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: New Senate Farm Bill Includes Dangerous Anti-Breeder Proposals. Take Action Now November 19, 2024
    Congress is back in Washington for the lame-duck session and working to quickly move major legislation, such as the Farm Bill, not completed before the election. Yesterday, the Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Stabenow (D-MI) released the Senate version of the federal farm bill, The Rural Prosperity and Security Act of 2024, for immediate consideration. Unlike […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • DeKalb Co., GA, Committee Meeting on Pet Breeder/Seller Restrictions Now on November 19 November 15, 2024
    Consideration of an overreaching proposed animal ordinance in DeKalb County that seeks to place restrictions on pet breeders and on individuals who transfer/give away/sell pets has been rescheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The County Operations Committee (OPS Committee) will meet to discuss the proposed ordinance at 1:00pm at 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA 30030.  […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • Oklahoma: Updates to Import, Seizure Regulations Open for Comment November 14, 2024
    The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) has proposed changes to two administrative rules pertaining to dogs. Docket No. 24-1072 seeks to make changes related to certificates of veterinary inspection.  The proposed rules update: The definition of certificate of veterinary inspection by adding, “An APHIS 7001 form shall not be considered an official […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • U.S. Congress: Bad Breeder Laws Could Advance Quickly in Lame Duck – Take Action Now November 12, 2024
    Congress is returning to Washington this week for the brief lame-duck session. Major legislation, including House and Senate versions of a Farm Bill that contain new regulations for dog breeders, could be passed very quickly before the end of the year.  Already, lobbyists for animal rights groups are actively pushing to add language from the […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • CA Alert: Seaside to Vote on Breeder, Intact Ownership Licensing on November 21 November 12, 2024
    Summary: On Thursday, November 21, the Seaside City Council (Monterey County) will consider the adoption of multiple changes to the animal control laws – including unaltered dog licenses and permits to breed one dog in the city. This will be the only opportunity to oppose these measures, so it is critical to voice your opposition […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • DeKalb Co., GA UPDATE: 11/8/24 Meeting on Dog Restrictions Cancelled, Will Be Rescheduled November 6, 2024
    A meeting of the DeKalb County, Georgia, County Operations Committee (OPS Committee), which was scheduled for Friday, November 8, 2024, has been cancelled. The meeting agenda included discussion of an overreaching proposed animal ordinance that seeks to require litter permits; limitations on residents who might have the need to give away, sell, or transfer ownership […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • DeKalb Co., GA: Committee to Consider Onerous Breeding Restrictions on Friday, 11/8/24 November 1, 2024
    An overreaching proposed animal ordinance that includes litter permits and other problematic provisions will be considered by the DeKalb County (Georgia) Operations Committee (OPS Committee) on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 9:30am. This ordinance has been under consideration throughout most of 2024. It is important for OPS Committee members and your DeKalb County commissioners to […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • Colorado: AKC Joins Veterinarians, State Federation in Opposing Prop 129 October 30, 2024
    The American Kennel Club joins the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs, and multiple other organizations in opposing Colorado Proposition 129, which is on the ballot for the November 2024 elections. Colorado Proposition 129 seeks to address the concern of veterinary shortages by creating a new Veterinary Professional Associate credential that […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • Ojai, California Adopts Severe Dog Breeding Restrictions, Highlights Need for Local Government Vigilance by Fanciers and Breeders October 28, 2024
    On October 22, the Ojai City Council voted 4-1 to adopt a first-in-the-nation law that prohibits the breeding of dogs and cats with “congenital anatomical features” that are likely to cause the animal or its offspring to suffer pain, deformity, or difficult expressing natural behaviors, difficulty breathing, difficultly with physical exertion or exercise, or difficulty […]
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  • Delaware: Governor Signs Barking Dogs Legislation October 15, 2024
    Governor John Carney has signed legislation that will regulate barking dogs across the state.  It will go into effect on October 9, 2025. While the legislation does not take effect for nearly a year, AKC encourages you to be mindful of the changes and how this new law may impact you and your dog. Summary: […]
    AKC Government Relations