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.
- New California Laws Regulate Dog Sales – What They Mean for Breeders and Rescues October 22, 2025In September 2024, the Los Angeles Times published an extensive report on the market for dog importation into California. The investigative report described a market filled with unscrupulous brokers masquerading as animal rescues; these actors often sold sick puppies while fraudulently masking their origin; in some cases, these puppies were falsely advertised as being AKC-registered. […]AKC Government Relations
- California: 2025 Legislative Session Draws to a Close October 14, 2025Yesterday, California’s 2025 legislative session came to a close as Governor Gavin Newsom had a midnight deadline to act on bills that landed on his desk. AKC appreciates all who helped throughout the year to protect the rights of responsible dog owners; we are most successful when working together. Your actions made a difference for […]AKC Government Relations
- Oregon Update: Renewed Push for “Animal Cruelty” Ballot Measure – Do Not Sign! September 25, 2025Animal 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 […]AKC Government Relations
- California: Bills Regarding Dog Sales, Brokers on Governor’s Desk September 16, 2025Last 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 […]AKC Government Relations
- California: Ask Your State Senator to Support Consumer Protection September 5, 2025Friday, 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, […]AKC Government Relations
- Michigan: Bills Undermining Dog Owners’ Rights to Be Considered Tomorrow (9/4) September 3, 2025A 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 […]AKC Government Relations
- MA Alert: Support Counting the Number of Rescue Dogs Imported Annually to Massachusetts! August 29, 2025At 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 […]AKC Government Relations
- Delaware Information: Governor Signs Bill Removing “Sunset” Provision on Compensatory Damages August 28, 2025On 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 […]AKC Government Relations
- California Information: New Law Limits Powers of HOAs August 20, 2025A 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 […]AKC Government Relations
- MA Update: Bills Impacting Dog Owners Advance August 19, 2025Two 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


