Legislative Alerts

The Nelson County Board of Supervisors will be holding a Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 9, 2022, on proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments to amend the current definition of “Kennel” and its use in certain zoning districts. Those who wish to comment are encouraged to attend the Public Hearing or reach out to the Board […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report that the Massachusetts Legislature formally adjourned today, and that the House of Representatives did not take up Senate Bill 2994 (formerly Senate Bill 1322) that would have done away with “personal kennel” protections that many purebred dog fanciers in Massachusetts enjoy. The bill is now dead. […]

Today, the American Kennel Club (AKC) submitted comments to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) regarding a draft five-year strategic plan for the agency. Comments from stakeholders on the framework of the draft plan will assist APHIS, which enforces the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), in finalizing […]

Today, Dr. Betty Goldentyer, USDA APHIS’s Deputy Administrator for Animal Care, announced that the agency will discontinue the use of “teachable moments” as part of its enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. Since 2016, USDA APHIS has documented teachable moments for minor, isolated noncompliances discovered during facility inspections that do not have an impact on […]

The Wichita Animal Services Advisory Board voted last week in favor of an ordinance that will prohibit pet stores from sourcing dogs from licensed breeders in the city. The ordinance is now being considered by the Wichita Police Department where it must get approval before it can receive consideration from the full city council. This […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has learned that a problematic animal ordinance proposal has been removed from the agenda of the Mullica Township Committee meeting. The proposal, which was opposed by both AKC and the National Animal Interest Alliance, included breeder licensing requirements, dog ownership limits, and restrictions on debarking. Click here to read AKC’s […]

Yesterday, the Oregon Secretary of State certified that a measure regulating firearms collected enough petition signatures to appear on the ballot for November 2022. Those who participate in certain hunt tests, field trials, and other humane animal events that use firearms should review Oregon Ballot Measure 114 to understand the impact and new requirements it […]

At its recent meeting, the Rockingham County Planning Commission (Harrisonburg, VA) tabled a proposed Dog Kennel Ordinance that could impact local hobby kennels.  As a result, the proposal now goes to the Board of Supervisors for possible enactment. The ordinance is not currently listed on the agenda for the 6:00pm meeting on Wednesday, July 27.  […]

Today, the American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) learned that Mullica Township, New Jersey, is scheduled to consider extensive changes to its animal ordinance at its meeting on Monday, July 26.  The proposal includes breeder licensing requirements, dog ownership limits, and restrictions on debarking.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all concerned residents […]

The 2021-2022 South Carolina legislative session and special sessions concluded with victories for dogs and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks club members, sportsmen, dog owners, allied organizations, and every individual who contacted their state lawmakers about legislation that affects dogs.  Highlights from the two-year legislative session:  House Bill […]