Legislative Alerts

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed several bills supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC) that will benefit dogs and dog owners throughout the state: S.6870/A. 6246 – Regulations on Animal Shelters, Importation These bills contain numerous new requirements to ensure the appropriate care of animals at shelters.  They also include some requirements for […]

Today, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced she has signed a ban on the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores in the state. While details are still forthcoming, a press release announced that the legislation will go into effect in 2024 and “allow pet stores to charge shelters rent to use […]

On December 20, the Council of the District of Columbia are expected to consider final passage of amendments to the District’s Animal Care and Control Act. Among other provisions, B24-0560 addresses the issue of animals that are seized and the costs of their care during impoundment (Bond for Care).  Additionally, this proposal contains language that […]

Last week, a bill was filed in the New Jersey Assembly that seeks to regulate “residential kennels”.  Assembly Bill 4920 would define residential kennel as a “residential property owned or rented by a person on or at which the person keeps, houses, or otherwise possesses 15 to 25 dogs.”  It would impose numerous requirements on […]

A bill is pending on the New York governor’s desk that, if signed, will prohibit retail pet stores from selling any dogs or cats.  Instead, they would only be allowed to “showcase” animals available for adoption from a shelter, rescue, or adoption agency that has no affiliation with breeders. New York residents are strongly encouraged […]

According to Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County staff, a second vote on a proposed animal ordinance has been rescheduled for January 17, 2023. At this time, a public hearing on the proposed ordinance has not been scheduled. View the proposal. The most recent version, BL2022-1571, is less problematic than a previous version that was withdrawn […]

An extremely problematic proposed animal ordinance that would trample the due process rights of animal owners, require licensing and inspection of every person who sells or transfers a dog or cat, and that contains numerous additional overreaching provisions has been carried over to the December 21, 2022, Parish Council meeting.  It is unclear if an […]

Anti-breeder and animal rights groups are making a year-end push on Capitol Hill to advance arbitrary and harmful federal breeder regulations (H.R. 2840 /S. 1385)  called the “Puppy Protection Act”.  This bill would mandate arbitrary new requirements for certain hobby and professional dog breeders, and continues to gain support Congress.  We urge all responsible dog […]

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry is proposing new rules regarding the seizure and impoundment of animals kept by commercial pet breeders and animal shelters in cases where the animals’ health, safety, or welfare is endangered or believed to be in imminent danger.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is concerned that the proposal […]

A revised animal ordinance is scheduled for a second vote at the Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County, TN, Council Meeting on December 6, 2022. View the proposed ordinance. The current proposed ordinance, BL2022-1571, is less problematic than a previous version that was withdrawn in June. However, the current proposal still contains certain overreaching provisions, which […]