The deadline for introduction of bills to be considered by North Carolina's General Assembly came and went last week without a word about the long-debated "Animal Protection Act." The draft legislation, which resulted from nearly a year's worth of work by the House Interim Committee on the Prevention and Disposition of Unwanted and Abandoned Companion […]

A2324, which would require anyone who sells or transfers ten or more animals per year to be licensed and regulated by their municipality, continues to threaten responsible breeding programs in New Jersey. The bill could be scheduled for a vote by the Assembly at any time, and though many fanciers have contacted their representatives in […]

Attention Boston dog owners! Councillors Rob Consalvo and James Kelly have introduced an ordinance that requires residents to register their "pit bulls" with the city at a cost of $50 annually. Pit bulls are defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, or any mix of those breeds. The measure also […]

California legislators are once again attempting to regulate hobby breeders. Introduced by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, AB2513 establishes the "Humane Control of Dog and Cat Overpopulation Act of 2004."   The bill will: Prohibit the sale of unaltered dogs and cats unless the seller has obtained a permit. Create two types of permits. The first will […]

The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs reports that late-night budget talks in the House last week resulted in yet another change to Rep. Kujawksi's proposed breeder amendment. The final budget bill that was sent to the Senate for consideration now requires regulation for those who breed and sell more than five litters of puppies or […]

Congratulations to the Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs, purebred dog fanciers, and animal organizations throughout the state on their recent efforts to prohibit breed-specific legislation in the Centennial State. Thanks to tireless lobbying by these groups, Governor Bill Owens signed H1279 into law last week, effective immediately. Among other changes to the state's dangerous dog […]

Despite opposition from concerned dog owners and fanciers at a public hearing in Boston on Thursday, April 29th, legislators appear resolute in their support of a breed-specific ordinance. The proposal now heads to committee for further consideration. If enacted, the measure would: Require residents to register their "pit bulls" with the city at a cost […]

Sporting badges and patriotic ribbons to identify themselves as responsible animal owners, purebred dog fanciers, hunters, cat fanciers, and other concerned animal groups joined the American Kennel Club April 6 at a public hearing in Raleigh on proposed changes to the state's animal care and control laws. An impressive turnout of dog owners from every […]

For well over a year, Indiana field trialers and hunt test enthusiasts have been frustrated by the Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife's efforts to limit access to state lands for dog training, exercise, and other canine events. Concerned dog owners will soon have an opportunity to impact this policy. IDNR has […]

Urgent help is needed from Massachusetts dog owners regarding a proposed budget amendment that will negatively affect responsible breeders. The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs reports that having been unsuccessful at pushing through an onerous commercial breeder licensing bill (H4537), Rep. Paul Kujawski plans to introduce an amendment to the House budget bill on April […]