Legislative Alerts

The Horry County (SC) County Council will hold the first of three votes on amendments to the county animal ordinance on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Owners of pets and “large animals” are urged to review the proposed ordinance and express their concerns to council members. The numerous provisions that would affect dog owners include the […]

Amendments to the county animal ordinance were discussed at a special called meeting of the Henderson County (KY) Fiscal Court on August 9, 2021. Among other expected provisions, the proposed ordinance will address dangerous animals and the safety of dogs left enclosed in hot cars. The ordinance was not finalized as of August 11, 2021. […]

The California Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to consider two bills on August 16 that have the potential to impact some dog owners.  Those who wish to comment are encouraged to reach out directly to the committee (scroll down for more information). The committee is expected to consider the following legislation: Assembly Bill 468 – […]

The Fauquier County (VA) Board of Supervisors will be conducting a Public Hearing on August 12 on an  amendment to the County zoning ordinance that would prohibit the retail sale of dogs and cats in all commercial and industrial districts.  The prohibition would not apply to adoption events hosted by private non-profit or rescue groups. […]

Yesterday, the Illinois Governor signed Senate Bill 1672, which will require companies offering liability insurance for renter’s or homeowner’s insurance to report dog-related claims to the state for the next two years. This bill originally sought to prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against policyholders based on the breed of dog they own, however this met […]

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a new federal order that imposes restrictions on the importation of live dogs for resale from regions where African swine fever (ASF) exists or is reasonably believed to exist. Regions include: The continent of Africa, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Brazil (excluding […]

On Tuesday, August 10, the Manatee County (FL) Board of County Commissioners are scheduled to vote on a proposed animal ordinance that seeks to ban the sale of dogs and cats by “commercial establishments.” This not only would ban sales of dogs and cats in pet stores, it would ban the sale of a dog […]

Today, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced a measure to require that all dogs imported into the U.S. meet minimum health standards as demonstrated in a health certificate issued by a recognized veterinary authority in the country of origin. The Senate Healthy Dog Importation Act of 2021 joins companion measure HR 4239 […]

On August 2, the City of Stamford’s Board of Representatives met virtually to vote on the proposed tethering ordinance, as amended by the Legislative and Rules Committee on July 20, 2021.  The lengthy discussion before final adoption of text begins 36 minutes into the meeting, which can be viewed on video here. Final text includes […]

Yesterday, Governor Sununu signed H. 338 into law, making the tampering or removal of a dog’s collar or microchip a misdemeanor crime.  It also increases the penalty for stealing a dog, from a misdemeanor to a class B felony, for anyone guilty of multiple offenses.  These changes, effective January 1, 2022, are expected to act […]