Legislative Alerts

A Michigan Senate committee has scheduled a hearing for Thursday (September 4) on two bills (Senate Bills 293 and 294) that impact the rights of  dog owners whose animals being seized on charges of cruelty, and the payment of their care during impoundment. AKC appreciates that the bills clarify that if the owner is found […]

At its upcoming hearing on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, starting at 10AM, the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries (JCAF) will consider multiple bills, including these two: SUPPORT: ACT TO PROTECT ANIMAL HEALTH HB 2319 would require Massachusetts nonprofit animal rescues that import animals into the state to annually report: (1) the exact number […]

On August 20, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer signed a bill that removes the “Sunset” provision in current law that allows a person to receive compensatory damages when a person tortiously causes an injury to or death of a pet. With the approval of Senate Bill 118, a person is entitled to compensatory damages of the […]

A new law enacted in California expands protections for homeowners subject to Homeowner’s Associations (HOAs) by limiting possible fines and violations, among other changes. Summary of Assembly Bill 130: Assembly Bill 130 is a sweeping bill that expedites housing development by reforming the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and also places limits on HOAs. Changes […]

Two Massachusetts Joint Committees that have held public hearings on bills impacting dog owners recently advanced the following: UPDATING ANIMAL HEALTH INSPECTIONS HB 2253 and SB 1458 would require persons selling, exchanging or otherwise transferring the offspring of their personally-owned animals to be licensed, inspected, and regulated under the state’s authority to oversee pet shops. […]

AKC Government Relations has learned that the Asbury Park (NJ) City Council recently passed a new law to prohibit all breeding in the city – with no exceptions. The goal stated by the city was to address significant concerns with the care, treatment, and temperament of some who were breeding aggressive dogs in poor conditions. […]

Boulder City (Nevada) is considering a proposed ordinance to create a dog and cat breeding licensing regime at the regularly scheduled city council meeting. The proposal would create a breeding permit with required home inspections, a limit of 3 breeding animals, and minimum space requirements. At this time, there is no scheduled date set for […]

Joint committees of the Massachusetts legislature will soon consider legislation about veterans’ service dogs, prohibiting animal cruelty violators from owning animals, establishing an animal cruelty registry, allowing non-economic damages, animal neglect cases, and animal tethering practices. Massachusetts residents are encouraged to review the information below, and contact legislators. TUESDAY, JULY 22: The Massachusetts Joint Committee […]

The end of June brought with it the closure of New Hampshire’s busy 2025 legislative session. The American Kennel Club (AKC) worked with the New Hampshire Dog Owners of the Granite State (NH DOGS) to closely track numerous bills impacting dogs and advocate on behalf of their owners. AKC extends deep appreciation to all who […]

The end of June brought Oregon’s 2025 legislative session to a close, joining Washington state in adjourning for the year.  While both states had fairly limited legislative activity concerning dogs and dog owners, both did see bills introduced that sought to regulate dog breeders. For your reference, below are a few of the significant bills […]