Legislative Alerts

Although the Illinois session is expected to wind down over the next few weeks, two important bills that would undermine impact responsible dog ownership remain active in the state legislature. AKC and the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs are working to advocate and communicate our position to legislators, and we need your help!  We urge […]

Texas House Bill 1818, which seeks to limit most Texas pet stores from selling purpose-bred dogs, is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Business and Commerce Committee, tomorrow, Tuesday, May 18, at 8AM.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) and a broad coalition of interest groups strongly oppose HB 1818. With legislative deadlines and the […]

On Tuesday, May 18, the New York Senate Judiciary Committee is considering a bill that would allow a person to receive damages for mental distress or emotional harm caused by the injury or death of a companion animal. Although such concepts may sound benign, they represent a potential change in the legal status of animals […]

At its Wednesday, May 19, 2021, hearing, the Massachusetts General Court’s Joint Judiciary Committee will consider multiple dog-related bills.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports five proposals and opposes four.  AKC encourages all concerned Massachusetts residents to contact the members of the Joint Judiciary Committee to express support of H. 1656, H. 1824, S. 1111, […]

The Chicago City Council has passed a revised ordinance that further regulates pet store sourcing but removed the hobby breeder requirements that would have placed onerous and potentially impossible requirements on hobbyists in the city. For the past year, AKC Government Relations and the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners (IFDCO) have been working […]

Texas House Bill 1818, which seeks to limit most Texas pet stores from selling purpose-bred dogs, has been assigned to the Senate Business and Commerce Committee, which is expected to consider it next Tuesday, May 18th.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) and a broad coalition of interest groups strongly oppose HB 1818. With legislative deadlines […]

On Tuesday, May 18, the Burke County Commission will be considering several changes to county laws regarding the breeding, care, and selling of dogs and cats in the county. Those who wish to comment or testify in the meeting are encouraged to do so via the information below (Scroll down for details). Summary and Background: […]

Tomorrow, May 13, 2021, the New Hampshire Senate will vote on HB 250 regarding pet vendor licenses.  The bill was passed by the House of Representatives before minor changes were recently made by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and favorably voted unanimously. The American Kennel Club (AKC) and New Hampshire Dog Owners […]

On May 7, 2021, the Vermont House of Representatives agreed to changes made by the Senate to House Bill 421 and voted it favorably.   Supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Vermont Federation of Dog Clubs (VT Federation), House Bill 421 as passed by the House and Senate, is on its way to […]

A bill has been introduced in Michigan that could have a negative impact on many Michigan residents who own, breed, and train dogs. Senate Bill 395 has been assigned to the Senate Agriculture Committee, and the chairman has been a strong supporter of responsible dog owners, breeders, and sportsmen.  Concerned Michigan dog owners are encouraged […]