Legislative Alerts

On Friday, June 21, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law three bills that affect dogs and dog owners in Florida: CS/HB 87, among other provisions, allows the use of lethal force against a bear when necessary to avoid an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to a person or pet, or substantial […]

On August 1, 2024, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will implement new restrictions and requirements for the entry of dogs into the U.S. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the serious health threats posed by the recent, continuing import of unhealthy dogs using fraudulent veterinary/import paperwork, and supports CDC’s intention of protecting […]

American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) staff have met with staff of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as key members of Congress to discuss the CDC’s recently finalized rule on the importation of dogs.  AKC continues to be concerned with the disproportionate impact the new rule will […]

The Louisiana Support and Service Animal Integrity Act (House Bill 407), which establishes requirements for support animals and service dogs, was signed by Governor Jeff Landry as Act No. 558 and takes effect August 1, 2024. As stated in the Act, its purpose is to “restore integrity into the process of determining whether an individual […]

On Monday, June 24, 2024, the House Judiciary Committee will consider legislation aimed at addressing concerns by boarding kennels along the state borders. Recent changes to Pennsylvania’s Dog Law (Act 18 of 2023) requires a certified certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) from a dog’s home state in order to be boarded in Pennsylvania licensed boarding […]

Just prior to Tuesday’s schedule hearing, the West Mifflin Borough Council withdrew a proposed ordinance that would limit the number of animals that may be kept or maintained on any property prior As stated in AKC’s previous alert, the proposal would have limited ownership to three dogs, among other provisions.  AKC and the Pennsylvania Federation […]

Two bills supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (CFDRDO) were recently signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont. A change to the rabies vaccination schedule has also been made. SENATE BILL 339 – RESTITUTION FOR INJURY OR DEATH OF POLICE K-9 Public Act […]

On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the Delaware House of Representatives passed legislation to regulate barking dogs in the state. The bill now moves to the Senate where it has been assigned to the Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee. As mentioned in a previous alert, House Bill 124 will prohibit dogs from barking continuously for […]

On June 10, 2024, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed House Bill 626 into law, thereby establishing a division of animal welfare as part of the Department of Public Safety (Department). The Department will have until January 1, 2025, to hire the new division’s director. This is a foundational step for developing, implementing, and administering a […]

Tomorrow evening, West Mifflin Borough Council will hold a public hearing at 6:30pm on an ordinance that would limit the number of animals that may be kept or maintained on any property. According to the proposed ordinance, "It shall be lawful for any person/owner to keep pets, but no more than three dogs and no […]