Legislative Alerts

Earlier this week, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) published its 2024 Impact Report, which provides an overview of the agency’s activities and successes. APHIS oversees over 17,500 breeders, dealers, and exhibitors; research facilities, transporters, and dog importers who are subject to the federal Animal Welfare Act […]

In early December 2024, the DeKalb County, Georgia, Board of Commissioners deferred consideration of changes to its animal ordinance that AKC views as problematic for responsible dog breeders and owners.  As currently worded, it seeks to impose restrictions on breeders and anyone who transfers, gives away, or sells pets.  County staff have reported that the […]

On Tuesday, January 21, two bills impacting dogs are on the agenda for review by the New Hampshire House Committee on Environment and Agriculture (HE&A). 10AM - SUPPORT HB 153, which seeks to require the commissioner of the department of safety ensure that in every county there will be at least one state trooper who […]

At yesterday’s board of County Commission meeting, the Upshur County, West Virginia Commissioners approved an ordinance to address at-large and dangerous dogs in the county. The new ordinance (see previous alert) includes new definitions for “public nuisance” and “vicious” dogs.  As requested by AKC and local club members, the approved ordinance does eliminate “dog scratches” […]

On Wednesday, following 40 minutes of floor debate, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Beagle Brigade Act (S. 759) to support U.S. detection dogs. The Senate passed this measure in November. The bill now goes to the President for his signature. AKC has been pleased to advocate over several years for passage of this […]

The New Jersey Assembly Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture Committee has voted to adopt a substitute version of Assembly Bill 4051, which impacts the state’s consumer protection laws for pet purchases and implements a statewide ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by pet shops. After hearing testimony from several parties both opposed […]

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided public notice that it will propose revisions and certifications to the requirements for the importation of dogs that it finalized earlier in 2024. The dog import rule that was implemented in August 2024 was designed to limit the public health risk of dogs being […]

Yesterday, the U.S House of Representatives passed S. 2414, the Working Dog Health and Welfare Act. The Senate passed the measure in January. The bill now goes to the President for his signature. AKC strongly supports this measure to ensure implementation of recommendations for protections and standards of care for U.S. Government Working Dogs as […]

On Monday, December 16, the New Jersey Assembly Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture Committee will consider Assembly Bill 4051, which seeks to repeal the state’s consumer protection laws for pet purchases and implement a statewide ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by pet shops.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all  dog […]

A bill is advancing in the Michigan House of Representatives that would allow a person to receive “non-economic” damages for mental anguish, fright and shock, and loss of companionship caused by the injury or death of their service animal. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Michigan residents to contact your State Representative today to express […]