Legislative Alerts

Two bills are pending in the Iowa Senate that would impose detrimental requirements on those who are classified as "commercial breeders". In current law, a "commercial breeder" is defined as anyone who owns at least four intact dogs or cats and receives any consideration for breeding. These bills would significantly restrict the ability of those […]

Two positive measures –one protecting proper legal status of animals and one promoting responsible dog breeding –have passed Missouri committees and are awaiting action by the Missouri House of Representatives. House Bill 1513 would prohibit state laws from conferring "upon any animal a right, privilege or legal status that is equivalent or that exceeds a […]

The Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee is scheduled to consider House Bill 912 on Thursday, March 1. This bill seeks to change the word "owner" to "guardian" in numerous places within state code, which would likely result in a dramatic restriction in the rights of dog owners and veterinarians to properly care for and protect […]

The West Virginia Senate has passed Senate Bill 406, which would impose onerous restrictions on those who own 11 or more intact dogs. While some exemptions are included, the AKC believes they are vague and may still impact hobbyists who are not truly commercial breeders. The bill has now been assigned to the House Judiciary […]

The AKC is pleased to report that Ohio Governor Kasich signed House Bill 14 this morning, thereby finally removing the term "pit bull" from the state's definition of "vicious dog" and holding all dog owners accountable, regardless of the breed they own. The AKC believes this new law goes a long way toward ensuring that […]

Yesterday, the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved House Bill 14, which would remove language existing in state statute for over 20 years that declares specific breeds of dog to be inherently vicious.  The bill could be considered by the full Senate as early as next week. The AKC believes this legislation goes a long […]

The Oklahoma State Commercial Pet Breeders Board is currently inviting written comments on proposed changes to the state's commercial breeder licensing regulations. The comment period will close Monday, January 17, 2012. The American Kennel Club encourages all interested parties to review the proposal and respectfully offer any concerns to the Board. Click here for a […]

New Hampshire Senate Bill 370, which seeks to impose ownership limits and other restrictions on responsible dog breeders and owners, has been introduced and will be considered by the Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee on Thursday, January 19, 2012.  The American Kennel Club and our New Hampshire federation, the Dog Owners of the Granite […]

The AKC has learned that on Tuesday, January 10, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold another hearing on House Bill 14, which would remove the breed-specific language that has been in state statute for over 20 years.  It is possible that the committee will vote at this hearing, and responsible Ohio dog owners are strongly […]

The Shelby County, TN Commission will hold a third and final vote on proposed changes to the county animal control ordinance on January 9, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.  The proposed ordinance includes a provision that would make it a violation to leave a companion animal unattended in a vehicle for more than one hour when the […]