Legislative Alerts

An Indianapolis City-County Council committee has advanced a proposal to require all owners of intact dogs to register and comply with certain requirements for care and breeding.  It is expected to be considered by the full council in August. View AKC’s previous alert for more information on the proposal, or you can read it in […]

Yesterday, the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee released an omnibus clean energy re-drafted bill, H. 4876, and requested members file their amendments. Among more than 100 amendments filed for consideration during debate today, Amendment #5 mirrors an amendment filed last month that would remove dogs and cats from the definition of livestock. This change […]

Last week, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) published its 2023 Impact Report.  The report provides an overview of APHIS’ activities and successes. APHIS oversees over 16,000 breeders, dealers, and exhibitors; research facilities, transporters, and dog importers who are subject to the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).  […]

Late last night, the Massachusetts Senate finished debating, amending, and voting passage of its omnibus economic development bill, S. 2856. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report that Amendment #206, ELIMINATION OF PET INDUSTRY CONSUMER PROTECTIONS, was rejected by the Senate on a voice vote. Also of note, Amendment #147, which sought to […]

A new law is now in effect in Indiana that, among other provisions, requires certain rescues to register with the Indiana Board of Animal Health (BOAH). A rescue must register with the state if during a period of one year they accept: 1) More than 12 dogs, or 2) More than nine dogs and three […]

The Indianapolis City-County Council proposal to require all owners of intact dogs to register and comply with certain requirements for care and breeding is scheduled to be considered by the Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee on Monday, July 15. Those who wish to comment may do so by contacting the committee members listed below, or […]

Two dog-related amendments have been filed in the Massachusetts Senate to an omnibus economic development bill, which the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed last month. The Senate Ways and Means Committee favorably released its version, S. 2856, on July 8, when more than 500 amendments were filed. Senate debate and voting is scheduled for Thursday, […]

Last night, the Indianapolis City-County Council introduced a proposal to require all owners of intact dogs to register and comply with certain requirements for care and breeding.  This is in response to shelter population concerns in Indianapolis and Marion County. While the agenda is not yet posted, the proposal will likely be considered by the […]

Yesterday, July 8, 2024, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed legislation that addresses concerns regarding out-of-state dogs entering boarding kennels in the Commonwealth.  The new law will go into effect on September 6, 2024. Recent changes to Pennsylvania’s Dog Law (Act 18 of 2023), a certified certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) from a dog’s home state […]

Dog owners in Sherwood, Arkansas, are urged to take action in support of provisions in a proposed ordinance that would lift restrictions on ownership of “pit bull” dogs in the city. The proposal is currently tabled, and could be considered again at the next city council meeting on July 22, 2024. When available, the meeting […]