Legislative Alerts

Senate Bill 460, a bill that seeks to unnecessarily regulate the operations of dog breeders in North Carolina remains under consideration in the state Senate. The AKC believes the bill is likely to be scheduled for consideration by the full Senate as early as next Tuesday. With your help and participation over the next several […]

The AKC Government Relations Department continues to monitor and address legislative developments in Ohio. House Bill 124 was heard by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. No action was taken on the bill. Additionally, Senate Bill 95, HB 124's companion, was temporarily sidelined while the Senate dealt with Ohio's budget crisis. However, since Governor […]

Assembly Bill 241 passed out of the Senate Public Safety Committee today on a vote of 4-0. Although the bill failed 3-3 in committee on Tuesday, another vote was held today to allow Senator Steinberg, who was absent Tuesday, to cast his vote. Assemblyman Pedro Nava, AB 241’s author, verbally agreed to amend the bill, […]

The Senate Public Safety Committee will hold another hearing on AB 241 today after the adjournment of Senate floor session. Senator Steinberg was not present at the committee hearing earlier this week where the bill failed to pass on a 3-3 vote. Concerned dog owners are encouraged to contact the committee members are renew their […]

Senate Bill 250 has been sent to the Assembly Appropriations Suspense File because staff expects the bill to cost the state more than $150,000 a year to enforce. The committee will schedule a Suspense File hearing prior to the August 28th fiscal deadline. Once the date of that hearing is known, we will post an […]

The Massachusetts legislature’s Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government has scheduled consideration of 14 dog-related bills at its meeting on Tuesday, July 14th.  Another bill of importance, HB 344 (see info, below) will be heard concurrently by the Joint Judiciary Committee.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) and its Massachusetts federation, the Massachusetts Federation of […]

The numerous calls and letters North Carolina Senators have received from responsible dog breeders and fanciers is making a difference! Today the North Carolina Senate delayed voting on Senate Bill 460, as many Senators have expressed concerns and questions with the bill.  The bill has been re-referred to the Senate Rules Committee, where further amendments […]

Update: The Senate Public Safety Committee again postponed their hearing of AB 241. The bill is now scheduled be heard on July 14th pending approval of a rule waiver. The Senate Public Safety Committee has postponed this hearing and AB 241 will now be heard at their June 30th meeting. Concerned dog owners and breeders […]

On Wednesday, the North Carolina Senate will vote on Senate Bill 460, a bill designed to regulate commercial dog breeders and to "ensure the humane care and treatment" of puppies bred in our state. This sounds pretty good: Who could oppose humane care for puppies? So then, why is this bill so controversial? And why […]

UPDATE: North Carolina Breeders Bill Placed on Senate Floor Calendar for Wednesday, July 8 Senate Bill 460 has been placed on the calendar for a reading and full Senate consideration next Wednesday, July 8. It remains imperative that all responsible owners and breeders contact their Senators before Wednesday and ask them to not allow taxpayer […]