Legislative Alerts

Purebred dog fanciers from all over California and beyond have been quick to respond in opposition to SB1548, legislation that would make it a misdemeanor to crop a dog's ears. AKC applauds your efforts, and we ask that you continue to politely contact Sen. Figueroa in this regard. The Honorable Liz Figueroa (D-10) Fremont State […]

Despite strong opposition and lobbying efforts by concerned dog owners and the AKC, the Boston City Council approved a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance on June 23rd. Prior to its passage, the measure was amended to include a mandatory spay/neuter provision for all "pit bulls." Pit bulls are defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull […]

Following the recent defeat of proposed breeder regulations, New Jersey dog owners barely had time to catch their breaths before Senator Sharpe James, who is also Mayor of Newark, introduced the "Responsible Pit Bull Ownership Act" (S1718) late last week. S1718 Would Allow a Municipality To: Require a special license for all "pit bulls" ($150-700)-including […]

SB1548, which includes language that would make ear cropping a misdemeanor, easily passed the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions this week. The majority of the bill pertains to other aspects of veterinary medicine and has the support of the veterinary community. AKC is therefore urging fanciers to contact the bill sponsor and ask her […]

California fanciers, take note! The Animal Council reports that SB1548, a bill pertaining to veterinary medicine, was amended last week to include a ban on ear cropping for dogs. Violators will be charged with a misdemeanor unless the procedure was done for treatment of disease or injury to the dog. The bill defines "disease or […]

The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners reports that the Budget Conference Committee has approved the final version of the state budget, and it does not include a House-approved amendment requiring regulation of those who breed and sell more than five litters of puppies or kittens per year. This development is welcome […]

Good news for Garden State fanciers! The New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs reports that Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, sponsor of A2324, has stated his intention to withdraw the bill from consideration. A2324, which would require any individual who sells ten or more animals per year to register with and face regulation by their municipality, […]

The deadline for introduction of bills to be considered by North Carolina's General Assembly came and went last week without a word about the long-debated "Animal Protection Act." The draft legislation, which resulted from nearly a year's worth of work by the House Interim Committee on the Prevention and Disposition of Unwanted and Abandoned Companion […]

A2324, which would require anyone who sells or transfers ten or more animals per year to be licensed and regulated by their municipality, continues to threaten responsible breeding programs in New Jersey. The bill could be scheduled for a vote by the Assembly at any time, and though many fanciers have contacted their representatives in […]

The AKC has learned that Massachusetts's budget bill was sent to conference committee late last week. Thanks in large part to lobbying efforts by purebred dog fanciers, the Senate version of the bill does not appear to contain any language that will impact breeders. However, the House version does still include an amendment that would […]