AKC Legislative Alerts
Learn the latest from AKC Government Relations and take action on bills that could impact responsible dog ownership, canine well being and your rights to own a dog.
- PA Alert: Philadelphia to Consider Proposal Seeking to Ban Breeding – CONTACT COMMITTEE NOW! January 23, 2026The Philadelphia City Council Committee on Rules has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, February 3, on Bill 250989, a proposal that would impose a three-year moratorium on the breeding and sale of puppies in Philadelphia. See previous alert. You are strongly encouraged to act now and mobilize others to protect responsible breeding and dog […]AKC Government Relations
- Iowa: Committee Considering Positive Updates to Dog Ownership Laws on Monday (1/26) January 23, 2026This week, an Iowa subcommittee advanced House Bill 2016, which expands and clarifies laws pertaining to dog ownership. The bill is expected to be considered by the House Judiciary Committee on Monday, January 26 at 4pm. AKC encourages Iowa dog owners to contact the committee in support of House File 2016, a bill drafted with […]AKC Government Relations
- Oregon Update: “Animal Cruelty” Ballot Measure Inching Closer to Qualifying- Do Not Sign! January 23, 2026Animal rights activists continue gathering signatures 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, although it has never qualified for the ballot. The campaign in favor of the initiative reports having collected 87,776 […]AKC Government Relations
- Iowa: Ask Committee to Support Bill Clarifying Dog Ownership Laws January 16, 2026An Iowa House subcommittee is considering a bill on Wednesday, January 21, that expands and clarifies laws pertaining to dog ownership. AKC encourages Iowa dog owners to contact the committee in support of House File 2016, a bill drafted with input from the AKC and some Iowa kennel clubs, which provides reasonable and important updates […]AKC Government Relations
- Washington: Ask Committee to Support Bill Protecting Dogs in Vehicles January 15, 2026The Washington State Senate Committee on Law and Justice is expected to hear a bill on Monday, January 19, that will protect dogs who may temporarily need to be kept in an unattended vehicle. AKC supports this bill that will allow owners flexibility should they need to leave a dog in a vehicle for a […]AKC Government Relations
- New Jersey Legislature Adjourns With Good News for Hobby Breeders January 13, 2026Yesterday, both chambers of the New Jersey General Assembly failed to act on bills banning retail pet stores that could have impacted home-based breeders. AKC thanks our partner, the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs, and the many individuals who took the time to contact members of the General Assembly in defeating these bills. Your […]AKC Government Relations
- New Jersey: Assembly Considering Bill Impacting Hobby Breeders – Call TODAY January 9, 2026 January 9, 2026The New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee has added amendments to a bill banning retail pet stores that could impact home-based breeders. The amendments are now identical to those added to Senate Bill 2511 in late December (Read AKC’s previous alert for more information) With the last voting day of the session scheduled for Monday, January […]AKC Government Relations
- Washington Information: Senate Considering Bill Allowing Volunteers to Assist With Animal Control January 8, 2026The Washington Senate Law and Justice Committee is considering a bill next week to, among other provisions, provide guidelines for when volunteers may be appointed to assist law enforcement with certain duties, including “animal control and caring for domestic animals”. While AKC understands the value of volunteers helping in certain aspects of community life, this […]AKC Government Relations
- Missouri: Ask Your Representative to Oppose Regulating Hobby Breeders as Commercial Entities January 2, 2026A bill has been pre-filed in the Missouri House of Representatives to require licensure and inspection of all breeders – including hobbyists. The bill was filed in response to media reports of a hobbyist in the state being charged with animal cruelty. The AKC absolutely agrees that all animals deserve life in a safe, humane […]AKC Government Relations
- NH Fish and Game Proposes Changes to Field Trial Application Form Rule December 29, 2025The American Kennel Club (AKC) is monitoring a proposal by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department that, in part, seeks to update Fis Chapter 814 regarding Field Trials. If adopted as proposed, Fis Section 814.03 – Field Trials Application Form, would be simplified to update the form’s date, provide a link to the form […]AKC Government Relations












