Legislative Alerts

The 2022 Kentucky legislative session ended wins for dogs and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team thanks AKC club members, dog owners, sportsmen, and every individual who contacted lawmakers about legislation that affects dogs.  Kentucky bills opposed by AKC:  Senate Bill 125 sought to amend animal cruelty law and require owners of […]

The Dallas City Council will consider an ordinance on Wednesday, May 11, to prohibit pet stores from sourcing dogs from licensed breeders. This ordinance will limit pet choice and consumer protections for Dallas area families seeking a dog that fits their needs and lifestyle. Retail pet sales bans/restrictions limit consumer protections and choice, while doing […]

Today the New York Senate Agriculture Committee passed a bill which will prohibit retail pet stores from selling any dogs or cats.  Instead, they would only be allowed to “showcase” animals available for adoption from a shelter, rescue, or adoption agency that has no affiliation with breeders. Senate Bill 1130 now goes to the full […]

Today, the Vermont Senate attached domestic animal welfare protections to HB 729 (see below) and passed the amended bill.  It is now scheduled to be reviewed by the House Judiciary Committee today, at 1:15 PM. This action was taken because amended Vermont Senate Bill 155, which would establish a public safety agency and provide administrative […]

As previously reported, a problematic animal ordinance is under consideration by the Montgomery City Council. It is on the agenda for a vote tomorrow, May 3, 2022. Concerned animal owners in Montgomery are urged to immediately contact city council members to state their continued opposition.  Certain provisions of the proposed ordinance have been amended, and […]

On Wednesday, May 4, at 1:00 pm the Delaware Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on a bill that would allow a person to receive damages for both the veterinarian cost and care of a pet as well as damages for mental distress or emotional harm caused by the injury or death of a […]

The Arizona Legislature has passed a bill that will help identify lost dogs and hopefully reunite them more quickly with their owners. Arizonans are encouraged to contact Governor Ducey and ask him to sign House Bill 2626.  Let him know this is a reasonable bill that will helps dogs and dog owners in the state.  […]

On Tuesday, May 3, the New York Senate Agriculture Committee will consider a bill which will prohibit retail pet stores from selling any dogs or cats.  Instead, they would only be allowed to “showcase” animals available for adoption from a shelter, rescue, or adoption agency that has no affiliation with breeders. Senate Bill 1130 previously […]

On April 12 and April 26, the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee (Committee) accepted oral testimony on SB 368, as amended, regarding pet vendor license penalties.  At the hearings, both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the New Hampshire Dog Owners of the Granite State (NH DOGS) expressed significant concerns with the version […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report that amended Connecticut House Bill 5295 was passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 27.  Among other provisions, the bill would require the Department of Agriculture to convene a working group to help develop a plan to create a state-wide online dog licensing portal.  […]