The State of Connecticut has appointed a task force to investigate the sale of dogs and cats in Connecticut and they are holding a public hearing in Fairfield on Wednesday, October 16th.  Upon completion of these public hearings, it is expected that the task force will draft legislation for consideration in 2014. It is vitally […]

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) released a finalized version of new federal regulations that narrow the definition of a “retail pet store” with the purpose of bringing internet-based pet breeders and sellers under the regulation of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).  The rule, originally proposed in […]

The Maryland General Assembly adjourned late yesterday without passing Senate Bill 160, which would have overturned the Tracey v. Solesky court of appeals ruling. The original ruling, issued in April 2012, declared all "pit bulls" as inherently dangerous and held landlords liable for any actions caused by these dogs on their properties. On reconsideration in […]

Maine LD 1239, sponsored by Representative Paul Davis, seeks to clarify, streamline, and promote fair animal welfare laws in Maine. The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes LD 1239 represents an improvement over current Maine law, and joins the Federation of Maine Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (Maine Federation) in support of LD 1239.  Maine […]

The West Virginia Legislature has passed Senate Bill 437, which will regulate those who own 11 or more intact dogs over one year of age "for the exclusive purpose of actively breeding." The bill now goes to the governor for his signature. Those who keep or breed dogs "for the purpose of herding or guarding […]

A number of legislative bills have been filed in Maine that could ultimately impact the state's dog breeders and owners.  While some may prove beneficial to responsible dog breeders and owners, other may prove troublesome.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) urges all concerned residents of Maine to learn about the bills detailed below and to […]

The Township Committee of Mendham Township, New Jersey, will consider changes to its animal control ordinance on Tuesday, October 23, 2012. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all interested New Jersey residents to attend Tuesday's meeting and voice concerns with the ordinance. Dating back to late 2011, the Mendham Township Committee attempted to address some […]

On Monday, the Oklahoma House overwhelmingly approved Senate Bill 1919 by a vote of 86-1, which would make many positive changes to the state's commercial pet breeder law. Thanks to the phone calls and e-mails sent by responsible Oklahoma pet breeders and dog owners, the House approved all amendments made by the House Agriculture, Wildlife, […]

Louisiana legislative staff has confirmed with AKC's Government Relations Department that today's consideration of Louisiana House Bill 163 by the House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development Committee was voluntarily deferred. This means that no action was taken, and the bill remains in committee. The bill may, however, be considered at a future committee hearing. […]

Several bills important to dog owners will be considered by two committees of the New York Assembly on Thursday, April 26, 2012. The American Kennel Club encourages all concerned New York dog owners to consider the provisions of these bills, and to contact the respective committee members with their concerns. ASSEMBLY BILL 3507 – AB […]