Legislative Alerts

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the New Hampshire (NH) House Judiciary Committee will hear public testimony on HB 593, which seeks to expand the relationships eligible for “loss of consortium” damages. House Bill 593 would (1) newly define “loss of consortium” as the loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, and moral […]

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Maine Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is scheduled to accept public testimony on LD 133, An Act to Amend the Laws Regarding Nuisance Dogs. The bill would (1) amend the definition of “nuisance dog” as it appears in Maine’s dangerous dog laws; (2) label any dog that […]

A problematic proposed dog ordinance in DeKalb County, Georgia—which, as currently worded, includes litter permits, litter limits, sales restrictions, and incomplete consumer protections—has been added to the Tuesday, January 28, 2025, agenda for the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners meeting.  As previously noted, County staff have reported that the ordinance is expected to be returned […]

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 […]