Eight state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country:
Arizona – Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors. It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”. As introduced, the bill also included a new definition of “extreme weather”, defined by a heat advisory, certain weather warnings (such as a monsoon, dust storm, etc.), and when the temperature is below 32 degrees or over 100 degrees. Although this measure is only applied when proper bedding is required, AKC was concerned about the definition being used in the future to restrict when dogs could be outside, without consideration for the needs and abilities of specific breeds. The committee removed the specific temperatures from the definition. The bill as amended passed the Senate in February. It was further amended by the House to remove the definition of “extreme weather” in its entirety. The bill was ultimately held on final consideration by the House.
California – AB-2425 expanded requirements on animal shelters relative to animal adoption AND attempted to expand the definition of what constitutes a dog breeder in California to be anyone who transfers 2 litters or 10 dogs from existing law of 3 litters or 20 dogs transferred. It was held in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee and will not advance this year.
California – AB-2042 is an amended version of AB 742 from 2023 and would direct the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), on or before January July 1, 2026, to develop guidelines, as specified, for the use of canines by law enforcement, including guidelines concerning canine deployment and a prohibition on using canines for crowd control. Additionally, each law enforcement agency with a canine unit would need to have a police canine policy compliant with POST guidelines by July 1, 2027. This bill would only become law with the passage of AB 3241. AKC is working with the author’s office and will continue to monitor the proposal. The bill has advanced out of the Assembly and the Senate Public Safety Committee. It awaits further action from the Senate Appropriations Committee.
California – AB-3241 would require the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), on or before January 1, 2026, to adopt uniform, minimum guidelines regarding the use of canines by law enforcement, including legal standards established by the bill, and, on or before July 1, 2026, and to certify courses of training for all law enforcement canine handlers and those law enforcement supervisors directly overseeing canine programs. The bill would also require each law enforcement agency with a canine unit to annually publish a report of the use of canines on its website. This bill would only become law with the passage of AB 2042. AKC is working with the author’s office and will continue to monitor the proposal. The bill has advanced out of the Assembly and the Senate Public Safety Committee. It awaits further action from the Senate Appropriations Committee.
California – SB 921 addressed animal cruelty concerning causing harm to animals that are not owned by a potential aggressor. Although it was voted out of the Senate Public Safety Committee, it missed legislative deadlines and will not advance this year.
California – SB 922 would have increased the financial penalties for being cited for leaving an animal in an unattended car during extreme weather conditions. It also provided for counseling and education for those cited under the statute. However, it has been pulled by the bill’s author and will not advance this year.
California – AB 1988 would allow for shelters to immediately adopt out kittens and puppies to a nonprofit organization, animal rescue organization, or adoption organization if requested by the organization in the specific circumstance of owner surrenders. It has passed the Assembly, the Senate, and signed by the governor. AKC will monitor its implementation.
California – AB 2012 would have restored the requirement that city and county animal shelters must report certain shelter statistics to the state under the rabies control program. This would create a uniform and objective set of data when evaluating the state of animal shelters in California. The proposal was voted out of the Assembly Business and Professions Committee, but missed legislative deadlines and will not advance this year. AKC looks forward to supporting similar legislation in future sessions.
California – AB 2133 would have allowed for registered veterinary technicians to perform neuter surgeries on cats. The proposal was voted out of the Assembly Business and Professions Committee, but missed legislative deadlines and will not advance this year.
California – AB 2216 aimed to expand access to rental housing for people with pets by restricting “pet rent” and generally requiring landlords to accommodate tenants with pets. Although it advanced out of the Assembly, it will not advance this year.
California – AB 2248 would ban the sale of dogs and cats in scenarios where either the following are satisfied: the contract requires a nonrefundable deposit or contract does not reveal the source of the dog or cat. These conditions apply to “brokers” (resale) of dogs and cats. The bill has passed the Assembly and the Senate Judiciary Committee; it awaits action by the Senate Appropriations Committee. AKC is monitoring this proposal.
