Legislative Alerts

A bill continues to advance in Michigan that would prevent local governments from passing laws banning or restricting specific breeds. Municipalities would still be permitted to enact other dangerous and potentially dangerous dog laws, so long as these laws do not target specific breeds. The AKC supports House Bill 4035, which protects the rights of […]

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed several bills impacting dog owners, exhibitors, and sellers in the state: Assembly Bill 2257 – This bill addresses concerns raised by a law passed in 2019 that requires certain independent contractors to be treated as employees. The concern was raised that this could require clubs to provide benefits, workers […]

Election Day 2020 is Tuesday, November 3. This year, the U.S. President, all 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives, 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate, 13 governorships, and countless other state and local elections will be contested. To preserve the future of purebred dogs, it’s important to identify dog-friendly candidates and use your […]

After cancelling a September 9th special meeting to receive public input on proposed restrictions on dogs at public beaches, the Kittery, Maine, Town Council voted on Monday, September 14, 2020, to schedule a vote on proposed changes that clarify language dealing with feral cats, barking (disturbing the peace), definition improvements, and dog waste removal requirements.  […]

The Michigan House Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to consider a bill tomorrow, Tuesday, September 15, 2020, that seeks to protect the rights of responsible dog owners in the state by prohibiting municipalities from enacting breed-specific policies.  This would be a significant step forward for Michigan dog owners, as there are several localities that […]

Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 15, 2020, the Michigan House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider a bill relating to protecting various groups, industries, and people from liability for claims relating to exposure to COVID-19. House Bill 6030 may be of interest to those clubs with concerns about conducting their events while under a higher-than-normal exposure to […]

The special meeting in Kittery, Maine, that was originally scheduled for today, Wednesday, September 9, 2020, to receive public input on proposed restrictions on dogs at public beaches, has been postponed due to an uptick in York County COVID cases. At the upcoming September 14, 2020, Town Council meeting, an agenda item will include discussing […]

Tomorrow (Wednesday, September 9), the Michigan House Judiciary Committee is expected to consider a series of bills relating to protecting various groups, industries, and people from liability for claims relating to exposure to COVID-19. House Bill 6030 may be of interest to those clubs with concerns about conducting their events while under a higher-than-normal exposure […]

The Pasco County Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, on a proposed ordinance that seeks to limit pet stores in the county to offering only dogs and cats obtained from an animal shelter or an animal rescue organization. The proposed definition of “animal rescue organization” would exclude breeders and entities […]

The Burke County Animal Advisory Board has scheduled a public hearing for Wednesday, September 9, 2020, to further discuss proposed county breeder permits.   Local breeders, sportsmen, and dog owners are strongly encouraged to attend the hearing and express your concerns (Scroll down for hearing information).  This hearing is in response to a directive from the […]