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.

  • U.S. Congress Update: House Passes Beagle Brigade Act, Supporting Detection Dogs December 20, 2024
    On Wednesday, following 40 minutes of floor debate, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Beagle Brigade Act (S. 759) to support U.S. detection dogs. The Senate passed this measure in November. The bill now goes to the President for his signature. AKC has been pleased to advocate over several years for passage of this […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • New Jersey – Committee Approves a Substitute Bill Restricting Dog Sales December 18, 2024
    The New Jersey Assembly Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture Committee has voted to adopt a substitute version of Assembly Bill 4051, which impacts the state’s consumer protection laws for pet purchases and implements a statewide ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by pet shops. After hearing testimony from several parties both opposed […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • Federal Update: CDC to Revisit Dog Importation Rules in 2025 December 18, 2024
    The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided public notice that it will propose revisions and certifications to the requirements for the importation of dogs that it finalized earlier in 2024. The dog import rule that was implemented in August 2024 was designed to limit the public health risk of dogs being […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • U.S. Congress Update: House Passes Working Dog Health And Welfare Act December 18, 2024
    Yesterday, the U.S House of Representatives passed S. 2414, the Working Dog Health and Welfare Act. The Senate passed the measure in January. The bill now goes to the President for his signature. AKC strongly supports this measure to ensure implementation of recommendations for protections and standards of care for U.S. Government Working Dogs as […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • NJ Bill Eliminating Consumer Protections for Pet Purchasers, Restricting Dog Sales to be Considered Monday, December 16 December 12, 2024
    On Monday, December 16, the New Jersey Assembly Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture Committee will consider Assembly Bill 4051, which seeks to repeal the state’s consumer protection laws for pet purchases and implement a statewide ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by pet shops.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all  dog […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • Michigan: Non-Economic Damages for Service Dogs Advancing December 12, 2024
    A bill is advancing in the Michigan House of Representatives that would allow a person to receive “non-economic” damages for mental anguish, fright and shock, and loss of companionship caused by the injury or death of their service animal. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Michigan residents to contact your State Representative today to express […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • San Antonio City Council Amends Spay/Neuter, At-Large and Dangerous Dog Policy December 11, 2024
    Recently, the San Antonio City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that allows city Animal Control Services (ACS) to spay and neuter at-large dogs and significantly increases fines for at-large dogs and dangerous dog incidents.  Additionally, the ordinance protects the identity of individuals who report dangerous dog issues to local authorities. AKC expressed concerns about several […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • West Virginia: Upshur County to Consider Animal Control Law Changes Tomorrow (12/12) December 11, 2024
    Tomorrow, Thursday, December 12, 2024, the County Commission of Upshur County, West Virginia, will be taking public comment on a proposed ordinance seeking to address at-large and dangerous dogs in the county. Residents are encouraged to contact the County Commission and participate in the hearings on December 12 and December 19, 2024, to express your […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • Michigan: Committee to Consider Non-Economic Damages for Service Dogs TOMORROW December 10, 2024
    Tomorrow (Wednesday, December 11), the Michigan House Judiciary Committee will consider a bill that would allow a person to receive “non-economic” damages for mental anguish, fright and shock, and loss of companionship caused by the injury or death of their service animal. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Michigan residents to contact the committee today […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • DeKalb Co., GA, Pet Breeder/Seller Restriction Ordinance Deferred to 1/21/25 December 9, 2024
    An overreaching proposed ordinance that seeks to place restrictions on pet breeders and on individuals who transfer/give away/sell pets will be deferred until January 2025. Per county staff: At the December 3 County Operations Committee meeting, the ordinance was recommended for deferral to the Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners next meets tomorrow, December […]
    AKC Government Relations