Legislative Alerts

Update! Sen. Sandoval’s office has told AKC and the Illinois Dog Clubs and Breeders Association that the Senator has reconsidered his position on SB1790 and will no longer support it. Many thanks to the countless dog owners who responded swiftly to our initial alert with calls and e-mails—your efforts made all the difference! With breed-specific […]

Hobby breeders could soon be considered "dealers" in Tennessee if H148 or its companion S1686 are enacted. Both bills would require anyone who breeds and sells more than one litter of puppies per year to be licensed as a "dealer." In Tennessee, dealers must be inspected by the state and pay anywhere from $125-$1000 annually […]

AB418, Asm. Paul Koretz’s bill to ban ear cropping in California, has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Public Safety. However, no action can be taken on the bill until mid-March. AKC will continue to provide updates as we learn when AB418 is scheduled for a hearing. Read more about this negative legislation in […]

AKC is pleased to report that thanks to strong opposition by responsible dog owners, two state-level breed-specific initiatives have been stopped in their tracks. In Oklahoma, Sen. Reynolds recently dropped his support of SB247, which would have allowed municipalities to enact breed-specific laws. Without the Senator's support, the bill effectively died in committee. On Wednesday, […]

Attention Vermont fanciers! Sen. John Campbell is sponsoring S66, a bill that would amend the definition of "pet merchant" to include anyone who sells, exchanges, or donates animals. Duly incorporated humane societies would be exempt. Under existing law in Vermont, "pet merchants" must be licensed by the state at a cost of $150 per year. […]

As many fanciers are now aware, officials in West Hollywood, California recently proposed a city ordinance that would ban ear cropping, tail docking and other non-therapeutic measures. AKC has been actively working with California fanciers and parent clubs to oppose the ordinance. The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) shared AKC’s concern over the measure because […]

Rep. Jerry Mitchell has introduced HB1128, a bill to allow Illinois municipalities to enact breed-specific laws. (A statewide dangerous dog law passed only two years ago prohibits such legislation.) The bill is scheduled to be heard by the House Committee on Agriculture and Conservation on Wednesday, February 23rd at 2 p.m. The American Kennel Club […]

Illinois dog owners, your help is needed immediately to oppose HB707. Sponsored by Rep. Elaine Nekritz, the bill would amend the state’s Animal Welfare Act by requiring licenses for all “animal caretakers.” This definition includes but is not limited to anyone who sells, exchanges, or offers for adoption dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and other […]

At last night's meeting, Mayor John Duran followed through with his introduction of a motion to ban ear cropping, tail docking, debarking and other non-therapeutic procedures. If such a measure is allowed to pass, it will establish a very dangerous model for other cities and states to follow. Help is needed immediately from fanciers --particularly […]

AKC has learned that last night the Senate Public Affairs Committee postponed hearing SB188. The bill will NOT be on the schedule for today's meeting, however it will likely be heard in the near future, perhaps as early as next week. Please check the New Mexico Legislature's Committee Calendar http://legis.state.nm.us/lcs/agecalendars.asp for scheduling information. Fanciers are […]