Legislative Alerts

The Maryland General Assembly has adjourned, and passed bills relating to keeping dogs outdoors and care of animals seized on suspicion of cruelty.  While some positive amendments were included to protect responsible dog owners, some concerns still remain. The governor could take action on these bills very soon.  Those who reside or participate in dog […]

As previously reported, an overreaching and problematic animal ordinance is under consideration by the Montgomery City Council. The City Council did not take action on the ordinance at its April 5, 2022, meeting, but may take it up at its next meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Because city offices will be […]

The two-year Georgia legislative session ended last week with wins for dogs and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks the Georgia Canine Coalition (GCC), AKC club members, and every individual who contacted lawmakers and spread the word to fellow owners about legislation that affects dogs. Special thanks go out […]

On April 26, the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee is scheduled to consider Assembly Bill 1881, known as the “Dog and Cat Bill of Rights”. California residents are strongly encouraged to upload letters to the online committee portal by April 19 to ensure they are included in the official committee analysis. Also, if you […]

Yesterday, the Maine House of Representatives passed LD 1885, as amended, which would expand the state’s loan program to future practitioners of veterinary medicine. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration, and Maine residents are strongly encouraged to contact their State Senator today to express support. Last week, the American Kennel Club (AKC) […]

The Illinois Legislature adjourned this weekend without taking action on several bills that would have had a detrimental impact on dogs and Illinois dog owners. AKC thanks all those who took the time to contact the legislators during the 2021-2022 session.  Your voice made a difference!  We also want to recognize the tireless efforts and […]

This week the Pennsylvania Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee amended and unanimously passed Senate Bill 907.  This bill, supported by the AKC, establishes the Animal Welfare Board. As noted in a previous alert, the Board will consist of representatives from both the PA Department of Agriculture and the State Attorney General’s office and a […]

On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at 1pm the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee is scheduled to hear testimony on SB 368, as amended.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the New Hampshire Dog Owners of the Granite State (NH DOGS) have significant concerns. New Hampshire residents are strongly encouraged to use the information […]

As mentioned in a previous alert, California Assembly Bill 1901 would regulate all dog trainers in the state as boarding kennels – regardless of the type of training class or the length of the class. The bill defines dog training very broadly and must be assumed to encompass every type of training, including drop-in classes, […]

UPDATE:  The Montgomery City Council did not take action on a proposed animal ordinance at its April 4, 2022 meeting.  It will likely be on the agenda of the April 19th meeting. This gives resident animal owners additional time to continue contacting city council members to state concerns with the proposed ordinance. As previously reported, […]