Legislative Alerts

On August 1, 2024, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will implement new restrictions and requirements for the entry of dogs into the U.S. Anyone planning to bring a dog into the U.S. in the near future should familiarize themselves with upcoming import policy changes. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the serious […]

Yesterday, during the Massachusetts House of Representatives’ debate on H. 4876, a re-drafted omnibus clean energy bill, the sponsor of Amendment #5 that sought to remove dogs from the definition of agriculture, withdrew it from consideration. Details on the amendment are in yesterday’s post. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not believe this proposed change […]

The month of July is known as “Summer Recess” in the California Legislature. In advance of the Legislature returning to Sacramento on August 5, below are status updates for bills the American Kennel Club (AKC) continues to track this session. To see the complete list of bills you can do so by checking the AKC […]

An Indianapolis City-County Council committee has advanced a proposal to require all owners of intact dogs to register and comply with certain requirements for care and breeding.  It is expected to be considered by the full council in August. View AKC’s previous alert for more information on the proposal, or you can read it in […]

Yesterday, the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee released an omnibus clean energy re-drafted bill, H. 4876, and requested members file their amendments. Among more than 100 amendments filed for consideration during debate today, Amendment #5 mirrors an amendment filed last month that would remove dogs and cats from the definition of livestock. This change […]

Last week, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) published its 2023 Impact Report.  The report provides an overview of APHIS’ activities and successes. APHIS oversees over 16,000 breeders, dealers, and exhibitors; research facilities, transporters, and dog importers who are subject to the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).  […]

Late last night, the Massachusetts Senate finished debating, amending, and voting passage of its omnibus economic development bill, S. 2856. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report that Amendment #206, ELIMINATION OF PET INDUSTRY CONSUMER PROTECTIONS, was rejected by the Senate on a voice vote. Also of note, Amendment #147, which sought to […]

A new law is now in effect in Indiana that, among other provisions, requires certain rescues to register with the Indiana Board of Animal Health (BOAH). A rescue must register with the state if during a period of one year they accept: 1) More than 12 dogs, or 2) More than nine dogs and three […]

The Indianapolis City-County Council proposal to require all owners of intact dogs to register and comply with certain requirements for care and breeding is scheduled to be considered by the Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee on Monday, July 15. Those who wish to comment may do so by contacting the committee members listed below, or […]

Two dog-related amendments have been filed in the Massachusetts Senate to an omnibus economic development bill, which the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed last month. The Senate Ways and Means Committee favorably released its version, S. 2856, on July 8, when more than 500 amendments were filed. Senate debate and voting is scheduled for Thursday, […]