Legislative Alerts

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is urging the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make important enhancements to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) that will improve the enforcement of the AWA and the overall welfare of purebred dogs. In a letter to USDA Secretary Ann Veneman the AKC urged the USDA to: Close a loophole […]

AKC and California dog owners are outraged by legislation that prohibits hunting with dogs or training for that purpose. This bill (AB342) was intended to restrict the hunting of fur-bearing animals with dogs but is extremely poorly worded. As written, AB342 makes it illegal for any dog to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or […]

Help is needed immediately to defeat legislation that has been introduced in Maryland to severely restrict debarking of dogs. The bill (H355) is currently awaiting a vote by the House Committee on Environmental Matters. Debarking of dogs is a commonly misunderstood practice. When performed by a veterinarian, debarking is an acceptable medical procedure that is […]

Immediate help from New Jersey dog owners is needed to defeat legislation that would severely restrict ownership of "pit bulls" and possibly Rottweilers. A2906 was introduced in October 2002 and fanciers immediately rallied to educate lawmakers about the ineffectiveness of breed-specific legislation. An identical Senate bill, S2381, was introduced in late February. We must act […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has learned that as of February 15, 2003 United Airlines will eliminate the restrictions against shipment of dogs that were imposed in June of 2000, and again allow them to be shipped as either excess baggage, cargo or carry-on. "The many letters written to United by dedicated fanciers played a […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has learned that as of February 15, 2003 United Airlines will eliminate the restrictions against shipment of dogs that were imposed in June of 2000, and again allow them to be shipped as either excess baggage, cargo or carry-on. "The many letters written to United by dedicated fanciers played a […]

The US Court of Appeals sided with the USDA and AKC Tuesday in a case that would have made all residential breeders of dogs and cats subject to federal licensing and inspection. The ruling, which reversed a lower court's decision, rejects arguments by Doris Day Animal League and other animal rights groups that wanted to […]

Despite dog owners' efforts, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors gave final approval to the proposed "guardian" ordinance on January 13th. The measure adds the term "guardian" wherever "owner" appears in San Francisco's municipal code. The ordinance will now be sent to the mayor, who has ten days to act on it. Residents should contact […]

On Monday, January 13th, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will give final consideration to changes to the city's animal control regulations. The proposed amendments would add the term "guardian" wherever "owner" appears in San Francisco's municipal code. The measure passed first reading in early December and now needs only 6 votes to become law. […]