Legislative Alerts

On Wednesday (March 11), a Maryland Committee is holding a public hearing on a bill that, among other provisions, would require annual registration for all dog breeders, and $50 birth certificates for every puppy whelped.  The costs would be put into an account to support shelters and spay/neuter programs, along with supporting administration and enforcement […]

The Virginia House has passed Senate Bill 707 which bans “debarking” – a standard veterinary practice also known as bark softening – except when such procedure is necessary to treat or relieve any injury, disease, or congenital defect that is causing or may cause the dog physical pain or harm. Having passed both chambers of […]

A Connecticut committee is considering a bill tomorrow (Wednesday, March 4), that in part would establish a working group to study and develop recommendations regarding the state’s animal population control program.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is concerned with the proposed composition of the working group, and encourages the bill be amended to ensure balanced […]

Thanks to your swift action and the coordinated efforts of our partners in Georgia, including the dedicated leadership of the Georgia Canine Coalition (GCC), today’s scheduled hearing to consider Senate Bill 590 has been cancelled. As introduced, SB 590 seeks to create a new, expansive definition of “dog breeder”; expand minimum standards of care for […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) Government Relations (GR) team is continuing to monitor legislation in Oklahoma that could significantly impact responsible dog owners and breeders. Two measures, House Bill 4055 (HB 4055) and House Bill 3393 (HB 3393), seek to impose new licensing, fees, and inspection requirements on those who own intact dogs for breeding purposes. Below are […]

A new Georgia bill that would potentially create statewide dog ownership limits and subject owners of intact female dogs and/or small hobby breeders to vague commercial-style breeder licensing requirements will be considered in a hearing on Monday, March 2, at 9AM.  Please contact your lawmakers NOW to express your concerns.   Scroll down for talking points […]

On March 3, the House Agriculture Committee will mark up draft language pertaining to federal dog laws in the 2026 House Farm Bill (H.R. 7567). As introduced, the bill supports important priorities for dog enthusiasts and responsible breeders, including canine health, welfare and the rights of responsible dog owners and breeders.  As a constituent of an […]

The Virginia House could soon vote on a bill to ban “debarking” – a standard veterinary practice also known as bark softening – except when such procedure is necessary to treat or relieve any injury, disease, or congenital defect that is causing or may cause the dog physical pain or harm. Senate Bill 707 banning […]

Connecticut House Bill 5283, which would give cities and towns the authority to locally ban pet retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits, is on the Joint Planning and Development Committee’s public hearing agenda for Friday, February 27, 2025.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes HB 5283 and encourages all concerned Connecticut residents to share […]

Iowa House committees recently approved two bills that make a positive difference for dog owners and hobby breeders in the state.  Now, your help is needed to ensure these bills get a vote on the House floor! House File 2190 – Updating Dog Ownership Laws  HF 2190, drafted with input from the AKC and some […]