Legislative Alerts

The 2024 regular session of the Florida state legislature has adjourned, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) thanks the hardworking members of the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs (FAKC), AKC-affiliated clubs, dog owners, sportsmen, allied organizations, and every individual who contacted their state lawmakers about bills that affect our dogs. This session, the AKC Government […]

On Tuesday, March 19, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1012, a bill that protects owners and pets during extreme weather situations. This was the final step in House Bill 1012’s two-year journey. Summary: House Bill 1012 was written in response to a severe heat wave in the state in 2021 that left many […]

On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Safety and Security Committee voted unanimous support for SB 339, which requires restitution by anyone that injures or kills a police K-9 or volunteer search and rescue dog by paying the cost of incurred veterinary services and, if the dog is no longer able to […]

On Wednesday, March 20, at 9:30a.m., the Pennsylvania Senate Game and Fisheries Committee is scheduled to consider a bill with serious implications for those who hunt with dogs.  The proposed legislation makes changes to the laws related to trespassing on private property while hunting. Senate Bill 1087 would not only allow for a hunter, even […]

On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, the Delaware Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee approved legislation that would allow for the Sunday hunting of Gamebirds (See previous alert for more information). Previously passed by the House of Representatives, House Bill 271, which would eliminate the current prohibition against hunting game birds on Sundays, now goes before […]

On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Judiciary Committee will accept public testimony on a list of bills, including SB 427, which seeks to add protections for police K-9 and volunteer search and rescue dogs.  The bill would (1) increase the penalty for intentionally injuring a police K-9 or dog in a […]

Recently Houston Mayor John Whitmire stated his belief that “(mandatory spay and neuter) is the ultimate solution to overcrowding and stray animals.” Whitmire further alluded to the development of a mandatory spay/neuter (MSN) ordinance in Houston soon. While the AKC understands Mayor Whitmire’s desire to address animal welfare issues in and around Harris County we […]

The Governor of Utah has signed a new law that will regulate animal rescues and shelters in the state. House Bill 478 becomes law on May 1, 2024.  Those participating in rescue activities in the state are encouraged to review the current bill to see how it would impact you. As approved by the legislature, […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report that, this morning, the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee voted House Bill 1102 as “Inexpedient to Legislate.”  This means that it is the committee’s recommendation that the bill should not be approved. HB 1102 is a radical bill that seeks to describe brachycephaly as […]

The voices of Tennessee dog owners were heard! The sponsor of House Bill 2938 has taken this problematic dog breeder bill “off notice” in committee. That means HB 2938 and companion Senate Bill 2513, which seek to license and regulate dog and cat breeders in the state, are unlikely to advance. Read concerns with these […]