Purebred dog fanciers from all over California and beyond have been quick to respond in opposition to SB1548, legislation that would make it a misdemeanor to crop a dog's ears. AKC applauds your efforts, and we ask that you continue to politely contact Sen. Figueroa in this regard. The Honorable Liz Figueroa (D-10) Fremont State […]

In the wake of Boston's recent enactment of a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance, Massachusetts fanciers should be on the lookout for similar legislation in their municipalities. The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners has notified AKC that two cities, Fitchburg and Leominster, are considering proposals similar to Boston's new ordinance, which severely […]

On Wednesday, July 28, SB1548 was amended to clarify an enforcement question by including the following language: "Any person who crops the ears of any dog or procures the cropping of a dog's ears within the State of California, except for treatment of disease or injury of the dog, is guilty of a misdemeanor." For […]

Good news for Garden State fanciers! The New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs reports that Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, sponsor of A2324, has stated his intention to withdraw the bill from consideration. A2324, which would require any individual who sells ten or more animals per year to register with and face regulation by their municipality, […]

Following the recent defeat of proposed breeder regulations, New Jersey dog owners barely had time to catch their breaths before Senator Sharpe James, who is also Mayor of Newark, introduced the "Responsible Pit Bull Ownership Act" (S1718) late last week. S1718 Would Allow a Municipality To: Require a special license for all "pit bulls" ($150-700)-including […]

The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners reports that the Budget Conference Committee has approved the final version of the state budget, and it does not include a House-approved amendment requiring regulation of those who breed and sell more than five litters of puppies or kittens per year. This development is welcome […]

California fanciers, take note! The Animal Council reports that SB1548, a bill pertaining to veterinary medicine, was amended last week to include a ban on ear cropping for dogs. Violators will be charged with a misdemeanor unless the procedure was done for treatment of disease or injury to the dog. The bill defines "disease or […]

SB1548, which includes language that would make ear cropping a misdemeanor, easily passed the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions this week. The majority of the bill pertains to other aspects of veterinary medicine and has the support of the veterinary community. AKC is therefore urging fanciers to contact the bill sponsor and ask her […]

The AKC has learned that Massachusetts's budget bill was sent to conference committee late last week. Thanks in large part to lobbying efforts by purebred dog fanciers, the Senate version of the bill does not appear to contain any language that will impact breeders. However, the House version does still include an amendment that would […]

AB 2513 effectively died on May 27, 2004 when sponsor Assembly Member Lloyd Levine moved the bill to the "inactive file" rather than push for a vote on the Assembly floor. May 28th was the deadline for all California bills to have passed their house of origin, so AB 2513 may not be considered again […]