Legislative Alerts

As reported in July 2021, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is considering amendments to the regulations that carry out the state’s Animal Welfare Act. The proposed amendments, which may be viewed here, add: (1) sanitation and safety requirements; (2) requirements for primary pens to be safely constructed, be large enough for the animals, and […]

Recently, a substitute version of Senate Bill 258 (known as Izzy the Cat’s Act) passed both chambers of the General Assembly.  It provides for the awarding of compensatory damages for injury or death of a companion animal as a result of a tortious act.  The legislation now goes to the Governor John Carney for signature. […]

As Florida’s governor signs or vetoes remaining 2022 bills, the American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks AKC club members, the hardworking members of the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs (FAKC), dog owners, sportsmen, allied organizations, and every individual who contacted their lawmakers about state legislation that affects our dogs. Here are some […]

Next week, the California Senate Judiciary Committee will be considering both the “Dog and Cat Welfare” and dog trainer disclosure bills.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is currently neutral on these bills, both of which contain some of AKC’s proposed amendments. Those who wish may contact the committee to express your opinion on these bills […]

Recently, the Pennsylvania Senate introduced the “Dog Law Modernization Act”.  Senate Bill 1289 removes the difference in license fees for intact and sterilized dogs and makes many other changes to licensing for dog owners, kennels, and rescues, as well as other changes to the Commonwealth’s Dog Law. The bill is scheduled for a hearing tomorrow […]

Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Senate passed Senate Bill 907.  This bill, supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC), establishes the Animal Welfare Board to review existing laws and regulations in Pennsylvania related to the keeping and handling of animals, and to make recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes. While there were efforts by animal rights groups […]

In a win for Florida’s retired law enforcement K-9s, Senate Bill 226/House Bill 25, also known as the “Care for Retired Police Dogs Program Act,” was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis and enacted as Chapter No: 2022-188. It takes effect July 1, 2022 This legislation, supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC), establishes a program […]

Yesterday, a Michigan Senate committee passed two bills (House Bills 4703 and 4704) that address the issue of animals being seized on certain serious cruelty charges, and the payment of their care during impoundment. Michigan residents are encouraged to use the contact information and talking points provided below to thank the lawmakers for positive changes […]

The City of Red Bay, Alabama has a proposal that seeks to restrict ownership of “pit bull” dogs and prohibit new pit bulls from coming into the city. Residents are encouraged to contact the mayor and city council members to respectfully state concerns, and to attend city meetings where the ordinance will be discussed.   […]

The Massachusetts Senate could soon consider a bill with negative impacts on owning, breeding, and training dogs.  Massachusetts residents are strongly encouraged to use the information below to contact your State Senator TODAY and ask them to oppose Senate Bill 1322, as written. Summary: The Massachusetts Senate is being strongly encouraged to favorably pass SB […]