March 30, 2015 A bill is scheduled for a hearing TOMORROW (Tuesday, March 31) in the North Carolina Senate State and Local Government Committee that would allow Raleigh law enforcement and peace officers to adopt the animals they worked with or handled during the animal’s service.  A companion House measure (HB 199) has passed committee […]

April 28, 2015 Attention Alabama Dog Owners: Alabama House Bill 548 seeks to establish criminal penalties for failure to comply with overreaching, undefined, and arbitrary requirements for the care, feeding, and housing of dogs.  Compliance with the problematic provisions of HB 548 would be required for every person or organization that has “custody or ownership” […]

April 29, 2015 A bill is moving in the New York Assembly that would require licensing, inspections, and other regulations for pet grooming facilities. Assembly Bill 1451 has passed the Economic Development Committee and is pending consideration in the Assembly Codes Committee before being sent to the full Assembly.  Those who wish to comment on […]

New York Alert: Bill Mandating Non-Economic Damages to be Considered by Committee on Thursday, May 28 – Express Opposition Now! Friday, May 22, 2015 A bill to be considered by the New York State Assembly Judiciary Committee on Thursday, May 28, seeks to mandate non-economic damages (i.e., those damages that cannot be readily assigned an […]

AKC Government Relations has just learned that on Tuesday, June 2nd the Taos County, NM Board of County Commissioners will consider proposed changes to county animal control ordinances that include: Mandatory spay/neuter provisions Burdensome licensing fees Leash requirements that could deem your dog to be “at-large” even when on your own property, and Limit laws […]

Indiana Accepting Comments on Proposed Changes to Dog Training Grounds, Beagle Field Trials Until June 4 June 1, 2015 The Indiana Natural Resources Commission is considering a new rule that would change a number of regulations, including those pertaining to dog training grounds. Changes would include requiring that dog training grounds that allow for the […]

June 1, 2015 The New York Assembly Health Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, June 2, that would allow dogs in outdoor eating establishments, as long as certain conditions are met.  The AKC supports this bill, which would allow responsible dog owners more opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and socialization with their […]

June 16, 2015 On June 23rd the Washoe County Board of Commissioners will be considering changes to their animal control ordinance that will define commercial animal establishments and commercial breeders. Two separate ordinances are proposed. The ordinances will impose significant fees and burdens on small, local, responsible breeders. State law already defines and regulates certain […]

The New York Legislature has adjourned and will likely not reconvene until 2016.  Prior to adjournment, three bills were passed that would directly impact dog owners.  The bills must still be sent to the governor for his approval or veto: Assembly Bill 6626/Senate Bill 5372 – Allowing Service/Therapy Dogs to Accompany Domestic Violence Victims: The […]

Friday, October 23, 2015 On Wednesday, October 28, the Joint Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee of the Massachusetts legislature will consider bills impacting the keeping of dogs.  House Bill 649 seeks to address the problems associated with the importation of animals intended for adoption, while Senate Bill 444 seeks to ensure that trainers of […]