Legislative Alerts

In 2011, the Texas Legislature passed and then-Governor Perry signed into law the Dog and Cat Breeders Act.  The law’s aim is to regulate those who (1) possesses 11 or more adult intact female animals and (2) who are engaged in the business of breeding those animals for direct or indirect sale or for exchange […]

*Originally posted on InsideSources.com on June 5, 2020 By Sheila Goffe As the COVID-19 pandemic rages, three members of Congress, who are also trained veterinarians, are working hard to head off a potential public health crisis with a proposed law to prevent importation of dogs that have contagious diseases. If passed, the Healthy Dog Importation […]

A bill is moving in the California Assembly that would make further clarifications and amendments to the law passed in 2019 regarding independent contractors. When the law was passed last year, some questions were raised by California clubs as to how it would impact show and event judges.  AKC reached out to legislative policy staff […]

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has announced that new regulations have been finalized for the operation of animal shelters and animal rescue organizations, together with clarifying amendments to the Commonwealth’s regulations applying to pet shops.   The American Kennel Club (AKC) extends our sincerest gratitude to the Department’s Animal Health Division Director for years of […]

A bill is advancing in Colorado that would expand the powers of the state’s Bureau of Animal Protection agents. Currently, the purpose of the Bureau of Animal Protection, as stated on the Department of Agriculture’s website, is to “serve as a support mechanism to local law enforcement agencies in conducting animal cruelty and neglect investigations.”  […]

A proposal has been introduced in the Chicago City Council that seeks to stop fraudulent rescues from sourcing to pet stores. In addition to addressing this issue, it also would make numerous changes to city pet animal ordinances, including requiring licensing of hobby breeders as animal care facilities, and removing important consumer protection and information […]

A problematic amendment to Tennessee House Bill 852 failed in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee and the bill was taken off notice, likely ending its consideration for the remainder of the legislative session.  Thank you to dog owners who shared information about this issue and animal owners across the state who contacted subcommittee members and […]

A proposed amendment to Tennessee House Bill 852 seeks to significantly change the nature and scope of the bill as it was originally filed. HB 852, and amendments thereto, are on the agenda of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee tomorrow, May 27.  Due to COVID-19 disruptions, it is unclear if this bill actually will be […]

According to a May 18, 2020, article, as Vermont begins to re-open from the COVID-19 pandemic, animal importers have asked Governor Phil Scott to authorize the resumption of interstate pet transports to supply Vermont shelters with dogs sourced from outside the state.  The article also details how some shelters are considering breeding dogs themselves to […]

The American Kennel Club welcomes the introduction today of the Healthy Dog Importation Act of 2020  in the U.S. House of Representatives. AKC is grateful for the bi-partisan leadership of Congressmen Abraham (LA-5), Schrader (OR-5) and Yoho (FL-3) in sponsoring the bill, and believes this will go a long way to addressing concerns about recent […]