Legislative Alerts

The Council of the District of Columbia’s Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety will conduct a public hearing on Monday, February 28, 2022, at 1:30 pm, regarding proposed amendments to the 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 […]

The Maryland House Judiciary Committee will be holding a hearing on House Bill 1062 on Thursday, February 24 at 1:00pm.  This bill addresses the issue of animals that are seized and the costs of their care during impoundment. AKC strongly believes that those who treat animals in a cruel manner should be held accountable and […]

The California Legislature has introduced several bills with the potential to impact dog owners.  AKC Government Relations is in contact with the authors of critical bills and is working to ensure the best interest of responsible dog owners is protected. While no action is essential at this time, California dog owners are encouraged to make […]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it is soliciting comments from the public on the use of antimicrobial drugs in companion animals.  Specifically, FDA is interested in learning whether the use of such drugs has resulted in microorganisms—like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—becoming resistant to them.  FDA hopes to engage with […]

The Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee has scheduled a Committee vote tomorrow, February 18, 2022, at 3 p.m. on House Bill 16.  The bill would place limitations on dogs being outdoors and unattended in certain weather conditions, with exemptions for “if the dog is lawfully and activity engaged in hunting; livestock herding; sledding; sporting; or […]

Earlier this week, the New Jersey Assembly Judiciary Committee amended Assembly Bill 1965 and unanimously reported the bill out of committee.  The bill seeks to create an animal advocates program in the state.  Click here to read more information about A.1965. Amendments: Remove section 1 of the bill in its entirety. Section 1 featured problematic […]

Late yesterday afternoon, Massachusetts Governor Baker signed Nero’s Law! Effective in 90 days, the new law allows emergency care and transportation for a police dog injured in the line of duty, while ensuring ambulance use remains a priority for human transport. In preparation for when the new law takes effect, the Department of Public Health, […]

Last week, the Massachusetts Joint Judiciary Committee reported (i.e., took action) on three dog-related bills that received a public hearing on May 19, 2021.  At that time, the American Kennel Club (AKC) issued an alert expressing support of five proposals and opposition to four. COMMITTEE RE-WRITES HB 1824, FAVORABLY REPORTS IT OUT AS SB 2672 […]

An overreaching animal ordinance that would criminalize many responsible dog owners in Hollywood, Florida, is on the agenda for Wednesday, February 16, 2022.   Residents are urged to immediately contact their city commissioners and ask them to VOTE NO on the proposed animal ordinance. Respectfully ask them to work with knowledgeable animal owners to develop […]

An Arizona House Committee scheduled a hearing for Wednesday, February 16, on a bill that would prohibit insurance companies from considering the breed of dog a person owns when considering liability, risk, and other factors related to their homeowners and renters insurance coverage. All responsible dog owners and breeders in Arizona are encouraged to contact […]