Legislative Alerts

April 25, 2014 The Missouri Senate has just scheduled floor debate for the Senate version of the bill to prohibit Missouri counties and municipalities from enacting breed-specific legislation. All current breed-specific ordinances in the state would also be voided. Those who reside or participate in dog events in Missouri are strongly encouraged to contact the […]

New York City to Consider Mandatory Sterilization, Other Restrictions on Pet Sales on April 30 April 25, 2014 The New York City Council Committee on Health is scheduled to consider several measures on Wednesday, April 30, that create excessive restrictions on all breeders or pet shops who sell a pet. Among the many new requirements […]

The Maryland House Judiciary Committee has scheduled a public hearing for Thursday, March 27 to discuss a bill (SB 660) that would ban debarking. A second measure (SB 659) would require ear cropping, tail docking and dewclaw removal to be performed by a licensed veterinarian. These bills have already passed the Senate, and the House […]

On Thursday, January 23, the Maryland General Assembly will once again consider bills to overturn a 2012 court ruling that declared all "pit bulls" as dangerous. Maryland residents are encouraged to contact the Maryland House Judiciary Committee and ask them to support overturning this discriminatory ruling. Residents are also encouraged to express any other comments […]

The State of Connecticut has appointed a task force to investigate the sale of dogs and cats in Connecticut and they are holding a public hearing in Fairfield on Wednesday, October 16th.  Upon completion of these public hearings, it is expected that the task force will draft legislation for consideration in 2014. It is vitally […]

UPDATE (October 10):  The new CFIA regulations apply to those that are classified as "commercial animals".  The CFIA has specific guidelines for dogs that are being imported into Canada as pets. Contact the CFIA directly for further information on Canadian regulations regarding the importation of dogs.   The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which oversees […]

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) released a finalized version of new federal regulations that narrow the definition of a “retail pet store” with the purpose of bringing internet-based pet breeders and sellers under the regulation of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).  The rule, originally proposed in […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has learned that the City of Waco, Texas, may soon consider a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance. The idea is currently under development by the Waco Animal Welfare Advisory Board, and would have to appear before the City Council before it becomes law. The American Kennel Club strongly supports and actively promotes […]

Maine LD 1192, sponsored by Representative Justin Chenette, will be considered by the Joint Committee on Insurance and Financial Services on April 25.  The bill seeks to prohibit insurance companies from cancelling, refusing to issue, or charging an increased premium for a property insurance policy solely on the basis of a policyholder's ownership of a […]

Maine LD 1239, sponsored by Representative Paul Davis, seeks to clarify, streamline, and promote fair animal welfare laws in Maine. The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes LD 1239 represents an improvement over current Maine law, and joins the Federation of Maine Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (Maine Federation) in support of LD 1239.  Maine […]