Legislative Alerts

AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) issued a recent alert encouraging Rhode Island residents to strongly oppose H. 7678, which seeks to create court-appointed legal advocates for animals.  Many of you submitted testimony in opposition (uploaded here) for consideration by the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, March 10, 2022.  AKC GR greatly appreciates your strong advocacy […]

The Connecticut Joint Planning and Development Committee made one substantive change to HB 5170 and released it favorably to the Legislative Commissioner’s Office for review.  The office will examine the bill to ensure the text is clear, concise and constitutionally sound before advancing. As detailed in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC’s) informational communication last month, […]

The Fauquier County (VA) Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on Thursday, March 17, on clarifying amendments to zoning regulations governing small, non-commercial kennels in the county.  The purpose is to clarify and streamline the numerous permits and licenses currently required for many hobby breeders. Those who wish to comment may attend the public […]

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has proposed rule revisions to implement the changes from House Bill 1102 of 2021, which requires pet stores to disclose specific information to prospective dog purchasers. Under the proposal, pet stores are required to: On all advertisements, including websites and social media posts, include the purchase price of the […]

As part of its required five-year review process, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has proposed extensive changes to regulations applying to high volume breeders, pet stores, and dog brokers.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages anyone potentially affected by the proposals to express their comments or concerns to ODA in one of the methods […]

This week, committees in the New York Assembly and Senate approved bills that would provide further protections against dog breed discrimination in homeowners insurance policies. Senate Bill 8315 is now pending a vote by the full Senate, and Assembly Bill 9284 could also be scheduled for a vote soon. It is important for New York […]

Tomorrow, March 10, 2022 at 4:00 pm the Maryland House Judiciary Committee will be voting on a bill that would allow a person to receive damages for mental distress or emotional harm caused by the injury or death of a companion animal. The sponsor and supporters of House Bill 1375 are attempting to make it […]

On Monday, March 14, the New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee will consider two dog-related bills of serious concern to the American Kennel Club (AKC).  Among many other provisions, Senate Bill 333 seeks to permit courts, upon conviction, to order the forfeiture of any animal owned by an animal cruelty offender and the transfer […]

The Maryland House Judicial Proceedings Committee will be holding a hearing on Senate Bill 877 tomorrow, March 8, 2022 at 1:00pm.  This bill addresses the issue of animals that are seized and the costs of their care during impoundment. AKC strongly believes that those who treat animals in a cruel manner should be held accountable […]

The Kentucky Senate deferred action on Senate Bill 125 on Friday, so there is still time to call and send email messages to state senators asking them to “VOTE NO on SB 125.”  The Senate convenes again today at 4:00 p.m., and could vote on the bill this afternoon. SB 125 seeks to create a […]