Legislative Alerts

At a recent meeting, the Waynesboro (VA) City Council heard a presentation from the City Manager regarding proposed amendments to City Code Chapter 14, “Animals” – including a provision that would limit the number of animals that may be kept or maintained on any property. Much of Chapter 14 of Waynesboro’s City Code was written […]

A bill will soon be sent to the governor that would prohibit homeowner’s insurance providers from refusing or cancelling coverage or increasing premiums based solely on the breed of dog owned by the policy holder.  For the past 10 years, AKC has advocated for legislation in New York on this issue, which will protect responsible […]

Animal owners and residents who wish to provide feedback on the proposed Horry County animal ordinance are urged to submit comments via a dedicated email inbox that will be available through Friday, September 3, 2021. The temporary email address is feedback@horrycounty.org. The inbox will be deactivated after September 3. Read the announcement about how to […]

The Ulster County (NY) Legislature is hosting a public hearing on Wednesday, September 8, to take public comment on proposed changes to the county’s tethering laws. Those who reside or participate in dog events in Ulster County are strongly encouraged to attend the hearing, and contact the Legislature to express concerns and request clarifying amendments […]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) has begun accepting online applications for Animal Welfare Act (AWA) licensees and registrants. The online submission option allows applicants with an online fillable application with instructions and guidance, the ability to upload and attach documents to the application, an easy sign an […]

The Governor of Illinois has signed House Bill 1711, which restricts pet choice and consumer protection. The bill goes into effect in 180 days. Illinois is now the fourth state (along with California, Maryland, Maine) to ban the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet stores.  The State of Washington also passed a law […]

The California Legislature has returned from its summer break and continues to consider a variety of legislative issues which could impact animals and animal owners. Bills currently advancing include the following: HR 63: Supporting Working and Service Dogs – This resolution supported by the AKC declares September as Service Dog Awareness Month and recognizes the […]

Late last week, President Biden signed into law the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers Veterans Therapy (PAWS for Veterans Therapy) Act.  HR 1448/S 613 is a ground-breaking measure that recognizes the importance of service dogs in assisting veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and other mental disorders […]

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it is dedicating $300 million in funding from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (i.e., federal law enacted to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including the public health and economic impacts) to (1) conduct surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19) and other emerging […]

Last month, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) proposed reissuing a rule to require that breeder/dealers, research facilities, intermediate handlers, carriers, and other animal enterprises subject to USDA licensing establish emergency/contingency planning in the event of a natural or manmade disaster or other business disruption. Under the proposed rule, […]