Legislative Alerts

The Horry County Council will hold a first reading on a proposed animal ordinance tomorrow, October 19, 2021. Animal owners are urged to review the proposed ordinance and express their concerns to council members.  Click to view the agenda and proposed ordinance. The American Kennel Club (AKC) thanks county staff who have been responsive to […]

The city of Muscatine, Iowa is considering a repeal of its breed ban in effect since 2003. The city council will hold a special meeting for public comment on Thursday, October 28. Dog owners and interested members of the public should attend the meeting and encourage city council to repeal the breed ban. City ordinance […]

At its October 20, 2021 Council meeting, Conshohocken (PA) Borough will be considering an ordinance that will amend the existing animal control regulations including that prohibits off-leash animals. Chapter 2 of the Conshohocken’s Borough Code has not been updated in over 30 years.  The proposed ordinance seeks to provide an update to Chapter 2 addressing many concerns […]

The Massachusetts Joint Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee (JPSHSC) has voted to favorably release Nero’s Law, HB 2547 and SB 1606, which would allow emergency care and transportation for a police dog injured in the line of duty.  The measure will now advance to the Senate for further consideration. The contribution these working dogs […]

Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the requirements and eligibility guidelines for people applying for a CDC Dog Import Permit to bring their dog into the United States from a country at high-risk for canine rabies (dog rabies). The following requirements will be in place until January 7, 2022: Dogs with […]

On Tuesday, the Texas House State Affairs Committee passed Senate Bill 5 by a vote of 7-1, with 5 absent committee members. Senate Bill 5 is similar to Senate Bill 474 which was passed and sent to the governor during the Texas regular 2021 legislative session, but the governor ultimately vetoed the bill. This legislation […]

AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) recently posted an alert regarding proposed changes to the town of Yarmouth’s dog ordinances.  AKC GR’s alert with detailed concerns can be viewed here. A letter with recommendations was submitted to the town council by AKC GR.  The draft proposal now includes AKC GR’s recommendations. Local residents are encouraged to […]

Massachusetts Senate Bill 885 and House Bill 1437, which protect dog owners in Massachusetts from housing and insurance breed discrimination, are scheduled for a virtual public hearing on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 before the Joint Committee on Housing at 11am. The COVID-19 pandemic threatened to alter housing arrangements for Massachusetts residents unable to pay their […]

Texas continues its third special session of the year, and now four bills relating to tethering are pending in the House State Affairs Committee: Senate Bill 5 and its companion House Bills 34, 70, and 104 are very similar to Senate Bill 474, which was passed but then vetoed by the governor during the state’s […]

Tomorrow, September 28, a Michigan committee is considering two bills that address the issue of animals being seized, and the payment of their care during impoundment.  As written, they could cause someone to permanently lose their animals even if they are ultimately found not guilty. AKC strongly believes that those who treat animals in a […]