Legislative Alerts

Senate Bill 419, which includes several amendments requested by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Michigan Association for Pure-Bred Dogs (MAPBD), seeks to regulate “animal rescues”, which would be defined as a person that acquires an animal for the purpose of finding that animal a new home and maintains the animal in a foster […]

This morning, the Chicago proposal that would have essentially banned hobby breeding and eliminate pet store consumer protection was held for consideration. During the full City Council meeting, Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Roderick Sawyer announced that Proposal O2020-2827 was being held in committee, thereby delaying the vote that was expected today. AKC Government […]

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) provided an update on its plans to restart its routine inspections program. To ensure the safety of all involved, APHIS inspectors will use personal protective equipment and maintain social distancing at all times.  Initial screening questions will be asked to […]

Last night, the New York Senate passed a bill which will prohibit retail pet stores from selling any dogs or cats.  Instead, they would only be allowed to “showcase” animals available for adoption from a shelter, rescue, or adoption agency. Senate Bill 4234 now goes to the Assembly Agriculture Committee.  Session could be wrapping up […]

This week, the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee released HB 4860, which seeks to enact law enforcement reforms.  217 amendments to the bill have also been filed for consideration, including several impacting police K-9 practices. In addition to creating certification training and standards for law enforcement, HB 4860 would: Require reports of “officer-related injuries […]

The California Senate recently passed Senate Bill 1115, which establishes procedures for phasing out commercial blood banks for animals (also defined in the bill as “captive closed-colony” blood banks), which are facilities where animals are kept, raised, and housed for the sole purpose of blood collection. The bill has been assigned to the Assembly Committee on […]

Action to remove from the table a proposed second reading of a problematic animal ordinance is on the agenda of the Aiken County Council Meeting for July 21, 2020.  Removal from the table allows the council to consider the troublesome proposal. Read the county Meeting Notice with information and links to meeting documents. Read AKC’s […]

The Chicago City Council could vote on Wednesday (July 22) on a proposal that would ban hobby breeding in the city without extensive permits and requirements. Those who reside, have registered a litter, or participate in breed rescue activities in Chicago are encouraged to reach out to the City TODAY, express your concerns, and ask […]

The New York Senate Insurance Committee is considering a bill on Monday (July 20) that would prohibit homeowner’s insurance providers from refusing or cancelling coverage or increasing premiums based solely on the breed of dog owned by the policy holder. All responsible dog owners and breeders in New York are encouraged to contact the committee […]

On Monday, July 20 at 7:30pm, residents in Holliston, Massachusetts will be asked at its annual town meeting to vote on warrant  Article 22 .  Although the proposal’s title is “Protecting Consumers and Animals in Holliston,” it instead would ban the sale of purpose-bred pets from state-inspected and -licensed facilities, like pet shops, in favor […]