An Illinois committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, April 19, that would make several changes to the laws regarding those charged with cruelty and whose animals are seized. AKC’s concerns with HB 4443 include the following: Requirement that peace officers arrest without a warrant or “issue a notice to appear in person” […]

House Bill 403 seeks to define outside confinement requirements and limit tethering for dogs.  As written, this bill could criminalize owners who utilize appropriate and humane kenneling and turn-out options for their dogs. HB 403 has been placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee at […]

The Maryland Senate is expected to consider a bill any day that contains some very troubling legislative findings (including implying that breeders are the reason dogs end up in shelters). The purpose of the bill is to ensure that pet stores and dealers in Maryland only obtain dogs from reputable breeders, and many positive amendments […]

A bill is advancing in the New York Assembly that would require all USDA Class A dealers to purchase municipal dog licenses, among other requirements. Current law requires that dog owners in cities with populations over 2 million must obtain dog licenses and have their dogs vaccinated against rabies if the dog is over 4 […]

A bill is moving in the New York Senate that would make it a crime to steal a pet from an owner’s or lawful custodian’s private property.  New York residents are encouraged to contact their State Senator and ask them to support Senate Bill 423.  The bill has passed Senate committees and is pending a […]

The Illinois Senate State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Thursday, March 17, that would allow officers or employees who had custody or control of a service, police, or search and rescue dog the option to keep the dog on its retirement from service.  The American Kennel Club supports […]

UPDATE: Committee Hearing Scheduled for SB 945 Please contact the author and members of the Senate Business and Professions Committee if you have concerns about SB 945. Details of the legislation are available below the list of committee members. Senator Bill Monning, Author Email: Senator.Monning@senate.ca.gov Phone: 916-651-4017 Senate Business and Professions Committee Hearing Date: Monday, […]

New Jersey Senate Bill 63, which seeks to limit consumer choice and remove consumer protections for New Jersey dog purchasers, was recently amended and approved by the Senate Economic Growth Committee by a 3-2 vote.  The bill has been referred to a second committee, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, for further consideration.  Click here […]

March 11, 2016 AKC Government Relations is pleased to report that this bill failed to pass prior to the close of the legislative session. We thank all those who reached out to their legislators throughout this session.  March 10, 2016 The Utah Senate may soon consider Senate Bill 253 which would amend the state’s tethering […]

Senate Bill 945 which will establish standards of care for pet boarding facilities has been amended and may impact more fanciers and responsible dog owners. The bill now defines a pet boarding facility as “any lot, building, structure, enclosure or other premises whereupon two or more dogs, cats or other pets in any combination are boarded […]