Legislative Alerts

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently published definitions of terminology that will be used to better categorize information that appears in USDA inspection reports. A bulletin released by APHIS on September 22, 2016 defines new and existing terms and provides explanations and examples of how the terms are used in inspection reports. […]

Tomorrow, September 27, 2016, the Palm Beach Board of County Commissioners will vote on proposed amendments to the county’s animal control ordinance. The provisions of the ordinance will be applicable to all incorporated and unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County, unless a municipal exemption applies. Although the proposal includes some positive provisions, the American Kennel […]

The Santa Fe County Commission has rescheduled its second public hearing on the proposed animal control laws for Tuesday, October 11, 2016.  The proposal is over 30 pages of updates to the county’s animal control laws and include many concerning provisions, including impounding and sterilizing any dog not in a fenced yard – even if […]

New Jersey Senate Bill 1013 will be considered by the Senate Economic Growth Committee on Thursday September 29, 2016.  The AKC is concerned with many aspects of the bill, and urges all concerned dog owners in New Jersey, especially purebred dog fanciers and enthusiasts, to request that the members of the committee amend the bill […]

On September 27, 2016, the Palm Beach Board of County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing and final vote on proposed amendments to the animal control ordinance. The provisions of the ordinance will be applicable to all incorporated and unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County, unless a municipal exemption applies. Although the proposed ordinance includes […]

The Santa Fe County Commission will hold a second public hearing on a proposal that would impact county dog owners and fanciers.  The proposal is over 30 pages of updates to the county’s animal control laws and include many concerning provisions, including impounding and sterilizing any dog not in a fenced yard – even if […]

The Santa Fe County Commission is holding the first of two public hearings on Tuesday, September 13, on a proposal that would impact all dog owners residing or participating in events in the county. Those who reside or participate in events in the county are strongly encouraged to contact the committee, and if possible, attend […]

The Michigan House Local Government Committee will be considering a bill on Wednesday, September 7, that will prohibit municipalities from enacting breed-specific laws.  Localities may still enact laws regulating dogs, so long as they do not single out specific breeds. The AKC supports Senate Bill 239, which protects the rights of dog owners while still […]

AKC Government Relations has just learned that the recently-formed Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter Citizens’ Advisory Committee will consider mandatory spay/neuter and breeder licensing recommendations at its meeting tonight.  It is imperative that all concerned Ouachita Parish residents, members of AKC-affiliated clubs, and fanciers and enthusiasts in the area appear at tonight’s public meeting and express […]