Legislative Alerts

On Wednesday, February 24, the Rhode Island House Health, Education, and Welfare Committee will consider several dog-related bills, including House Bill 7062, which seeks to further restrict the practice of humane tethering of dogs.  Current Rhode Island law provides specific exemptions from the state’s restrictions on the practice of tethering animals.  Exempted parties include licensed […]

A Wisconsin bill that will make it more difficult for owners to reclaim lost pets was rushed through the legislature this week. Those who reside or participate in dog events in Wisconsin are strongly encouraged to contact Governor Walker TODAY and respectfully ask him to veto SB450. Among other provisions, SB450 would shorten the time […]

South Dakota Senate Bill 157 seeks to provide additional regulations for commercial breeding operations.  The bill will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, February 18, 2016.  Concerned breeders are encouraged to contact the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and respectfully express their concerns. South Dakota law already defines a commercial breeding […]

The Senate Commerce Committee has just scheduled a hearing on SF 502 for TOMORROW (February 18).  This bill would further regulate anyone who has four or more intact dogs and receive any kind of consideration for breeding or transferring even one dog.  Friday is the last day for bills to be passed out of committee, […]

House Bill 2303, which would require regulation, inspection, and potentially high registration fees for dog breeders, has been rescheduled for a vote in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday, February 16. Its companion bill, Senate Bill 2175, has been rescheduled for a vote on Monday, February 22, in the Senate Energy, Agriculture, […]

Bills are moving in both the Iowa House and Senate that would further regulate those who maintain four or more intact dogs and receive any kind of consideration for breeding or transferring even one dog.  The bills have now passed subcommittee and could be considered by the full committees any time.  It is essential that […]

Tuesday, February 9, 2016 On Monday, February 08, New Jersey Senate Bill 63 was considered by the State Senate’s Economic Growth Committee.  During the hearing, testimony was accepted by concerned citizens and interest groups from across the animal interest spectrum.  In response, Committee Chairman Raymond Lesniak, the sponsor of SB 63, tabled further consideration of […]

The Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider Senate Bill 566 on Tuesday, February 9, which would allow private citizens to remove an animal or minor from a vehicle if they believe that the animal’s health or safety is in danger, only if all the following apply: The person determines the vehicle is locked […]

The Missouri House Emerging Issues Committee will consider a bill on Monday, February 8, that seeks to protect the rights of responsible dog owners in Missouri by prohibiting municipalities from enacting breed-specific policies.  It would also void any current local breed-specific policies or regulations in the state.   Municipalities would still be permitted to protect public […]

The New York Assembly Agriculture Committee is considering a bill on Tuesday, February 9, that would clarify current law regarding minimum standards for dogs kept in outdoor shelters.  Current law already provides minimum requirements for dogs kept outdoors in inclement weather and extreme temperatures.  Assembly Bill 7033 contains reasonable clarifications to these requirements that would […]