Legislative Alerts

On Thursday, April 20, 2023, the Maine Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety will accept public testimony on LD 1234, to Provide Reimbursement for Health Care Expenses of Retired State Police Law Enforcement Dogs. The bill would require the Department of Public Safety to reimburse authorized handlers of retired law enforcement dogs used by […]

On Wednesday, April 19, the Kern County Animal Services Commission are considering a proposed ordinance that seeks to institute mandatory spay/neuter in Kern County. If advanced, the proposal would go to the Kern County Board of Supervisors for review and possible passage into law. County residents are strongly encouraged to contact both the commission and […]

SB 876 and HB 2238 regulating hobbyists were passed out of committees this week with some favorable amendments, but questions remain. The amendments exempt hobbyists that breed dogs for participation in conformation shows.  Performance events were already exempt from current law. AKC is also reviewing additional amendments to determine the impact on hobbyists and dog […]

AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in Oregon. Below are the latest updates, along with contact information if you wish to comment on any of these measures. AKC GR will continue to provide individual updates and alerts when necessary.  Bills in Oregon Legislature: House Bill 2915 – Pet Choice Restrictions. Status: Passed […]

AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in Washington state. Below are the latest updates, along with contact information if you wish to comment on any of these measures. AKC GR will continue to provide individual updates and alerts when necessary. Bills in Washington State Legislature: House Bill 1012 – Addressing the response […]

A Texas Senate Committee held a public hearing on Tuesday, March 28 on Senate Bill 876 which will require anyone who owns 5 or more intact female dogs over 6 months of age to become a state licensed dog breeder – even if they never breed a litter or sell a single dog. This is […]

As Washington state’s legislative session nears its finish line, House Bill 1234 sits before the Senate Rules Committee; having already passed the House of Representatives.  This bill expands the reasons allowed for seizing an owner’s animals in suspected cruelty cases and doesn’t guarantee their return in the event the accused is found innocent. Washington state […]

The 2023 New Mexico legislative session recently ended, and a bill that would have prohibited some humane tethering of dogs did not pass. American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) thanks AKC club members, dog owners, sportsmen, and every individual who contacted lawmakers this session regarding legislation impacting their dogs. Bill Opposed by AKC: SB […]

We are reaching out to you because your representative in the U.S. Congress sponsored the Puppy Protection Act last year. This bill to restrict dog breeding has been re-introduced in Congress again this year. Your action is urgently needed to contact your member of Congress and respectfully ask them to not sponsor or support the […]

The 2023 Kentucky legislative session ended with positive results for dogs, working K9s, and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks AKC club members, dog owners, sportsmen, and every individual who contacted lawmakers about legislation that affects the dogs we love.  Bills Opposed by AKC GR: HB 321 attempted to problematically […]