Legislative Alerts

In January 2022, New York dog owners will no longer face homeowner’s insurance discrimination based on the breed of dog they own. On Saturday, October 30, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill 4254 (now Chapter 545), which states, “With respect to homeowners’ insurance policies…no insurer shall refuse to issue or renew, cancel, or […]

This week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 5, which will regulate tethering in the state by providing guidelines for how a dog may be tethered. The bill goes into effect on January 18, 2022. Senate Bill 5 is similar to Senate Bill 474 which was passed and sent to the governor […]

This week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 5, which will regulate tethering in the state by providing guidelines for how a dog may be tethered. The bill goes into effect on January 18, 2022. Senate Bill 5 is similar to Senate Bill 474 which was passed and sent to the governor […]

On October 21, the Town of Yarmouth (Maine) approved several changes to its dog ordinance, incorporating many recommendations provided by AKC Government Relations. Earlier this month, AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) published notice regarding proposed changes to the town of Yarmouth’s Chapter 309 “Dog Control Ordinance”, and highlighted many of AKC GR’s recommended amendments to […]

On Friday, October 22, the New York State Legislature sent a bill to the governor that would prohibit homeowner’s insurance providers from refusing or cancelling coverage or increasing premiums based solely on the breed of dog owned by the policyholder. For the past 10 years, AKC has advocated for legislation in New York on this […]

On Tuesday, November 30, the Berlin Town Council will receive public input at a 7pm hearing regarding changes being proposed for its animal ordinance.  The town’s ordinance committee presented a draft to the Town Council on October 19, that would amend the rules on leash and restraint requirements for dogs, by amending the definitions for […]

The Colorado Springs City Council has proposed an ordinance to ban the retail sale of cats and dogs at pet stores in the city. The council will hold a meeting on November 9 at 10:00am where they will begin considering the newly drafted ordinance. The ordinance would continue to allow pet stores to operate but […]

This week State Senator Gene Yaw introduced Senate Bill 907 which would establish an Animal Welfare Board.  The bill, which will allow for a comprehensive review of current and future regulations regarding dogs in the Commonwealth, is supported by the AKC and has been assigned to the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. SB 907 […]

Last week, the American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) issued an alert announcing that bills known as Nero’s Law were favorably released by the Massachusetts Joint Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee (JPSHSC).  HB 2547 and SB 1606, would both allow emergency care and transportation for a police dog injured in the line […]

This week, the Texas House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 5, a bill that regulates tethering, by a vote of 106-22. The bill was then referred to conference committee between the House and Senate where both chambers agreed on amendments. The bill will now be sent to the governor. The American Kennel Club has not […]