Legislative Alerts

In recent years, responsible dog owners across the country have faced an increasing threat to their right to own and breed dogs. The concept of replacing the term animal "owner" with "guardian" in city codes was first introduced in San Francisco several years ago by an extreme animal rights group. Since then, several cities and […]

Attention North Carolina dog owners and breeders! Last fall, North Carolina co-speaker of the House Jim Black established the House Interim Committee on the Prevention and Disposition of Unwanted and Abandoned Companion Animals. Its purpose was to evaluate the state's animal care and control laws. Specifically, the committee was charged with studying North Carolina's animal […]

Legislation (H4397) has been introduced in West Virginia that would prohibit debarking or surgical silencing of dogs. Violators would face fines of $400-$1,000 and/or up to six months in jail. H4397 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, and help is needed to defeat this misguided bill. Much misinformation exists about debarking of dogs. […]

In recent months, responsible breeders all across the country have faced an increasing threat of restrictions on their right to breed, both at the municipal and state level. The defeat of proposed legislation in Virginia and Oklahoma was a positive victory for the purebred dog fancy, but introduction of similar proposals is likely in the […]

Existing law in New York prohibits cities and counties from passing breed-specific legislation but that would change with the passage of A9389. Sponsored by Assemblyman Patrick Manning, the bill allows municipalities to ban or restrict dog ownership based on breed. A9389 also classifies a dangerous dog as a deadly weapon, similar to a loaded gun […]

AKC Endorses Legislation Requiring the Addition of Bittering Agent to Engine Coolants and Antifreezes The American Kennel Club has written to key House and Senate congressional leaders supporting and urging prompt action on H.R. 1563. The bill requires engine coolant and antifreeze manufactured or sold in the United States that contains more than 10 percent […]

In light of overwhelming opposition from purebred dog fanciers and other concerned animal owners, Sen. Sam Helton has withdrawn his support from SB1130. Staff members for the Senator have confirmed that the bill, which would have required mandatory spay/neuter for all animals unless one purchased an expensive license, will not be introduced next week when […]

The Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and Breeders reports that the Senate Rules Committee decisively voted 15-1 to oppose SJR37 at Friday's public hearing. Only Senator Potts, sponsor of the resolution, voted in favor of it. The vote sends a strong message that legislators will not tolerate proposals for studies with a predetermined outcome, which […]

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 […]