Delaware – HB 124 would prohibit owners from allowing dogs to bark continuously for more than 15 minutes, or intermittently for more than 30 minutes per day. It provides exemptions for dogs barking if a person is trespassing on private property; an animal is intruding on private property; or the dog is being teased or provoked. The bill also exempts dogs located in animal shelters; pet stores; dog grooming facilities; veterinarian offices; animal clinics; boarding facilities; and dog daycare. The sponsor agreed to AKC’s request to also exempt dogs engaged in any lawful activity including training, hunting, performance events, herding, etc. AKC GR has continuously pointed out that the bill seeks a statewide solution to a local nuisance issue and expressed concerns about the likelihood of barking dogs being used for neighbor disputes, and the inability of animal control to be able to consider cases on an individual basis. The bill passed the General Assembly and now goes to Governor John Carney for his signature or veto.
Idaho – SB 1302 restricts localities from enacting regulations on working animals, including dogs. The bill stalled in the Senate Local Government & Taxation Committee and will not advance this year. AKC looks forward to supporting similar legislation in future sessions.
Louisiana – HB 213 amends and reenacts the crime of negligent homicide and provides for increased penalties when a person is killed by a dog or other animal and the owner is criminally negligent. HB 213 was signed the Governor, became Act No. 261, and takes effect on August 1, 2024
Louisiana – HB 407, among other provisions, prohibits healthcare providers from producing documentation relating to need for a support animal unless they satisfy requirements that would include a therapeutic relationship with the individual, prohibits misrepresentation of service dogs, and limits liability for owners and lessors for damages caused by a service dog or support animal. AKC monitored HB 407 through the legislative process and supports this legislation as last amended. HB 407 was signed by the Governor, became Act. No. 558, and takes effect August 1, 2024.
Louisiana – SB 476 criminalizes the use of bait dogs in training dogs for dog fighting. AKC GR proposed an amendment to clarify and strengthen the definition of “bait dog” to include any dog abused as a bait dog, regardless of its temperament. SB 476 was signed by the Governor, became Act No. 359, and takes effect August 1, 2024.
Massachusetts – Four dog-related amendments were filed to an omnibus economic development bill, H.4789. AKC issued an alert and specifically encouraged Massachusetts residents to oppose Amendment #133, because it would require new Massachusetts licensed pet shops to provide the public with dogs and cats sourced solely from animal shelter or rescue organizations. Substituting a source of pets that provides purchase protections, like pet stores, with a source that does not, like shelters and rescues, puts consumers at risk. None of the dog-related amendments were adopted before House passage. The Senate then debated the bill and two of the four House amendments previously introduced were dropped. More details are here.
Massachusetts – In response to dog injuries and deaths at dog day care facilities, HB 2019 and SB 1309 have been re-filed as “Ollie’s Law” and would impose requirements such as staffing ratios for boarding, training, dog day care, breeding and personal kennels. They would authorize animal control officers to inspect and tell you how many dogs you are allowed to own and enforce a new “personal breeder kennel” license for anyone with more than 4 intact female dogs over 6 months who transfers any offspring. Personal breeder kennels and commercial breeder kennels would be held to the same future regulations. Details are in AKC’s alert. The Joint Municipalities and Regional Government Committee favorably released Senate and House companion mirror bills, HB 4564 and SB 2731, which have moved to their respective Ways and Means Committees. AKC is appreciative the committee removed the anti-breeder text from the bill. More details are here.
Massachusetts – SB 876/HB 1367 would prohibit housing authorities and certain housing agreements from discriminating against tenants based upon the size, weight or breed of dog owned. They also prohibit insurance companies from discriminating based upon dog breed. The bills were referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, which gave HB 1367 a favorable recommendation in March and is now pending in the Committee on House Ways and Means. AKC supports the bill.
Massachusetts – HB 747, HB 826, SB 549, and SB 550 would require Massachusetts licensed pet shops or future pet shops to only provide the public with dogs and cats sourced from animal shelter or rescue organizations. In AKC’s experience, the number of puppies produced by responsible breeders does not satisfy demand. Shelter and rescue animals are not the best option for every family that wants a pet. AKC issued an alert and provided testimony in opposition to these bills at the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources’ public hearing. AKC is opposed and issued an update. The bill was re-drafted and voted favorably as SB 2820 before being sent to the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
Massachusetts – HB 4241 is an abuse and exploitation prevention bill that would also define “coercive control” allowing issuance of restraining orders when a person commits or threatens to commit cruelty or abuse to animals connected to the family or household member. AKC supports the bill. It has passed the House and been amended in the Senate Ways and Means Committee and released for amendment and adoption by the full Senate as SB 2703. A conference committee is resolving differences in the two bills.
