Legislative Alerts

The Governor of Idaho has signed House Bill 6, which provides certain liability protections when there has been exposure to the COVID-19 virus. This new law may be of potential interest to some AKC-affiliated clubs with concerns about conducting their events while under a higher-than-normal exposure to liability risks. Among other provisions, the new Idaho […]

Assembly Bill 2257 has been passed unanimously by both chambers of the California State Legislature.  The bill makes clarifications and amendments to the law passed in 2019 that requires those who hire independent contractors to provide them many of the same benefits as full-time employees. Included in the legislation is a provision worked on by […]

During the current Special Session of the Legislature, two identical bills are advancing in the Senate and House which will provide immunity from civil claims related to the transmission of or exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Senate Bill 5067 and House Bill 5074 may be of potential interest to some AKC-affiliated clubs with deep concerns […]

The town of Kittery, Maine, has scheduled a special meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, for public input on proposed restrictions on dogs at public beaches. Background: The current dog ordinance, referred to as Title 6, prohibits dogs off leash and running at large while off the owner’s premises, unless, “under the control of a […]

At a work session on August 25, the City Council of Casper, Wyoming, continued its ongoing discussion on amending its animal control laws, including clarifying requirements for humane tethering. The council expressed a desire to address those who are keeping dogs in inappropriate conditions while also respecting the rights and practices of those who tether […]

Potential changes to Albany, Georgia’s, animal ordinances and dangerous dog laws were presented to City Commissioners at their August 18, 2020, meeting.  Resident dog owners are urged to contact their city commissioners to learn more about this issue and how to participate in the development of new animal laws. Among other provisions, the proposal recommends: […]

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced that an updated version of its Public Search Tool, which provides access to Animal Welfare Act (AWA) compliance records, will launch on Monday, September 21, 2020. APHIS reports that updates are necessary as the agency upgrades operating systems and […]

The American Kennel Club has just learned that the Burke County (NC) Board of Commissioners is hosting a public hearing TOMORROW (Tuesday, August 18), on numerous changes to the county animal control laws. This includes a new breeder's permit, required annually, for anyone who intentionally or accidentally breeds a litter.  Among other provisions, it states […]

Yesterday, the California Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved a bill that makes clarifications and amendments to the law passed in 2019 that requires those who hire independent contractors to provide them many of the same benefits as full-time employees. This includes a provision worked on by the AKC that would exempt competition judges from this […]

The cities of Denver and Aurora both considered measures on August 17 to decide how to handle their breed-specific laws. Denver: The Denver City Council decided to let voters decide the fate of a new proposal to ease some of the breed-specific restrictions in the city. A measure will appear on the November 2020 ballot […]