Legislative Alerts

AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) has learned that the Connecticut General Assembly has postponed until further notice all Joint Committee hearings scheduled for this week. Several bills proposing changes to dog policies in the state were expected to be considered by multiple Joint committees.  To review bills originally on the calendar, click here to view […]

This weekend, the Virginia House and Senate passed a Substitute version of SB 272 and the bill now heads to the governor. This Substitute included the absolute temperatures and weather conditions language, along with a new (and unclear) provision that would allow an animal control officer to assess a situation a determine the ability of […]

March 9, 2020 The City of Evanston has suspended its procedural rules and will be considering and possibly voting on an ordinance TONIGHT (Monday, March 9) that would ban the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in the city unless the animals are from a shelter, rescue, or a breeder that BOTH has a USDA […]

Next week, several Connecticut General Assembly Joint Committees have scheduled public hearings on a number of bills impacting dogs.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is encouraging all dog owners to review this list and submit your comments via email to the respective committees. Sentencing Commission Review of Animal Cruelty Laws: SB 388 requires the Connecticut […]

The Minnesota House Committee on Government Operations is scheduled to consider House File 3584, which seeks to create a Companion Animal Board as the primary authority for regulating companion animals in this state.  Concerned Minnesota residents are strongly encouraged to contact the bill’s sponsor and the committee members to express concerns with H.F. 3584. Under […]

Yesterday, a bill was introduced in the Michigan House that would place arbitrary limits on when a dog can be outside. As proposed, the measure would have a significant negative impact on many Michigan residents who own and/or breed dogs, as well as those who participate in outdoor activities with their dogs. Among other provisions, […]

Last week, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published amendments to the regulations governing the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NAVP). Under the Animal Health Protection Act, the USDA may take steps to prevent the introduction and interstate spread of diseases and pests to ensure that the health […]

South Dakota Senate Bill 136 seeks to allow therapy dogs to accompany vulnerable witnesses when testifying in South Dakota courts. The bill has passed in the Senate and will be considered by the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 10:00 AM. The bill requires that before the introduction of a certified therapeutic […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) learned this morning that Senate Bill 338, which as introduced would lower the threshold for state licensure for breeders and increase costs for licensees, will be heard in the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee today, March 3, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. AKC Government Relations understands that amendments may be […]

This Friday, March 6, the Connecticut Joint Environment Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on HB 5338, which seeks to prohibit the sale of animal fighting paraphernalia.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the difficulties in prosecuting those who engage in animal fighting under current law, which requires catching individuals in the act.  […]