Legislative Alerts

On Wednesday, November 8, one dozen animal bills impacting dogs and breeders are on the agenda for review by the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture (JENRA). The hybrid public hearing is scheduled to start at 1PM. The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has tracked most of these bills […]

This week, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 746 into law (Act No. 18 of 2023), which makes several changes to the Commonwealth’s Dog Law, including requirements for licensed kennels (including rescues).  The Act becomes effective on January 21, 2024, and includes several changes including removing the difference in license fees for intact and sterilized animals.  It also […]

On Tuesday, October 31, an Ohio committee is taking testimony from supporters of a bill that will provide tax credits to pet-friendly landlords. Dog owners in Ohio are encouraged to contact the members of the House Ways and Means Committee in support of House Bill 277, which seeks to address shelter population concerns by helping […]

On Friday, October 20, the Los Angeles City Council directed that an ordinance be drafted to suspend the issuance of breeding permits in the city as a way to address shelter overpopulation concerns.  Public comments from key officials indicate that this could also curtail the ability to own intact animals in the city.  Should this […]

Last week, the American Kennel Club (AKC) submitted comments to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) on the first round of proposed regulations to implement the state’s amended breeder laws that were enacted earlier this year.   Information on the proposed rules may be viewed here. The proposed rules are limited to those needed […]

Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania House passed Senate Bill 746 that removes the difference in license fees for intact and sterilized dogs and makes other changes to licensing for dog owners, kennels, and rescues, as well as other changes to the Commonwealth’s Dog Law. Prior to the General Assembly’s summer recess, the bill was passed by […]

Despite opposition from responsible pet owners, on October 10, 2023, the Floyd County, Georgia, County Commission enacted changes to the county animal ordinance that make it “unlawful for any person to own, keep, or be in possession of a sexually mature dog or cat which has not been spayed or neutered, unless otherwise exempt from […]

According to county staff, on October 16, 2023, the Orangeburg County Council passed an animal ordinance that includes pet licensing, limits tethering, and enacts additional provisions. The new ordinance requires dog and cat owners to register and license their pets at a fee of $50 per year for unsterilized pets aged six months and older. […]

The Las Cruces City Council held a special work session to discuss a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance and continues to receive pressure from a local animal advocacy organization to implement this proposal. A draft ordinance is not publicly available, and it is unclear when a draft will be available. The AKC expects there will be one […]

Last week two identical dangerous dog bills were introduced during the 3rd Texas Called Session of 2023. House Bill 98 and Senate Bill 39 expand Texas dangerous dog law to deem a dog dangerous if it causes bodily injury. At this time, neither bill has received a committee referral and there are no hearings scheduled. […]