Legislative Alerts

Two bills that would criminalize safe and effective dog care practices are scheduled to be voted on in Tennessee legislative committees on March 13 and 14. Certain provisions in each bill could result in cruelty charges against an owner absent harm—or even discomfort—to a dog. While these bills are well meaning, an owner who does […]

On Monday, March 6, the New Mexico Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee considered a bill that prohibits tethering a dog outside for more than three hours regardless of weather conditions. Senate Bill 429 was substituted during hearing but it still includes similarly concerning language. AKC expects the bill may receiver further consideration in the […]

Tomorrow, Thursday, March 9, 2023, the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee is scheduled to vote on Senate Bill 456, a bill that would trample the due process rights of animal owners. SOUTH CAROLINA ANIMAL OWNERS – PLEASE TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY!  All animal owners in South Carolina are urged to immediately contact committee members and […]

Earlier this week, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) announced that it has extended the comment period for future proposed changes to the federal Animal Welfare Act’s (AWA) rules and standards, including adding regulatory requirements to address species-specific environmental enrichment for dogs and other regulated animals.  Originally […]

Several extremely overreaching and punitive dog breeder bills have been filed in Florida. Senate Bill 1492 and House Bill 1581 define any unsterilized female dog over the age of 6 months as a “breeding female” and would require her owner to register with the state as a “breeder,” pay significant fees, and be inspected by […]

Tuesday, March 7, 2023 On Thursday, March 9, 2023, the Minnesota Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee is scheduled to consider Senate File 1317, a bill that seeks to restrict consumers’ freedom of choice in pets by restricting pet stores from selling purpose-bred dogs.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly opposes legislation that seeks to […]

Friday, March 3, was the crossover deadline in the Montana Legislature for policy focused legislation, meaning bills that do not have a revenue component must have advanced out of their house of origin to remain eligible for advancement. Below is list of bills the AKC has been monitoring and their statuses. Bills in Montana State […]

Dog owners in Arkansas are urged to take action in support of House Bill 1519, a bill that seeks to prohibit a municipality or other political subdivision of the state from controlling or regulating dogs, cats, or other animals based on the specific breed or perceived breed of the animal. House Bill 1519 is on […]

AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in Oregon. Below are the latest updates, along with contact information if you wish to comment on any of these measures. AKC GR will continue to provide individual updates and alerts when necessary. Bills in Oregon Legislature: Senate Bill 696 – Funding for State-Appointed Animal Cruelty-Focused […]

Wednesday, March 15, 2023, the Maine Committee on the Judiciary will accept public testimony on LD 888, to Allow Use of Courthouse Facility Dogs by Criminal Justice Agencies for Criminal Justice Purposes. The bill would (1) adopt definitions; (2) establish training requirements; and (3) authorize trained dogs to accompany a witness in courtroom appearances and […]