Tomorrow, September 27, 2016, the Palm Beach Board of County Commissioners will vote on proposed amendments to the county’s animal control ordinance. The provisions of the ordinance will be applicable to all incorporated and unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County, unless a municipal exemption applies. Although the proposal includes some positive provisions, the American Kennel […]

On September 27, 2016, the Palm Beach Board of County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing and final vote on proposed amendments to the animal control ordinance. The provisions of the ordinance will be applicable to all incorporated and unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County, unless a municipal exemption applies. Although the proposed ordinance includes […]

AKC Government Relations has just learned that the recently-formed Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter Citizens’ Advisory Committee will consider mandatory spay/neuter and breeder licensing recommendations at its meeting tonight.  It is imperative that all concerned Ouachita Parish residents, members of AKC-affiliated clubs, and fanciers and enthusiasts in the area appear at tonight’s public meeting and express […]

Assembly Bill 797, which seeks to allow private citizens to remove a companion animal from a vehicle if they believe that the animal is in imminent danger of suffering harm, is currently being considered by the California State Senate (second reading).    Summary: The AKC agrees that no person or animal should ever be left […]

Today, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published proposed updates to its regulations to make them consistent with existing requirements under the federal Animal Welfare Act AWA). These rules do not represent a change in current USDA policy regarding licensing. The proposed updates (known as a “proposed rule”) reflect changes to the […]

On Monday, June 20, a committee of Stamford, Connecticut’s Board of Representatives will accept public comment on proposed changes to Chapter 111 of the City’s Code of Ordinances.   Since the proposal was first considered, several changes have been made at the behest of resident responsible dog owners.  However, the proposal still seeks to create breeder […]

The Puerto Rico Senate Health and Nutrition Commission will hold a public hearing on P.S. 1631 on Tuesday, June 21.  P.S. 1631 would mandate the sterilization of all dogs in Puerto Rico, which punishes responsible owners and dog breeders and could endanger a dog’s health, while doing nothing to address the true issue. Talking Points: […]

AKC Government Relations has learned that New Jersey Senate Bill 63, which seeks to repeal consumer protection laws for New Jersey pet purchasers and restrict individuals’ choice of a purpose-bred dog, will likely be considered by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on Monday, June 20.  While a committee substitute may be introduced at Monday’s […]

AKC Government Relations has confirmed that New Jersey Senate Bill 63 will be heard by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on Thursday, June 23, at 10AM in Committee Room 4, 1st Floor of the State House Annex, Trenton (125 W State St #2, Trenton, NJ 08608).  As currently written, the bill seeks to repeal […]

The Sarasota County Commission will discuss a proposed amendment to an ordinance adopted in April of 2016. The staff is recommending that the hobby breeder definition be eliminated and that the definition of “Commercial Establishment” be modified to more clearly exclude those who engage in occasional sales and responsible hobby breeding. This action is in […]