Massachusetts – HB 1718 and SB 1142 would establish a taskforce of Massachusetts lawyers and MSPCA/ARL-Boston to review cruelty laws and make recommendations including whether to establish a domestic animal cruelty misdemeanor charge; prohibit sale of animals under 8 weeks and transferring animals roadside with few exceptions; and allow for animal seizure and owner’s payment of board pending court action for suspected neglect. AKC testified in support of the humane care provisions of the bills and requested the committee ensure due process protections and consistent terminology. The Joint Judiciary Committee released a re-draft, now SB 2757, that narrows the bill’s scope to prohibit selling of animals under 8 weeks and transferring animals roadside with few exceptions. It is pending in the Senate Rules Committee.
Massachusetts – As introduced in 2023, SB 190 would prohibit the declawing of cats unless a therapeutic reason offered by a veterinarian deemed it necessary and performed the surgery. After a favorable report by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure it was sent to Senate Ways and Means Committee. In January, SB 190 was amended and released as SB 2552 before passage in the Senate. SB 2552 is before the House Ways and Means Committee and would prohibit the declawing of animals unless a therapeutic reason offered by a veterinarian deemed it necessary to perform the procedure. AKC believes injury preventing canine dewclaw removal on puppies less than five days would be considered cruelty and has expressed these concerns. On June 24 a House amendment to H. 4789 was filed with text removing AKC’s concerns by clarifying that the ban would pertain only to cats. The amendment was not adopted.
Michigan – HB 5525 would allow for non-economic damages for the injury or death of a service animal. AKC understands the emotional pain that can result when a beloved dog is injured or killed. However, AKC opposes the awarding of non-economic damages related to the injury or death of an animal. AKC has long been concerned that allowing non-economic damages for pets will implicitly bring into question the legal status of pets as property and is working with the American Veterinary Medical Association and Animal Health Institute in opposition to the bill as written. The bill is under consideration in the House Judiciary Committee. Read more. The legislature is in recess until July 30.
Michigan – House Bill 5878 would put a measure on the November 2024 ballot regarding bond for care of an animal if the owner is suspected of violating the state’s cruelty and negligence laws. A bond would be required to pay for the care of the animals during a trial. If however, the court finds the prosecution has a preponderance of evidence that the owner committed the crime, the animals will be forfeited even if a bond is paid. Otherwise, the owner must pay for a bond throughout the trial in order to avoid the forfeiture of animals. If the owner is found not guilty, they will get their money back and their animals – assuming that the animal wasn’t already forfeited. The bill has been assigned to the House Committee on Criminal Justice. The legislature is in recess until July 30.
Michigan – Senate Bills 657 and 658 address the issue of animals being seized on cruelty charges, and the payment of their care during impoundment. These bills, like legislation introduced in the previous session, could cause a person accused of cruelty to permanently forfeit their animals even if they are ultimately found not guilty of charges. AKC appreciates that the bills clarify that if the owner is found not guilty, the animal must be returned to the owner. However, the return appears to be incumbent on whether or not the owner has kept up on cost of care payments during the trial. The bills passed the Senate on June 18 and are pending committee consideration in the House. The legislature is in recess until July 30.
New Hampshire – SB 587 allows animals as part of a litter transported into the state to be quarantined together. As filed, the bill could result in additional quarantine exemptions. AKC submitted testimony expressing concern and, with NH DOGS, requested an amendment. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources adopted the amendment and the amended bill passed the Senate. It had a hearing in the House Environment and Agriculture Committee and was voted favorably. The Governor signed it into law on June 14, effective August 13.
