Legislative Alerts

Summary: On Thursday, June 20, the Fresno City Council unanimously adopted a resolution that suspends the issuance of new unaltered dog licenses until the 3-month shelter occupancy rate average drops below 75 percent. As the city is currently above this threshold, the issuance of new unaltered dog licenses is to be immediately suspended if Mayor […]

The Pennsylvania Senate has passed legislation aimed at addressing questions surrounding requiring dogs from out of state to have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) in order to be boarded in the Commonwealth. As currently written, dogs from out of state are exempt from the CVI requirement for out of state dogs entering a boarding […]

Four dog-related bills tracked by the American Kennel Club (AKC) were recently signed into law by Rhode Island Governor McKee. HOUSE BILL 7294/SENATE BILL 2732 – CAPTIVE HUNTING PROHIBITED H.7294 amended/S.2792 amended were signed into law on June 24 and are effective immediately. The law prohibits captive hunting of domestic or wild animals but, does […]

Yesterday, four dog-related amendments were filed to an omnibus economic development bill, H. 4789, that the Massachusetts House of Representatives is scheduled to debate and vote on Thursday, June 27, 2024. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Massachusetts residents to review amendment text below for any concerns and consider AKC’s recommendations. OPPOSE AMENDMENT #133, ELIMINATION […]

On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 2:00pm, the Delaware Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee will be considering a bill, which has already passed the House of Representatives, seeking to regulate barking dogs in the state.  See previous alert. Delaware residents are encouraged to contact the committee and express your concerns with House Bill 124.  Scroll […]

On Friday, June 21, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law three bills that affect dogs and dog owners in Florida: CS/HB 87, among other provisions, allows the use of lethal force against a bear when necessary to avoid an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to a person or pet, or substantial […]

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. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the serious health threats posed by the recent, continuing import of unhealthy dogs using fraudulent veterinary/import paperwork, and supports CDC’s intention of protecting […]

American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) staff have met with staff of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as key members of Congress to discuss the CDC’s recently finalized rule on the importation of dogs.  AKC continues to be concerned with the disproportionate impact the new rule will […]

The Louisiana Support and Service Animal Integrity Act (House Bill 407), which establishes requirements for support animals and service dogs, was signed by Governor Jeff Landry as Act No. 558 and takes effect August 1, 2024. As stated in the Act, its purpose is to “restore integrity into the process of determining whether an individual […]

On Monday, June 24, 2024, the House Judiciary Committee will consider legislation aimed at addressing concerns by boarding kennels along the state borders. Recent changes to Pennsylvania’s Dog Law (Act 18 of 2023) requires a certified certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) from a dog’s home state in order to be boarded in Pennsylvania licensed boarding […]