Legislative Alerts

This week, animal rights/ “protection” groups are actively lobbying Congress to restrict and limit the activities of dog breeders. They are making unsupported claims that there are “tens of thousands of puppy mills” in the United States, and asking members of Congress to advance arbitrary, one-size-fits-all mandates that could require small hobby breeders to place […]

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) published a new five-year strategic plan.  The plan incorporates stakeholder feedback (click here to read AKC’s July 2022 feedback to APHIS), and includes six strategic goals, including promoting the welfare of animals.  That goal features three objectives, including one that […]

In Oklahoma, committee and crossover deadlines came and passed earlier this month and bills that did not yet receive hearings or consideration in their originating chamber have effectively failed. AKC tracked a number of bills this session and below you will find an update on legislation of interest. The session officially adjourns May 26th. Bill […]

Tomorrow, April 26, at 10:00am, the South Carolina Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee is scheduled to vote on House Bill 3682, a bill that would trample the rights of animal owners. This bill has already passed in the House and “crossed over” to the Senate. Swift action is needed by animal owners to stop […]

The Texas Legislature is entering the final month of session and several dog-related bills continue to move, including some with hearings this week. The final weeks of the 88th Regular Session will see a rapid uptick in bills moving through the legislative process. Please be prepared to take immediate action on legislation because bills can […]

This week, the Delaware House Administration Committee will be considering a bill to name rescue(d) dogs as the official state dog. Senate Bill 37  which designates rescue dogs as the official state dog is scheduled for a hearing before the House Administration Committee on Wednesday, April 26, 2026, at Noon.  Previously, the Golden Retriever was […]

Today the Texas Senate approved SB 876. The bill will require anyone that both owns 5 or more intact females and is engaged in the business of breeding those dogs for sale to secure a state license. In discussions with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation it has been clarified that this legislation will […]

A problematic proposed animal ordinance that was scheduled to receive a second vote on April 18 has been deferred until the May 2, 2023, meeting of the Nashville/Davidson County Metropolitan Council. In response to constituent feedback, certain council members are working on potential amendments to the ordinance. What you can do: Concerned residents are urged […]

The Nevada Legislature is considering several bills impacting dog owners. AKC is asking for your help in supporting a reasonable cruelty bill containing several AKC amendments and a bill requiring communities to provide at least one pet-friendly emergency shelters.   In addition, you are encouraged to comment on bills that would allow private citizens to remove […]

The Delaware Senate’s agenda for Tuesday, April 25, 2023, includes a bill that would provide immunity to people who, in good faith, report suspected animal cruelty from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise exist as a result of making the report. Those who would like contact members of the Senate prior to the […]