Legislative Alerts

Yesterday, the California State Senate passed Assembly Bill 1901, the dog trainer disclosure bill.  As reported on August 17, previous amendments require trainers to provide a written disclosure with the following information: The trainer’s name and address (this is from the original bill and could include the address where the training is held) Any civil […]

Following a Public Hearing at a recent County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board of Supervisors voted to approve Zoning Ordinance Amendments that changes the definition of “Kennel” and its use in certain zoning districts. It should be noted that existing kennels, and kennels as a secondary use in conjunction with a dwelling (home occupation) […]

Yesterday, the California Senate approved further amendments to the dog trainer disclosure bill (Assembly Bill 1901). The amendments now require trainers to provide a written disclosure with the following information: The trainer’s name and address (this is from the original bill and could include the address where the training is held) Any civil judgements relating […]

The California Senate will likely soon consider a bill that will require those registered as a “kennel” in their local community to also include an emergency preparedness plan. The bill has already passed the Assembly and recently passed Senate committees.  It is now pending third reading in the Senate, along with the Assembly bills mentioned […]

The California Legislature returned this week from their summer break, and immediately went back to work in anticipation of ending their session at the end of August. The following is the latest information on highlights of bills AKC is monitoring, along with information on how to contact the appropriate lawmakers.  AKC GR will continue to […]

The Nelson County Board of Supervisors will be holding a Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 9, 2022, on proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments to amend the current definition of “Kennel” and its use in certain zoning districts. Those who wish to comment are encouraged to attend the Public Hearing or reach out to the Board […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report that the Massachusetts Legislature formally adjourned today, and that the House of Representatives did not take up Senate Bill 2994 (formerly Senate Bill 1322) that would have done away with “personal kennel” protections that many purebred dog fanciers in Massachusetts enjoy. The bill is now dead. […]

Today, the American Kennel Club (AKC) submitted comments to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) regarding a draft five-year strategic plan for the agency. Comments from stakeholders on the framework of the draft plan will assist APHIS, which enforces the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), in finalizing […]

Today, Dr. Betty Goldentyer, USDA APHIS’s Deputy Administrator for Animal Care, announced that the agency will discontinue the use of “teachable moments” as part of its enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. Since 2016, USDA APHIS has documented teachable moments for minor, isolated noncompliances discovered during facility inspections that do not have an impact on […]

The Wichita Animal Services Advisory Board voted last week in favor of an ordinance that will prohibit pet stores from sourcing dogs from licensed breeders in the city. The ordinance is now being considered by the Wichita Police Department where it must get approval before it can receive consideration from the full city council. This […]