Legislative Alerts

Recently, the Pennsylvania Senate introduced the “Dog Law Modernization Act”.  Senate Bill 1289 removes the difference in license fees for intact and sterilized dogs and makes many other changes to licensing for dog owners, kennels, and rescues, as well as other changes to the Commonwealth’s Dog Law. The bill is scheduled for a hearing tomorrow […]

Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Senate passed Senate Bill 907.  This bill, supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC), establishes the Animal Welfare Board to review existing laws and regulations in Pennsylvania related to the keeping and handling of animals, and to make recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes. While there were efforts by animal rights groups […]

In a win for Florida’s retired law enforcement K-9s, Senate Bill 226/House Bill 25, also known as the “Care for Retired Police Dogs Program Act,” was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis and enacted as Chapter No: 2022-188. It takes effect July 1, 2022 This legislation, supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC), establishes a program […]

Yesterday, a Michigan Senate committee passed two bills (House Bills 4703 and 4704) that address the issue of animals being seized on certain serious cruelty charges, and the payment of their care during impoundment. Michigan residents are encouraged to use the contact information and talking points provided below to thank the lawmakers for positive changes […]

The City of Red Bay, Alabama has a proposal that seeks to restrict ownership of “pit bull” dogs and prohibit new pit bulls from coming into the city. Residents are encouraged to contact the mayor and city council members to respectfully state concerns, and to attend city meetings where the ordinance will be discussed.   […]

The Massachusetts Senate could soon consider a bill with negative impacts on owning, breeding, and training dogs.  Massachusetts residents are strongly encouraged to use the information below to contact your State Senator TODAY and ask them to oppose Senate Bill 1322, as written. Summary: The Massachusetts Senate is being strongly encouraged to favorably pass SB […]

AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in California.   AKC is currently neutral on these bills and several contain AKC’s amendments. Below is information on bills with upcoming hearings and/or votes, along with information on how to contact the appropriate lawmakers.  AKC GR will continue to provide individual updates and alerts when necessary. […]

A problematic proposed ordinance that sought to amend Metro Nashville/Davidson County (TN) animal law was withdrawn by the sponsor last night. However, the same or an amended ordinance could be refiled. View AKC’s previous alert for more information on the withdrawn ordinance, BL2022-1252. What comes next:  A community meeting to discuss the animal ordinance is […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) learned today that an ordinance that seeks to significantly amend Metro Nashville/Davidson County (TN) animal law will receive a second vote tomorrow, June 7, 2022. What you can do:  Animal owners are urged to contact their council members IMMEDIATELY to express concerns and ask them to not approve the ordinance […]

The New York legislature has adjourned for the year.  Although the bill to prohibit the sale of purpose-bred pets at retail pet stores passed on the last day of session, there were also many victories this session for dog owners. AKC Government Relations thanks the Associated Dog Clubs of New York State and the many […]