Legislative Alerts

The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has learned that the concerning breeder ordinance currently under consideration in DeKalb County, Georgia, will likely be deferred again by the Board of Commissioners County Operations Committee, which will send the ordinance back to the full Board of Commissioners.  Then, in expectation of a substitute ordinance, […]

On Friday, May 2, the Florida Legislature extended its 2025 regular legislative session until Friday, June 6, 2025, to further consider bills related to the state budget.  The resolution extending the session explicitly lists 16 budget bills that shall be further considered before June 6th.  It also states, “all other measures in both houses are […]

There are 27 days remaining in the 89th Texas Legislative Regular Session, and there are several dog bills under consideration. Below are status updates for bills that received consideration last week or will receive consideration this week: House Bill 2806 and SB 155 - Dangerous Dogs- Previous Alert Status: HB 2806 had a hearing on […]

A problematic proposed dog ordinance in DeKalb County, Georgia—which includes litter permits for all breeders in the county, litter limits, sales restrictions, and incomplete consumer protections—has been added to the Board of Commissioners agenda for Tuesday, May 6, 2025.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes that the current version of the proposed ordinance will negatively […]

Today, a procedural move allowed the Texas Senate Business and Commerce Committee to consider a bill that would restrict consumer protection and restrict pet choice by banning the retail sale of pets in pet stores. Senate Bill 1652 is now pending a vote by the committee.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes SB 1652 and […]

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Maine Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Committee) is scheduled to accept public testimony on LD 1771, “An Act to Strengthen Oversight of Kennels by Changing the Licensing Authority from Municipalities to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry”. The bill would require a hobby kennel owner to: […]

A bill seeking to address overcrowding in animal shelters by regulating hobby breeders is advancing in the California Assembly. The proposal, sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation, insinuates that people who breed as few as ONE litter are contributing to animal shelter population concerns, and, therefore, should incur significant regulations. Assembly Bill 1482 is going […]

SUMMARY Proposed changes to Greenville County, South Carolina’s Animals and Fowl ordinance are currently under consideration by the Greenville County Council.  Among its many changes, the proposal appears to require all “pet breeders”, including fanciers and enthusiasts who breed purebred dogs as a hobby, to register as a business and implement significant changes to their […]

On Monday, April 28, the Texas House Public Health Committee considered House Bill 2806, which would dramatically broaden the definition of a "dangerous dog" and make it a misdemeanor offense if a dog causes "bodily injury." Under the Texas Penal Code, "bodily injury" is defined as physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition. […]

AKC has just learned that a bill seeking to address overcrowding in animal shelters by regulating hobby breeders, will be considered in committee TOMORROW (Tuesday, April 29). The proposal, sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation, insinuates that people who breed as few as ONE litter are contributing to animal shelter population concerns, and, therefore, should […]