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.

  • Texas: Abilene City Council Considering Mandatory Spay and Neuter Ordinance, Hearing Feb 27 February 19, 2025
    On February 27, the Abilene City Council is holding its second hearing on an animal ordinance that would significantly impact pet owners in the city. The ordinance includes two key problematic provisions: Mandatory spay/neuter for all dogs and cats over six months old. An exemption only for those who obtain a commercial breeder permit – even […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • CT Alert: Hearing Tuesday on Creating Taskforce to Study Provision of Emergency Treatment and Transportation to Injured Police Canines February 14, 2025
    On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security will accept public testimony on HB 6964, which would create a taskforce to study what provisions could be made in certain circumstances to allow emergency medical services personnel to provide emergency treatment and transportation to an injured police K-9. […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • NH: Oppose Novel and Expansive Animal Cruelty Definition February 13, 2025
    On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the New Hampshire (NH) Senate Judiciary Committee will hear public testimony on SB 290, which seeks to add a definition of “torture” to NH’s animal cruelty law. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is deeply concerned that, as currently worded, SB 290 could be used as the basis for inappropriate criminal […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • Hawai’i: Commercial Breeder Bill Advancing, AKC Amendment Included February 11, 2025
    Yesterday, a bill regulating commercial dog breeders advanced from committee that included an amendment requested by the AKC to further clarify how a commercial breeder should be defined in the state. The AKC thanks the Pacific Pet Alliance and other passionate Hawaiians for their efforts to protect responsible dog owners and hobbyists in the state. […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • GA: Support Bill Allowing Protection Orders for Pets February 10, 2025
    Georgia House Bill 177 seeks to provide protection for household pets in both family violence and dating violence protective orders.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all Georgia dog owners to contact the House Judiciary Committee to express support for HB 177 prior to the hearing tomorrow (Tuesday, February 11) at 1:00 pm. (Scroll down […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • New Jersey: Bill Regulating All Trainers Held by Sponsor February 10, 2025
    A bill regulating virtually all dog trainers in New Jersey has been held by the sponsor after overwhelming opposition and concerns were raised. New Jersey Senate Bill 3814 sought to establish the “Dog Training Licensing Board” to license and regulate dog trainers.  In addition, the board would establish a training philosophy that must be used […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • Missouri: Ask Committee to Support Bill Protecting Owners Rights for Confiscated Animals February 7, 2025
    The Missouri Agriculture Policy Committee is considering a bill on Tuesday, February 11, that would make several changes to protect dogs and the rights of dog owners when animals are seized on suspicion of neglect or abuse.  The purpose of the bill is to protect the rights of the accused and ensure they are treated […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • Hawai’i: Committee to Consider Regulating Commercial Dog Breeders on Monday February 7, 2025
    Hawai’i Senate Bill 593, a bill that seeks to regulate commercial dog breeders by establishing a definition for what constitutes as a dog breeder in Hawai’i, sets a statewide limit law for intact dogs, and establishes standards of care has been scheduled for its first committee hearing on Monday, February 10. Hawai’i club members and […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • New York: Ask Your State Senator to Support Protecting Renters from Breed Discrimination February 7, 2025
    The New York Senate will likely soon consider a bill that would provide new protections to dog-owning renters in the state seeking renters insurance. New Yorkers are encouraged to contact their state senator today and ask them to support Senate Bill 364. State law already prohibits insurance companies from canceling or denying policies or raising […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • CT Alert: Hearing Monday – Oppose Statewide Pet Retail Ban February 6, 2025
    The Connecticut Joint Committee on General Law has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, February 10, 2025, that includes HB 5112, which would impose a statewide ban on the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits, beginning October 1, 2025. (This is in addition to another bill heard last week that seeks to allow individual […]
    AKC Government Relations