Animal Rights activists are again circulating petitions in Oregon to put an extreme measure on the November 2026 ballot that would criminalize the killing and breeding of animals. This initiative has been attempted in previous election cycles even though it has never qualified for the ballot. The campaign in favor the initiative has been raising […]

Last year the Los Angeles Times published a multi-year investigation into fraudulent business practices regarding the importation of dogs into the state for resale. In response, three bills were introduced in the State Legislature that seek to address the issues addressed in the article. All three bills have passed the Legislature and are on their […]

Friday, September 12, is the final day for the California Legislature to vote on legislation. One bill nearing the finish line is Assembly Bill 506, which expands disclosure requirements for transferers of dogs (cats and rabbits, too) and increases consumer protection rights for purchasers of dogs. The bill, which includes some language recommended by AKC, […]

A Michigan Senate committee has scheduled a hearing for Thursday (September 4) on two bills (Senate Bills 293 and 294) that impact the rights of  dog owners whose animals being seized on charges of cruelty, and the payment of their care during impoundment. AKC appreciates that the bills clarify that if the owner is found […]

At its upcoming hearing on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, starting at 10AM, the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries (JCAF) will consider multiple bills, including these two: SUPPORT: ACT TO PROTECT ANIMAL HEALTH HB 2319 would require Massachusetts nonprofit animal rescues that import animals into the state to annually report: (1) the exact number […]

On August 20, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer signed a bill that removes the “Sunset” provision in current law that allows a person to receive compensatory damages when a person tortiously causes an injury to or death of a pet. With the approval of Senate Bill 118, a person is entitled to compensatory damages of the […]

A new law enacted in California expands protections for homeowners subject to Homeowner’s Associations (HOAs) by limiting possible fines and violations, among other changes. Summary of Assembly Bill 130: Assembly Bill 130 is a sweeping bill that expedites housing development by reforming the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and also places limits on HOAs. Changes […]

Two Massachusetts Joint Committees that have held public hearings on bills impacting dog owners recently advanced the following: UPDATING ANIMAL HEALTH INSPECTIONS HB 2253 and SB 1458 would require persons selling, exchanging or otherwise transferring the offspring of their personally-owned animals to be licensed, inspected, and regulated under the state’s authority to oversee pet shops. […]

AKC Government Relations has learned that the Asbury Park (NJ) City Council recently passed a new law to prohibit all breeding in the city – with no exceptions. The goal stated by the city was to address significant concerns with the care, treatment, and temperament of some who were breeding aggressive dogs in poor conditions. […]

Boulder City (Nevada) is considering a proposed ordinance to create a dog and cat breeding licensing regime at the regularly scheduled city council meeting. The proposal would create a breeding permit with required home inspections, a limit of 3 breeding animals, and minimum space requirements. At this time, there is no scheduled date set for […]