Legislative Alerts

House Bill 551 seeks to establish requirements and restrictions for tethering a dog. As introduced, HB 551 includes certain problematic provisions. The bill’s sponsor has indicated willingness to amend the bill to address concerns while maintaining sections that provide protections for dogs. HB 551 is on the agenda of the House Committee on Agriculture and […]

On April 27, the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee will consider Assembly Bill 702 – a bill that would mandate licensing for all breeders as commercial enterprises and create many new vague, unnecessary, and arbitrary regulations that could be difficult for hobby breeders – especially those who live in residential areas – to meet. […]

Four dog-related bills will be considered by Texas legislative committees this week.  Information on each bill and legislator contact information is available, below.  Texas residents are encouraged to share their thoughts on these bills with committee members. On Tuesday, the Senate Criminal Justice Committee is set to consider SB 474, which would amend the state’s […]

A proposal to ban dog breeding without extensive permits and requirements and to limit consumer protection has been resurrected in the Chicago City Council.  The proposal is set for consideration by the council’s Health and Human Services Committee on April 12. Those who reside, have registered a litter, or participate in breed rescue activities in […]

On Tuesday, April 27, the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee will consider Assembly Bill 702. It is crucial that all dog owners, breeders, and club members in the state contact the committee TODAY and ask them to OPPOSE Assembly Bill 702.  Let them know how this would impact you as a California resident (scroll […]

This Wednesday, April 7, starting at 9am, the Vermont House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish, and Wildlife will meet to again consider H. 167, H. 172 and H. 316, which impact hunting with dogs, and hear testimony from additional invited guests . The committee hosted two meetings on these bills last week . ESTABLISHMENT OF […]

As previously reported, Texas House Bill 1818, which seeks to limit most Texas pet stores from selling purpose-bred dogs, has been assigned to the House Calendars Committee. It is crucial that committee members hear from you about the harm HB 1818 would do to responsible dog ownership if it is enacted as currently worded. SAMPLE […]

On Friday, April 2, the Wyoming Legislature gave final approval to a bill that modifies guidelines for animals being seized on suspicion of cruelty, and subsequent hearings. As approved by a conference committee and the Speaker of the House and Senate President, Senate File 25 includes an amendment requested by AKC to ensure animals will […]

Yesterday, the West Virginia House passed House Bill 2095 – comprehensive legislation that seeks to enhance West Virginia’s animal welfare laws covering everything from the care of animals in shelters to the care of animals by private individuals. This legislation will bring West Virginia law into alignment with reasonable, accepted animal husbandry and care laws […]

AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) has learned that this morning the House Business and Industry Committee approved HB 1818 by a vote of 7-2. AKC opposes HB 1818, which would limit pet stores located in counties of more than 200,000 residents to sourcing dogs from only: (1) an animal control agency, (2) an animal shelter, […]