Legislative Alerts

On Tuesday, March 14, a bill that seeks to clarify existing law concerning nonprofit corporations’ ability to bring legal action against cases of animal cruelty passed unanimously out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee. As passed by the committee, the bill includes an amendment addressing the AKC’s concerns that the original text could have allowed for […]

The Lafayette, Colorado, City Council has asked staff to draft an ordinance to ban all sales of dogs and cats in the city, except for those from shelters and rescues. The City of Lafayette already has a dog ownership limit which restricts breeders in city limits, but it is unclear if this proposal would prevent […]

An amended New Hampshire Senate Bill 268 is scheduled for consideration by the State Senate on Thursday, March 16, 2023. As originally filed, SB 268 would have allowed transportation of and pre-hospital treatment for police dogs injured in the line of duty if no human would need transport or ambulance services. The American Kennel Club […]

Two dog-related bills in Minnesota have been scheduled for consideration by the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee this week.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports House File 1532, which seeks to prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against owners of certain breeds.  AKC opposes House File 1276, which seeks to restrict consumer choice by forcing […]

Numerous bills impacting dog owners, breeders, and trainers have been introduced this year in Illinois, and AKC Government Relations and the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners have been working diligently to fight on your behalf. We thank all those who have taken the time to file witness slips and contact legislators.  Together we […]

On Tuesday, March 21, a California Assembly committee will consider a bill to limit the use of police canines. California residents who wish to take action on this bill can do so with the information found below. Summary: Assembly Bill 742  would prevent the use of police canines for the purpose of arrest and apprehension. AKC […]

Two bills that would criminalize safe and effective dog care practices are scheduled to be voted on in Tennessee legislative committees on March 13 and 14. Certain provisions in each bill could result in cruelty charges against an owner absent harm—or even discomfort—to a dog. While these bills are well meaning, an owner who does […]

On Monday, March 6, the New Mexico Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee considered a bill that prohibits tethering a dog outside for more than three hours regardless of weather conditions. Senate Bill 429 was substituted during hearing but it still includes similarly concerning language. AKC expects the bill may receiver further consideration in the […]

Tomorrow, Thursday, March 9, 2023, the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee is scheduled to vote on Senate Bill 456, a bill that would trample the due process rights of animal owners. SOUTH CAROLINA ANIMAL OWNERS – PLEASE TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY!  All animal owners in South Carolina are urged to immediately contact committee members and […]

Earlier this week, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) announced that it has extended the comment period for future proposed changes to the federal Animal Welfare Act’s (AWA) rules and standards, including adding regulatory requirements to address species-specific environmental enrichment for dogs and other regulated animals.  Originally […]