Legislative Alerts

The AKC has learned that on Tuesday, January 10, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold another hearing on House Bill 14, which would remove the breed-specific language that has been in state statute for over 20 years.  It is possible that the committee will vote at this hearing, and responsible Ohio dog owners are strongly […]

The Shelby County, TN Commission will hold a third and final vote on proposed changes to the county animal control ordinance on January 9, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.  The proposed ordinance includes a provision that would make it a violation to leave a companion animal unattended in a vehicle for more than one hour when the […]

Wisconsin Representative Don Pridemore is currently asking legislators to sign on as co-sponsors to LRB 1798 - legislation that would change the definition of "dog breeder" in state law from those who sell 25 dogs per year to those who sell 50 dogs per year. The American Kennel Club strongly believes that all dogs should […]

The Oklahoma State Board of Commercial Pet Breeders has extended its deadline for commercial pet breeder licensing to October 3, 2011. Oklahoma law defines a commercial breeder as anyone who owns 11 or more intact female dogs or cats over the age of 6 months "for the use of breeding..." For more information on Oklahoma's […]

A Massachusetts legislative committee is scheduled to consider House Bill 1023 on July 19 - a bill that would significantly change the definition of kennel to encompass training facilities or any dog event with more than 12 dogs. All those meeting the new criteria would be required to comply with all state and local licensing […]

The Suffolk County, New York Legislature has scheduled a public hearing on August 2 for IR-1545, a measure that contains numerous inaccurate, misleading, and unsubstantiated claims that impugn the integrity of the American Kennel Club and the many responsible local AKC dog owners and breeders who devote their lives to the wellbeing of dogs. The […]

Texas Governor Rick Perry has signed House Bill 1451 into law. AKC opposed this legislation as it will negatively impact responsible owners and breeders and will not improve animal welfare in Texas. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is ordered to promulgate regulations by March 31, 2012. Those meeting the thresholds set forth in […]

The Senate Criminal Justice Committee has approved a new substitute version of HB 1451, and this bill is headed to the floor for a vote of the full Senate. It was placed on the intent calendar late today and is eligible to be voted on ANYTIME NOW! It is imperative that Senators hear from their […]

On Thursday, May 12th, the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice held a public hearing on House Bill 1451. A vote was not taken at that time. However, in a quick follow-up hearing with little public notice today at Senator Whitmire’s desk, a substitute measure was passed by a vote of 4-0. This measure is now […]

April 29, 2011 The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government will consider a series of dog bills at its hearing on May 11, 2011.  Responsible dog owners in Massachusetts are encouraged to attend the hearing or contact the committee with comments on any of the bills on the agenda. View the names and […]