House Bill 415 passed by the New Mexico House of Representatives earlier this week contains language that could allow local mandatory spay/neuter policies to be enacted in the state. As introduced, HB 415 would have established a statewide spay and neuter account and allowed for an optional tax refund for those who contribute to the […]

The NY Assembly Agriculture Committee is scheduled to consider a bill tomorrow (Tuesday, March 10) that would ban the practice of debarking in the state unless it is medically necessary to treat an injury, illness, or congenital defect. The AKC opposes this bill, which would restrict the rights of responsible dog owners to make viable, […]

The Delaware Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Wednesday, March 18, that would amend the state definition of cruelty to include confining an animal unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in which the temperature would endanger the animal's health or safety. Senate Bill 22 would also allow law enforcement […]

Dear AKC Delegates, Club Officers, Judges and Breeders, Please forward this information to your club members in Washington State. The Washington State House Judiciary Committee will hear Senate Bill 5501 on Tuesday, March 17th. The measure will make it a class 2 civil infraction (punishable by a fine of up to $125) to "leave or […]

A bill has been approved by the U.S. House Rules Committee that would allow dog and cat owners to take their dogs on Amtrak trains under certain circumstances.  H.R. 749 is a comprehensive passenger train bill that in part would require Amtrak, when feasible, to designate at least one car where passengers may transport a […]

A bill pending in the Minnesota Senate seeks to modify requirements for and uses of certain traps used in hunting, and would require the reporting of pets or companion animals discovered to have been ensnared. The bill, Senate File 1325, will be considered by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee's Subcommittee on Fish and Wildlife […]

Attention Georgia Dog Owners Your action is needed to stop breed-specific legislation in Georgia. Senate Bill 184 would prohibit local governments from enacting laws that apply only to specific breeds or perceived breeds of dogs. SB 184 does not restrict local governments from enacting ordinances that apply to all dogs. In the next step toward […]

A bill recently introduced in the Iowa Senate would likely have an extremely damaging impact on breeders and fanciers.  This bill is expected to move very quickly.  It is imperative that Iowa dog owners and breeders contact their State Senator TODAY and ask them to oppose Senate File 168.  Click here to find the name […]

The Maryland House Economic Matters Committee is scheduled to consider a bill tomorrow (Tuesday, March 3) that contains some very troubling legislative findings (including implying that breeders are the reason dogs end up in shelters) and also restricts certain pet sales in the state. AKC encourages Maryland residents to contact the committee and respectfully educate […]

The Maryland House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Thursday, February 19, that would amend the state’s tethering laws and ban dogs from being left tethered outdoors in extreme hot or cold conditions.  However, like a Senate bill recently considered, this bill as introduced prohibits any dog from being tethered outside unattended […]