enacting breed-specific regulations, is scheduled to be considered by the House Health, Government and Indian Affairs Committee tomorrow, Thursday, January 31. New Mexico residents are strongly encouraged to contact the members of the committee, as well […]

The Maryland House Judiciary Committee is considering a measure tomorrow that would seek to overturn a Maryland Court of Appeals ruling issued in early 2012 that said all "pit bulls" are inherently dangerous. Maryland residents are encouraged to contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee and ask them to support House Bill 78. An […]