Legislative Alerts

The AKC has just learned that on Wednesday, January 21st, the House Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee will hold a public hearing on H1895, a bill to prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against homeowners based on the breed of dog they own. The American Kennel Club believes that insurance companies should determine coverage of a […]

Attention Chicago dog owners! Alderman Virginia (Ginger) Rugai has introduced an ordinance that would prohibit residents from owning, transporting, or selling "pit bulls." Pit bulls are defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, or any mix of those breeds. Violators will face fines of $100-1000 and/or up to six months […]

Congratulations to Ann Arbor fanciers on successfully opposing an ordinance that would have restricted breeding rights and limited pet ownership. The measure, which was rejected by the City Council on December 15th, would have required mandatory spay/neuter of dogs unless owners purchased a breeder's permit. Among other onerous provisions, the proposal would additionally have prohibited […]

In November 2003, the so-called "Puppy Protection Act" (PPA) was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) designated H.R. 3484. 36 co-sponsors have signed onto the bill. H.R. 3484 is virtually identical to the PPA introduced by Whitfield in the 107th Congress, except that it does not require setting federal "socialization" […]

Wisconsin breeders and rescue groups are concerned about a bill that could significantly affect them. Sponsored by Rep. Larry Balow, AB536 would require licensing and inspection of pet dealers and breeders, defined as those who sell, exchange or offer for adoption 25 or more pets per year. The bill authorizes the state's Department of Agriculture, […]

Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), the principal sponsor of the so-called "Puppy Protection Act" (PPA) in the 107th Congress has informed the American Kennel Club that he plans to introduce a modified version of the PPA in the near future. The new version of the PPA will be virtually identical to the original, except that it […]

On October 10th, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a notice in the Federal Register announcing its intention to apply the current air carrier provisions of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations to foreign carriers. Public comment is invited by December 9th, and AKC intends to submit a letter of support. Unless the USDA […]

AKC has learned that the U.S. Supreme Court has denied the Doris Day Animal League's (DDAL) petition to appeal a case against the USDA that would have made all residential breeders of dogs and cats subject to federal licensing and inspection. The decision, which upholds an earlier ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for […]

With growing frequency nationwide, families are being forced to give up their canine companions because of skyrocketing homeowners' insurance premiums or companies' outright refusal to cover certain breeds. Dog owners in Michigan may now have some reprieve, however, thanks to an important victory by the Michigan Association for Purebred Dogs. Troubled by countless stories from […]