Legislative Alerts

Four proposals have been introduced by the Madison City Council that will have a direct impact on dog owners, fanciers, breeders, and sportsmen in the city. Residents and those that participate in dog events in Madison are strongly encouraged to contact the council regarding these proposals, as well as the commissions mentioned below. Click here […]

In the next few weeks, residents of Aurora, Colorado, will be receiving mail-in ballots. Question 2D on the ballot asks, “Shall the people of Aurora adopt an ordinance allowing pit bulls back into their city?” A vote of “YES” will provide the opportunity for Aurora dog lovers and residents to fight discrimination, restore the rights […]

The Tippecanoe County Commission has proposed a rewrite of the county’s animal control code. This includes mandatory sterilization of all dogs and cats over 6 months of age unless the owner obtains a breeder’s permit. The permit is required for anyone who wishes to own an intact animal, regardless of whether that animal is being […]

Tomorrow, Thursday, October 9, 2014, the New Jersey Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee will consider several bills that, if ultimately enacted, will impact dogs in the Garden State. AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) encourages all owners in New Jersey to review the bills detailed below and to express their opinions to the committee members. […]

AKC Government Relations has learned that the Pasadena City Council will conduct a first reading of an ordinance to require the sterilization of all dogs and cats within the city limits. Limited exemptions will be provided. However, even with those exemptions, ANY dog that is impounded for ANY reason will be sterilized before being released, […]

The State of New York has passed a new law that will require a designated area for hand washing/sanitizing at any place where animals are “kept for the express purpose of viewing, touching, holding, and petting by patrons and visitors”. This area, which must be no more than 50 feet from the exit of the […]

The Michigan House of Representatives has placed House Bill 5095 on the third reading calendar, meaning it could be voted on at any time.  This bill includes provisions that would limit the number of dogs that can be kept on a single premises and define a “large scale commercial breeder kennel” based on the number […]

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) conducts inspections of a wide variety of animal facilities, including dog kennels and breeding facilities as part of its role in enforcing the Federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).    The USDA has recently revised its inspections appeals process to ensure that those […]

The North Carolina House of Representatives is currently considering the state budget.  Thanks to your efforts, the budget does not currently include the significant expansion of dog owner regulations. However, AKC understands that amendments will likely be offered in a House Appropriations Committee meeting tomorrow, June 11, to add language in the budget to define […]

Yesterday, the Rhode Island House Health, Education, and Welfare Committee held House Bill 8205 for further study. This means that the bill was not approved by the committee, but that it may further consider the bill at a later date during the remainder of the 2014 legislative session. The AKC commends the many Rhode Island […]