Connecticut law already allows the owner of a companion animal that has been intentionally injured or killed to collect economic damages (i.e., claims substantiated by a specific cost), including veterinary care cost and the monetary value of the animal.  Connecticut Senate Bill 228 would go a drastic step further and allow non-economic damages in cases […]

On Wednesday, February 24, the Rhode Island House Health, Education, and Welfare Committee will consider several dog-related bills, including House Bill 7062, which seeks to further restrict the practice of humane tethering of dogs.  Current Rhode Island law provides specific exemptions from the state’s restrictions on the practice of tethering animals.  Exempted parties include licensed […]

The American Kennel Club cares deeply about the welfare of all dogs and supports the ability of law enforcement or public safety officers to remove dogs from vehicles when they are in distress due to heat or other environmental conditions that present an immediate danger to the dog. However, a number of bills were introduced […]

Bills are moving in both the Iowa House and Senate that would further regulate those who maintain four or more intact dogs and receive any kind of consideration for breeding or transferring even one dog.  The bills have now passed subcommittee and could be considered by the full committees any time.  It is essential that […]

The Senate Commerce Committee has just scheduled a hearing on SF 502 for TOMORROW (February 18).  This bill would further regulate anyone who has four or more intact dogs and receive any kind of consideration for breeding or transferring even one dog.  Friday is the last day for bills to be passed out of committee, […]

The New York Assembly Agriculture Committee is considering a bill on Tuesday, February 9, that would clarify current law regarding minimum standards for dogs kept in outdoor shelters.  Current law already provides minimum requirements for dogs kept outdoors in inclement weather and extreme temperatures.  Assembly Bill 7033 contains reasonable clarifications to these requirements that would […]

A Wisconsin Senate committee is scheduled to consider a bill TOMORROW (Thursday, February 4) that is identical to the Assembly bill making it more difficult to reclaim lost dogs, or dogs seized on suspicion of a violation of a state animal law.  Changes of concern in the bill include: Shortening the time in which an […]

The Sarasota County Commission will consider a proposed ordinance which will define hobby breeders and possibly limit the amount of animals they may own and/or the number of litter they may have in a year. The measure also attempts to restrict the sales of pets from legal, licensed and regulated pet sellers. All breeders and […]

A Maryland Senate Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on February 11 that will provide further protections for owners of service animals.  Senate Bill 264 creates two new provisions that would protect service dogs and their owners.  It amends the crime of aggravated cruelty to state that a person may not intentionally inflict bodily […]

The Joint Municipalities and Regional Government Committee of the Massachusetts General Court is scheduled to consider 14 legislative proposals at its next meeting on Thursday, January 21, 2016.  Included in the agenda are bills pertaining to dogs.  All concerned Massachusetts dog owners are encouraged to contact the members of the Joint Municipalities and Regional Government […]