Legislative Alerts

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced that an updated version of its Public Search Tool, which provides access to Animal Welfare Act (AWA) compliance records, will launch on Monday, September 21, 2020. APHIS reports that updates are necessary as the agency upgrades operating systems and […]

The American Kennel Club has just learned that the Burke County (NC) Board of Commissioners is hosting a public hearing TOMORROW (Tuesday, August 18), on numerous changes to the county animal control laws. This includes a new breeder's permit, required annually, for anyone who intentionally or accidentally breeds a litter.  Among other provisions, it states […]

Yesterday, the California Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved a bill that makes clarifications and amendments to the law passed in 2019 that requires those who hire independent contractors to provide them many of the same benefits as full-time employees. This includes a provision worked on by the AKC that would exempt competition judges from this […]

The cities of Denver and Aurora both considered measures on August 17 to decide how to handle their breed-specific laws. Denver: The Denver City Council decided to let voters decide the fate of a new proposal to ease some of the breed-specific restrictions in the city. A measure will appear on the November 2020 ballot […]

Tennessee Senate Bill 8002/House Bill 8001, titled the Tennessee COVID-19 Recovery Act, was signed by Governor Bill Lee on August 17, 2020.  Among other provisions, the Act provides protection from civil liability for loss, damages, injury, or death arising from COVID-19, unless a claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that there was gross negligence or […]

The Aiken County Council is scheduled to again consider an overreaching animal ordinance at its meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2020.  The most recent version of the proposal (as available on the county website at the time of the legislative alert) can be viewed here. Concerns, commentary, and recommendations:  Section 4-22 would require registration of […]

Carteret County Animal Control is considering updating their animal control laws and wants feedback from county residents. From now until August 31, residents have the opportunity to take a brief online survey to provide input.  The current ordinance and any amendments will only apply to unincorporated areas of the county.  Cities and towns in Carteret […]

At a recent press event, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture, Auditor General and the sponsors of Senate Bill 663 and House Bill 1504 called on the Legislature to take action on bills that will increase fees for dog licenses in an effort to help address funding concerns with the Pennsylvania Dog Law program. These bills […]

The City of Aurora, Colorado, continues to move forward on amending its dangerous dog laws, and is asking for public input prior to the vote on Monday, August 17. Two items will be discussed: The city’s current breed ban - Current city law bans American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and American pit bull terriers, […]

The Denver City Council will soon consider whether to allow voters to decide the future of the city’s long-standing breed ban. The new proposal would allow “pit bulls” in the city, so long as owners obtain an annual “breed-restricted” permit and keep no more than two “pit bulls” in a residence at any time.  Animal […]