The American Kennel Club (AKC) has learned that the Barnstable, Massachusetts, Department of Animal Control held an October 18 public hearing on changes to its dog regulations.  The proposal would: Establish a new “multiple dog licenses” category for a private residence maintaining four to six dogs or for breeding dogs for show or sport which […]

The California State Legislature has adjourned for the year, and the deadline has passed for the Governor to take action on legislation sent to his desk.   Overall, AKC is pleased with the outcome of the 2023 legislative session. AKC is proud to have supported a bill that will make Californians safer by providing access to […]

This week, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 746 into law (Act No. 18 of 2023), which makes several changes to the Commonwealth’s Dog Law, including requirements for licensed kennels (including rescues).  The Act becomes effective on January 21, 2024, and includes several changes including removing the difference in license fees for intact and sterilized animals.  It also […]

In the coming weeks, both Monroe Township and the Borough of Hillsdale in New Jersey will consider ordinances to restrict pet stores to selling only dogs sourced from shelters and rescues. Monroe Township: On Monday, October 23, at 7PM, Monroe Township will consider Ordinance O:40-2023 entitled “Animal Control”, which will prohibit pet stores from selling […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Seven state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session, and two state legislatures are in special session. AKC Government Relations is currently tracking more than 1,500 local, state, and federal issues. The following are highlights of current legislation around the […]

Updated October 6, 2023 with email addresses for Floyd County Commissioners. Please scroll down to view this new contact information. URGENT:  Please share this information with dog owners, breeders, conformation and event participants, sportsmen, and hunters in Floyd County, Georgia. A brief public hearing and vote to enact mandatory spay/neuter of dogs 6 months of […]

URGENT:  Please share this information with dog owners, breeders, conformation and event participants, sportsmen, and hunters in Floyd County, Georgia. A brief public hearing and vote to enact mandatory spay/neuter of dogs 6 months of age and older is scheduled for next Tuesday morning, October 10, 2023, at 9:30am by the Floyd County, GA, Board […]

Late yesterday, the American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) learned that the Louisville Metro Council will consider a problematic animal ordinance tomorrow, Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 6PM.  The proposal seeks to: Define “retail pet store” as a commercial establishment that sells or offers for sale animals on its premises at retail, irrespective […]

The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (JCMRG) has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 1pm to 5pm, and will accept comments until October 3, on multiple animal bills, including two opposed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). TO INCREASE KENNEL SAFETY, AKA “OLLIE’S LAW” In the wake of […]

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 5:00pm, the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Council Public Safety Committee will meet via videoconference to consider a proposed animal ordinance that, among other provisions, seeks to: Define “retail pet store” as a commercial establishment that sells or offers for sale animals on its premises at retail and notwithstanding what type […]