New Hampshire – HB 1526 would enable the Board of Veterinary Medicine to issue a conditional veterinary license for veterinarians who are educated in other countries. Multiple reports of a New Hampshire veterinarian shortage exist. AKC submitted testimony in support of enhancing access after issuing this alert. The committee voted the bill favorably and the full House passed it on March 28 by voice vote. AKC also submitted testimony in support of the bill when it was considered by the Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee. The committee voted favorably and amended HB 1526 to make the conditional license good for two years. It passed the House and Senate and AKC submitted a letter of support to the Governor and issued this call to action. Governor Sununu signed it into law on June 19.
New Hampshire – HB 1626 would repeal certain designated funds and change where dog licensing fees are distributed. The House Environment and Agriculture Committee and Ways and Means Committee both voted it ought to pass. An April 2 public hearing before the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee resulted in an amendment regarding reimbursement to veterinarians performing spay/neuter surgeries. The bill was approved as amended and the Governor signed it into law on June 19.
New Jersey – Similar to a bill discussed by a Senate Committee in November 2023, A.4051 seeks to prohibit the sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits by pet shops. It also would impose an expansive definition of pet dealer (any person engaged in the ordinary course of business in the sale of cats or dogs to the public for profit OR any person who sells or offers for sale more than five cats or dogs in one year) without substantively addressing its impact (including how the sale of puppies from one large litter would qualify someone as a pet dealer, and whether the definition would trigger local zoning issues for those described as a pet dealer under the bill). Perhaps most shockingly, the bill seeks to completely repeal New Jersey’s Pet Purchase Protection Act, which allows for consumer restitution if an animal they purchase becomes seriously ill or dies within 14 days after purchase and a veterinarian certifies that the animal as unfit for purchase. The bill is expected to be scheduled for committee hearing in September. GR will work with allied organizations in opposing the bill and its companion bill, S.2511.
New York – Senate Bill 4993/ A. 6244 would expand the opportunities for owners to bring dogs to state parks, so long as they are in compliance with certain rules and regulations. AKC and local clubs support this legislation, which passed both chambers and is awaiting referral to the Governor’s desk.
Ohio – House Bill 277 would provide tax credits to landlords who allow pets. This is a request from local shelters, who hope this will incentivize allowing renters to keep their pets, which may help with shelter population issues. Recent amendments in the House Ways and Means include a cap on the amount of tax credit that can be collected, and allowing landlords to limit the number of pets on the property. They would not, however, be permitted to have breed-specific bans or policies. The bill passed the House Ways and Means Committee on June 10 and awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives. The legislature is currently on summer recess.
Ohio – House Bill 443 would repeal a current law that protects the ability of pet stores to sell dogs in the state. AKC is concerned about this proposal, which would limit pet choice and restrict the current protections for the humane sourcing of dogs to pet stores in the state. The bill had its first hearing in the House Government Oversight Committee but remains pending. The legislature is currently on summer recess.
Ohio – House Bill 539 would expand the number of breeders subject to state licensing by redefining “high volume dog breeder” as anyone who owns six or more “breeding dogs” and sell directly to the public. AKC is closely monitoring this legislation, which had its sponsor hearing in the House Agriculture Committee on June 11. Read more. The legislature is currently on summer recess.
Oregon – HB 4043 creates a new crime of interfering with an animal cruelty investigation. It has passed the Legislature and has been signed by the governor.
Oregon – Initiative Petition 28, filed with the Secretary of State for possible inclusion on the 2026 ballot, is similar to proposed ballot measures from previous years that would outlaw all hunting and field trials and criminalize certain breeding, animal husbandry, and training practices. AKC is working with two broad coalitions in opposition to this proposal and will provide more updates in the coming weeks.
Pennsylvania – Act 18 of 2023 (SB 746) updated Pennsylvania’s dog law to include licensing increases for dogs and kennels among other changes, including requiring a certified certificate of veterinary inspection from the dog’s home state in order to be boarded in Pennsylvania. Additionally, language in the law regarding quarantine requirements for dogs imported to Pennsylvania has resulted in issues for breed rescue groups. Working with the Dept. of Agriculture Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement (BDLE), and both chambers of the General Assembly, AKC GR was successful in having House Bill 2354 introduced which provides relief for breed rescues and a limited exemption from out-of-state boarding kennel requirements for dogs coming from states that border Pennsylvania. AKC GR worked with BDLE and the General Assembly to either eliminate or expand the states covered by the exemption. HB 2354 was assigned to the House Appropriations Committee where it was stalled for internal reasons. See Senate Bill 82 for further action on this issue.
