Legislative Alerts

Please share this information with animal owners in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Knoxville City Council is scheduled to hold a second vote to enact overreaching changes to the city animal ordinance, which includes provisions that would criminalize the actions of many responsible dog owners. Concerned dog owners are urged to immediately contact city council members and […]

A Washington state House committee has scheduled a hearing for January 25 to consider House Bill 1234. This proposed bill addresses the issue of animals being seized on cruelty charges, and the payment of their care during impoundment. As currently written, the proposal’s language is ambiguous around reasons for seizing an owner’s animals, and the […]

On Monday, January 23, the Indiana House and Senate Agriculture Committees will consider bills that seek to regulate pet stores and establish consumer protection provisions for pet store sales. AKC encourages Indiana clubs to contact the committees and sponsors and thank them for amendments that establish these provisions and remove a provision that could have […]

The Virginia House Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee’s Agriculture Subcommittee is scheduled to consider five dog related bills at its 4:00pm meeting tomorrow, January 18, 2023.  Those who wish to comment are encouraged to reach out directly to the committee (scroll down for more information). The committee is expected to consider the following legislation: […]

On Friday, January 13, a bill that will protect certain owners and pets during extreme weather situations passed out of a Washington State House committee. The bill now goes to the House Appropriations Committee.  Washington state residents are encouraged to contact the House Appropriations Committee to encourage them to support House Bill 1012. Scroll down […]

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has adopted new rules about the inspections it conducts, including for dog breeders licensed by the State of Texas. The adopted rules provide default procedures for inspections TDLR is authorized to conduct.  They provide that: TDLR may perform inspections with or without advance notice to ensure compliance […]

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) formally announced 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 all regulated animals, including dogs. Should you be regulated under the federal Animal Welfare Act?  […]

At a recent meeting, the Council of the District of Columbia approved final passage of amendments to the District’s Animal Care and Control Act.  The legislation now awaits Mayor Muriel Bowser’s signature. Among other provisions included in B24-0560, is the requirement to pay for the costs of boarding (Bond for Care) animals that are seized […]

On Tuesday, Congressional lawmakers released the final version of a must-pass $1.7 trillion fiscal year 2023 federal spending bill that provides funding for the U.S. Government. The agreement between House and Senate appropriators contains spending for several key areas impacting dogs. It also includes report language impacting canine policy, including legislative proposals AKC has tracked […]

This week, the Ohio Department of Agriculture finalized rules regarding high volume dog breeders, dog brokers, and pet stores.  The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) published and distributed information about the proposed rule changes in March 2022. Summaries of the finalized rule changes are provided for readers’ convenience; however, impacted entities are […]