Legislative Alerts

Late yesterday afternoon, Massachusetts Governor Baker signed Nero’s Law! Effective in 90 days, the new law allows emergency care and transportation for a police dog injured in the line of duty, while ensuring ambulance use remains a priority for human transport. In preparation for when the new law takes effect, the Department of Public Health, […]

Last week, the Massachusetts Joint Judiciary Committee reported (i.e., took action) on three dog-related bills that received a public hearing on May 19, 2021.  At that time, the American Kennel Club (AKC) issued an alert expressing support of five proposals and opposition to four. COMMITTEE RE-WRITES HB 1824, FAVORABLY REPORTS IT OUT AS SB 2672 […]

An overreaching animal ordinance that would criminalize many responsible dog owners in Hollywood, Florida, is on the agenda for Wednesday, February 16, 2022.   Residents are urged to immediately contact their city commissioners and ask them to VOTE NO on the proposed animal ordinance. Respectfully ask them to work with knowledgeable animal owners to develop […]

An Arizona House Committee scheduled a hearing for Wednesday, February 16, on a bill that would prohibit insurance companies from considering the breed of dog a person owns when considering liability, risk, and other factors related to their homeowners and renters insurance coverage. All responsible dog owners and breeders in Arizona are encouraged to contact […]

The Virginia Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee (ACNR) voted 10-0 at its recent meeting to continue Senate Bill 89 to next year. As introduced, Senate Bill 89 would amend existing Code of Virginia section 3.2-6510 by adding language stating that “No pet shop shall sell a dog or cat unless such dog or cat […]

A bill is moving in the Oklahoma Senate that would penalize those who misrepresent a service animal. AKC supports this bill and condemns the deliberate mischaracterization of service dogs and attempts to benefit from service dog status when the person is not someone with a disability. Oklahoma dog owners are encouraged to contact their State Senator in […]

New Jersey’s latest attempt at creating courtroom advocates for animals program, Assembly Bill 1965, has been scheduled for a hearing by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Monday, February 14, 2022.  Although the bill’s primary sponsor, Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, is also the chairman of the Judiciary Committee(likely ensuring the bill’s approval), it is imperative that all […]

House Bill 2034 seeks to create the offense of unlawful restraint [tethering] of a dog when outside and unattended without access to shelter and water, subject to additional requirements and exemptions.  It is on the agenda of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee tomorrow, February 9, 2022. As introduced, HB 2034 sets out reasonable requirements for […]

Senate Bill 128 seeks to designate the Treeing Walker Coonhound as the official state dog of Kentucky. The bill states that the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a native Kentucky dog breed, developed in the 1800s by two Kentucky breeders.  Dog lovers in the state are urged to contact your state senators and representatives and ask […]

Today, the Massachusetts Senate agreed to the minor technical changes made to Nero’s Law by the House last week.  Now, HB 4431 has been sent to Governor Baker’s desk for consideration.  He has ten days to sign the bill, veto it, or return it to the Legislature requesting changes. The bill allows emergency care and […]