Last night, the Michigan Legislature passed a bill that will regulate those breeders who have on their property at least 15 intact females that have been previously bred.  Thanks to your phone calls and e-mails, the bill does not include the very problematic Animal Welfare Commission that would have regulated and inspected all breeders and […]

Attempts are once again being made in the Michigan Senate to pass regulations on dog breeders before the end of session this week.  These bills could be considered as soon as tonight, so it is imperative that Michigan residents contact the Senate immediately (scroll down for contact information). At this point, it is believed that […]

A bill is expected to be considered as soon as tomorrow in the Michigan House Appropriations Committee that could result in licensing, inspections, and even requirements on how every person who breeds a dog in Michigan should care for their dogs.  AKC thanks those who have taken the time to contact their State Representative, and asks […]

This morning, the Michigan Senate Agriculture Committee passed two bills that would establish a new Animal Welfare Commission in the state to create new rules, licensing, inspections, and other requirements for anyone who breeds dogs in Michigan.    This commission will be given broad powers to regulate animal welfare in the state, and yet those directly […]

The Pinellas County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider changes to the county animal ordinance at its October 11 meeting.  Among other provisions of concern, the proposed ordinance would define a person who sells one litter of cats or dogs per year as “pet dealer” and require compliance with […]

Today, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published proposed updates to its regulations to make them consistent with existing requirements under the federal Animal Welfare Act AWA). These rules do not represent a change in current USDA policy regarding licensing. The proposed updates (known as a “proposed rule”) reflect changes to the […]

Yesterday, Massachusetts Senate Bill 2370, the “Act Relative to Protecting Puppies and Kittens” (previously Senate Bill 1103), was passed by the Massachusetts Senate.  The bill will now be sent to the Massachusetts House for its consideration.  AKC has several concerns with the bill including: New amendments– including expanded restrictions on dog breeders—to a measure that […]

Yesterday, the Massachusetts Senate’s Ways and Means Committee passed an amended version of Senate Bill 2370, the “Act Relative to Protecting Puppies and Kittens” (previously Senate Bill 1103).  The bill could be voted on by the full Senate as soon as Tuesday, June 28.  The new version of this bill makes several changes – including […]

Today, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published proposed updates to its regulations to make them consistent with existing requirements under the federal Animal Welfare Act AWA). These rules do not represent a change in current USDA policy regarding licensing. The proposed updates (known as a “proposed rule”) reflect changes to the […]

By Jessica Acito, GR Intern, and Phil M. Guidry, J.D., GR Sr. Policy Analyst Last week the Oregon Supreme Court handed down a decision in Oregon v. Newcomb regarding the relationship between animal cruelty and a dog’s legal status as personal property.  The court allowed a blood sample, taken from a dog seized without its […]