Legislative Alerts

The Maryland State Legislature is considering two identical measures as early as this week 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 Committees and ask them to support House Bill 78 […]

House Bill 82, which could be detrimental to the rights of responsible animal owners, has passed the Pennsylvania and is pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee. This measure could force owners to relinquish their animals when they are accused of cruelty, regardless of whether the charges are ultimately dismissed. Read AKC's previous Legislative Alert for […]

The Wyoming Senate is considering a measure that could potentially force owners to relinquish their animals when they are accused of cruelty - even if they are later found not guilty or charges are dismissed. Senate File 137 has already passed committee and is pending action on the Senate floor. Wyoming has a very short […]

The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (MassFed) has learned that State Senator Michael Rush has filed Senate Docket 1247 in the Massachusetts Senate. The proposal would allow cities and towns to enact breed-specific legislation. The American Kennel Club (AKC) joins with the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners […]

In the very near future, the Pennsylvania House is expected to consider House Bill 82 - a bill that would be detrimental to the rights of animal owners. This bill, which is identical to a bill introduced in the General Assembly in 2012, could force owners to relinquish their animals when they are accused of […]

The Township Committee of Mendham Township, New Jersey, will consider changes to its animal control ordinance on Tuesday, October 23, 2012. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all interested New Jersey residents to attend Tuesday's meeting and voice concerns with the ordinance. Dating back to late 2011, the Mendham Township Committee attempted to address some […]

Tomorrow, rules regulating Commercial Pet Breeders will be considered by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. The development of these rules is necessary due to the passage earlier this year of the broadly-supported HB 2921, also known as the Commercial Pet Breeders Act of 2012. A copy of the rules may be viewed […]

The Missouri Senate Agriculture, Food Production, and Outdoor Resources will consider a bill tomorrow that would make several positive changes to the state's laws regarding animal seizure laws. Among these changes is a provision stating that no animal may be intentionally euthanized or sterilized until legal proceedings have been concluded. Missouri dog owners and breeders […]

Several bills important to dog owners will be considered by two committees of the New York Assembly on Thursday, April 26, 2012. The American Kennel Club encourages all concerned New York dog owners to consider the provisions of these bills, and to contact the respective committee members with their concerns. ASSEMBLY BILL 3507 – AB […]

On Monday, the Oklahoma House overwhelmingly approved Senate Bill 1919 by a vote of 86-1, which would make many positive changes to the state's commercial pet breeder law. Thanks to the phone calls and e-mails sent by responsible Oklahoma pet breeders and dog owners, the House approved all amendments made by the House Agriculture, Wildlife, […]