Pennsylvania – House Bill 2413 was the reissued version of HB 2354 and provides the quarantine relief for breed rescues and provides a limited exemption from the out-of-state boarding kennel requirement for a certification of veterinary inspections for dogs who come from bordering states to boarding facilities in the Commonwealth. AKC closely monitored this bill which passed the House on June 27, was assigned to the Senate Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee. See Senate Bill 82 for further action on this issue.
Pennsylvania – Senate Bill 82 was originally introduced to provide for license fee exemptions for those service dogs which are used in the performance of services by a fire department, sheriff’s office or in the performance of rescue services or medical emergency services. The language from HB 2413 was amended into the bill during a Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meeting and passed the Senate on June 26, 2024. The bill was further amended by the House to remove the requirement for a certificate of veterinary inspection if the dog is to be boarded for less than 30 days. Governor Shapiro signed the bill on July 9, and it goes into effect on September 6, 2024.
Pennsylvania – Senate Bill 785 establishes a new Animal Welfare Board empowered to review existing laws and regulations related to the keeping and handling of animals and make recommendations for changes. Unlike a short-focused task force, this Board would continue until such a time that legislation was passed to eliminate it, thereby, allowing it to provide review and recommendation to any law or regulation established going forward. The bill has been assigned to the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
Rhode Island – HB 7294 would prohibit captive hunting for domestic or wild animals without prohibiting the release of upland game birds for hunting on licensed shooting preserves. AKC negotiated a clarifying amendment to ensure that it would not interfere with lawful field trials. The bill was amended with the AKC clarifying amendment requested and passed the full House. After review by the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee, it was voted favorably on June 4. In addition, SB 2732 was introduced in the Senate with the AKC clarifying amendment included. Final passage of both measures took place on June 11 and the Governor signed it into law on June 24.
Rhode Island – HB 8060 was introduced to allow the town of Hopkinton to enact ordinances increasing the fines for violations of any dog ordinance and increasing the fee to be paid before an animal in impoundment may be released to its owner. It was voted favorably by the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee and then passed by the full House. The Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee accepted testimony on June 4 and sent the bill to the Governor on June 12. It became effective without the Governor’s signature on June 20.
Rhode Island – SB 2538 testimony was received by the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee 4. An amended SB 2538 would permit euthanasia of vicious dogs upon finding that a dog’s condition warrants euthanasia or after the determination that there is no reasonable placement for the dog and requires any municipality that surrenders one to RISPCA be responsible for the costs. The amended bill passed the Senate and the House concurred with passage. It was signed by the Governor on June 24.
Rhode Island – HB 7970 is a refiled bill that would establish a custody procedure for domestic companion animals in divorce and separation cases by requiring the court to consider the best interest of the animal, including factors such as original ownership, caretaking responsibilities, time spent with the animal, living arrangements, children’s attachment to the animal, and shared custody logistics. In 2021, AKC secured amendments to the bill substituting the words “ownership” and “possession” in lieu of “custody” because of the common divorce and separation proceedings’ use of the word “custody” in relation to children. However, the sponsor reserved using “shared custody” in relation to court decisions awarding joint ownership. AKC’s testimony requested this be removed from the bill. HB 7970 was placed on the House calendar with an amendment notice. It passed the House without amendment and was taken up by the Senate on June 13 in concurrence. The Governor signed it June 26.
Washington – HB 1012 is a bill carried over from 2023 that will provide state grants to localities so they can protect their citizens and their pets during extreme weather events. This would include funding for emergency shelters, transportation and lodging during extreme weather. This bill has passed the Legislature and been signed by the governor. AKC looks forward to it being implemented.
Washington – HB 1961 allows greater judicial discretion when it comes to sentencing of those convicted of animal cruelty in the first degree. It has overwhelmingly passed the Legislature and has been signed by the governor.
Washington – HB 1635 provides model training standards for police canines to detect fentanyl and liability protections for law enforcement. It passed the Legislature and been signed by the governor.