Legislative Alerts

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 Yesterday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued new finalized station-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations.  According to its summary, the FWS will open seven National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) to hunting and fishing, expand hunting and sport fishing at 70 other NWRs, add pertinent station-specific regulations for other NWRs that […]

September 9, 2019 The Bakersfield City Council will address both new animal ordinances and amendments to existing ordinances on Wednesday, September 11.  These will, among other things, require any animal that is picked up twice as a stray to be spayed or neutered, regardless of the time between the impounds.  The proposals will also designate […]

September 5, 2019 The Hamilton County Commission has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, September 9, to obtain input on numerous proposed changes to the animal control code, including further regulations of hobby breeders and troublesome new definitions of “backyard breeder” and “puppy mill”. Those who reside or participate in events in Hamilton County are […]

September 4, 2019 The Swain County (NC) Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing for tomorrow (Thursday, September 5) to get input on the county’s first animal control ordinance. The proposed ordinance as currently posted on the county website and confirmed by the Clerk to the County Board would establish a county Animal Services […]

Tuesday, September 3, 2019 On Tuesday, September 10th, multiple animal bills will be reviewed by the Massachusetts Joint Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture Committee.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly encourages those who reside in Massachusetts to contact the committee to express significant concerns with two bills. SB 504 “Irresponsible Breeding Practices” requiring anyone breeding […]

August 30, 2019 An overreaching animal ordinance that, among other egregious provisions, would make all animal owners subject to unannounced inspections will be voted on by the Hattiesburg City Council on Tuesday, 9/3/19.  Residents are urged to IMMEDIATELY contact city council members to politely state their concerns and ask that they vote NO on the […]

Wednesday, August 21, 2019 Today, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) released its first-ever 2018 Impact Report.  This 10-page report details the agency’s achievements in 2018 with easy-to-read infographics. The report may be viewed at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/aphis_general/rpt-aphis-impact-2018.pdf.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019 The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has learned that the Legislation and Rules Committee of Stamford, Connecticut’s Board of Representatives is scheduled to consider an ordinance proposal tonight that seeks to limit consumer choice by requiring pet shops in the city that sell dogs and cats to source […]

August 19, 2019 URGENT:  The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to take action TODAY on problematic and overreaching requirements that would apply to all dog and cat owners in the county.  The proposed ordinance would also criminalize certain accepted animal husbandry practices as performed by animal owners.  Click here to view the […]

August 16, 2019 A Special Meeting has been called in Alachua County on August 20, 2019 to authorize advertisement of a proposal that seeks to recommend “commercial”, “hobby”, and “breeders” of dogs to be permitted, regulated, and subjected to warrantless inspections.  Differential animal licensing [generally, this means higher fees for unsterilized animals] and other regulations […]