The Colorado House has passed a bill that would limit consumer choice in the state by restricting new pet stores from opening, creating new requirements regarding what information about breeders must be made publicly available by state pet stores, and potentially allowing local referendums on this issue. The bill has been assigned to the Senate […]

March 5, 2019 A bill slated to move quickly in the Iowa House of Representatives would make significant changes to the state’s breeder laws. While some changes are a positive advancement, there are many concerning provisions that could unnecessarily harm dogs and responsible dog owners and breeders. A subcommittee discussed House Study Bill 227 today, […]

The Virginia Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee’s (ACNR) Companion Animal Subcommittee is scheduled to consider a bill at its 9:00am meeting tomorrow (Thursday, January 27, 2022) that would prohibit a pet shop from selling a dog or cat unless it has first been spayed or neutered. Senate Bill 89 would amend existing Code […]

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, the Michigan House Judiciary Committee will consider a bill that would allow a person to receive “non-economic” damages for mental anguish, fright and shock, and loss of companionship caused by the injury or death of their service animal.  Although such feel-good concepts may sound benign, they not only represent a […]

A bill has been introduced in the Arkansas Senate that requires owners of 12 or more dogs of any age to purchase an annual license for the right to maintain ownership of the dogs, regardless of whether the animals are on your property.  "Owner" is defined as someone who meets any of the following criteria: […]

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 […]

Albuquerque City Councilwoman Sally Mayer has proposed sweeping changes to the city's animal control ordinance that would drastically impact fanciers' rights to breed their dogs. To view the proposed changes click here: http://www.cabq.gov/council/animalord.pdf. The measure's restrictive provisions include: An annual $150 permit for each unaltered dog or cat over six months old.   A $150 […]

Yesterday, the Texas Senate Business and Commerce Committee approved an amended version of House Bill 1818.  As previously reported, this committee substitute is supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other animal interest organizations as a reasonable alternative to the severe impact earlier versions of the bill would have had on both the type […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) presented Massachusetts Representative Tackey Chan on March 4, 2021 with the AKC Legislator of the Year award in recognition of his advocacy for ensuring consumer protections when purchasing a pet in the state. The award was presented by Gale Golden, President of the Framingham District Kennel Club (FDKC), noting “the […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Junior Versatility Scholarships. The program honors Juniors who actively compete across a range of sports. Participants earn […]