Legislative Alerts

Over the past few weeks, the Standing Committees of the Maryland Legislature have been busy holding hearings on numerous bills in preparation for floor action by the full House and Senate. Here are some updates on bills of interest to Maryland dog owners.  Scroll down for the latest information and how you can take action […]

The Hawaii House Committee on Agriculture is scheduled to consider bills on mandatory microchipping, tethering clarifications, and others related to dogs at its hearing on Wednesday, February 10, 2021.  Dog owners are encouraged to contact the committee members with any input or concerns they may have. HB 1287 seeks to require all dog owners to […]

This week, the Oklahoma Legislature is considering a number of bills relating to dogs, including: House Bill 1620 – Protecting Working Animals – This bill protects “the right to utilize working animals for the mutual benefit and welfare of working animals and those the working animals serve.” As written, HB 1620 would ensure this protection […]

The Washington State House Consumer Protection and Business Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Wednesday, February 10, that would further restrict dog ownership limits in the state and regulate the sourcing of pet stores. AKC encourages State of Washington residents to contact the committee prior to the hearing to comment on this legislation […]

Alabama House Bill 235, among other provisions, would authorize food service establishments to allow pet dogs in outdoor restaurant seating areas if the company wishes to do so.  It requires that the dog be leashed or in a pet carrier and under control, and sets out access, sanitation, and other requirements. HB 235 is on […]

A problematic and overreaching proposed animal ordinance is scheduled for a second reading on Tuesday, February 16, at the Greenwood County Council Meeting.  The proposal includes licensing for dog breeders, vague sheltering requirements for all animals, and burdensome requirements—including fees of up to $1,000—to reclaim an impounded pet.  Concerned residents should contact members of the […]

The Indiana House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee is considering a bill on Wednesday, February 10, that provides further regulations to help reunite lost pets with their owners. AKC GR encourages those who reside or participate in dog events in Indiana to contact the committee in support of this legislation.  Scroll down for contact information. […]

New Hampshire residents planning to testify tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9, 2021 on SB 127, CONCERNING ORIGINAL ANIMAL RECORDS DATABASE LANGUAGE should note that the Senate Finance Committee has moved the public hearing to 2:30pm. SB 127 is a budget bill before the Senate Finance Committee that includes provisions establishing an animal records database identical to […]

On Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 1pm, the Connecticut Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security is scheduled to hold a public hearing on SB 123.  This bill would increase the penalty for injuring or killing a police K-9 under the supervision of an officer or a dog that is a member of a volunteer […]

Next week, three bills impacting dogs are scheduled for a public hearing. The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly encourages those who reside in New Hampshire to contact the committees as follows: CONCERNING ORIGINAL ANIMAL RECORDS DATABASE LANGUAGE Tuesday, February 9th at 1pm: SB 127 is a budget bill before the Senate Finance Committee that includes […]