Legislative Alerts

Two new Maryland laws that could impact dog owners are now in effect. The first requires that dogs left unattended in extreme weather have suitable shelter.  The other addresses “Cost of Animal Care” and requires individuals whose animals have been seized due to charges of cruelty or severe neglect to pay the cost of caring […]

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is proposing regulatory amendments to the rules for Retriever or Bird Dog Trials.  Interested purebred dog enthusiasts who participate in field events in Massachusetts are encouraged to review the proposed changes and share comments or concerns with DFW. The proposal would: Allow field trials to occur on […]

After receiving public comment on a proposed Dog Kennel Ordinance, the Rockingham County, VA, Board of Supervisors voted to table the proposal at its September 28 public hearing. As noted in a previous alert, the proposed ordinance could have impacted local hobby kennels.  Although some positive changes were made to the original version of the […]

This week, California Governor Newsom signed additional bills relating to animal welfare into law, including the following: Assembly Bill 1648 – Emergency Preparedness for Kennels Current California code allows for cities and counties to require a kennel license.  As stated in a previous alert, AB 1648 requires anyone registered as a kennel in their local […]

On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at 6:00pm, the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and possible vote on a proposed Dog Kennel Ordinance that could impact local hobby kennels. The original version of the proposed ordinance was first presented and tabled by the Planning Commission on July 6, 2022 (See previous […]

On Wednesday, September 28, the Township Council of Montclair, New Jersey, will consider Ordinance O-22-26, which seeks to prohibit the retail sales of dog or cats sourced from breeders by pet stores and boarding kennels.  It would permit pet stores to provide space to animal rescues and shelters to display dogs and cats available for […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is deeply concerned about language in the recently-passed House version of the FY 2023 Agricultural Appropriations bill that would reduce opportunities for collaboration and education between USDA and breeders regulated by the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA). We urge you to take action by contacting your members of the U.S. […]

As part of our ongoing efforts to continuously improve how we serve the American Kennel Club (AKC) and its breeder, owner, fancier, and enthusiast constituents, AKC‘s Government Relations Department (GR) is conducting a short survey to understand how we may better communicate with you about important legislative issues in your area. Please take a few […]

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill requiring dog trainers to disclose whether there have been any civil judgements regarding their training or any animal cruelty convictions. The new law was significantly amended from the original version of Assembly Bill 1901 at the request of AKC, sportsmen, and trainers throughout the state. It goes […]

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Sept. 7, the City of Augusta announced that it will reconsider its dog breed ban at its next meeting that is scheduled for September 19th. Dog owners and interested members of the public should attend the meeting and encourage city council to repeal the breed ban. City ordinance currently bans keeping […]