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.

  • UPDATE—DeKalb County, GA, Overreaching Animal Ordinance IS on 10/8/24 Agenda (TOMORROW) October 7, 2024
    The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to take action on a problematic litter permitting and pet transfer ordinance at its meeting tomorrow (Tuesday morning, October 8, 2024). This ordinance would apply to and require the payment of fees by every county resident who, in the future, may have reason to give away, sell, […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • DeKalb County, GA: Litter Permits, Onerous Breeding Restrictions on Agenda for 10/8/24 October 4, 2024
    DeKalb County, GA: Litter Permits, Onerous Breeding Restrictions on Agenda for 10/8/24   The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners could take action on a problematic litter permit and pet sales ordinance at its Tuesday, October 8, 2024, meeting. It is important for commissioners to hear from constituents with concerns about this vague, overreaching proposal. Scroll […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • Texas: Longview Advisory Committee Recommends Mandatory Spay/Neuter and Breeder Permits October 1, 2024
    The Longview Animal Shelter Advisory Committee has approved an ordinance mandating spaying/neutering, creating intact animal permits, and establishing an animal breeder license. The Longview City Council will consider this ordinance package in the coming weeks. Local news reports indicate the ordinance is intended to address shelter overpopulation issues. How to Help The City Council needs […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • Fairfield Co., SC: Radical Dog Ordinance Sent Back to Committee September 25, 2024
    Thanks to the quick action of animal owners in Fairfield County, South Carolina, the county council unanimously decided to send a radical animal ordinance back to committee. The same ordinance or a revised version could be considered at a future date. NEXT STEPS:  Resident animal owners are urged to continue working with their county council […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • MA Status Update: Ollie’s Law Signed by Governor September 24, 2024
    On Friday, September 20, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy signed “Ollie’s Law” into law as Chapter 213 of the Acts of 2024. The new law will take effect in 90 days. The Department of Agricultural Resources (the department), with advice from the committee as established in subsection (b) of Section 7 of the Act, is required […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • Fairfield Co, SC, to Vote Mon. (9/23) on Radical Fees & Rules for Show, Hunting & Breeding Dogs September 20, 2024
    A second and enacting vote is likely to be held Monday, September 23, 2024, on a proposed Fairfield County ordinance that seeks to establish problematic requirements and numerous new fees for dog and cat owners, exhibitors, breeders, and sportsmen. What you can do:  Concerned dog owners are urged to immediately contact county council members to […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • MA Status Update: Ollie’s Law Sent to Governor September 16, 2024
    During its informal session on Thursday, September 12, the Massachusetts House of Representatives agreed to an amended version of “Ollie’s Law” that had previously been adopted by the Senate on July 31, 2024.  The bill now awaits Governor Maura Healy’s signature or veto. HISTORY As originally worded, Ollie’s Law would have undermined Massachusetts purebred dog […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • Arizona: Phoenix Activists Pushing for Breeder Regulations September 13, 2024
    AKC understands that local animal rights groups are putting increased pressure on local cities in Arizona (particularly Phoenix) to enact breeder regulations in an effort to address shelter population concerns.  This is a trend we are increasingly  seeing in cities throughout the United States. While nothing has been formally introduced, now is the time for […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • California Update: Two Law Enforcement K-9 Bills Do Not Advance September 9, 2024
    Saturday, August 31, marked the close of California’s 2024 legislative session. Throughout the session American Kennel Club (AKC) has closely watched two bills that would affect how law enforcement K-9s are deployed in the state. Although the bills advanced out of the state Assembly, neither were voted on by the full state Senate; and neither […]
    AKC Government Relations
  • Sherwood, AR: Proposal to End Breed Discrimination Withdrawn September 4, 2024
    A proposed ordinance that would have lifted restrictions on ownership of “pit bull” dogs in Sherwood, Arkansas, has been withdrawn. As a result of this action, Sherwood’s animal ordinance continues to prohibit the ownership of: Pit Bull Terriers Staffordshire Bull Terriers American Pit Bull Terriers American Staffordshire Terriers American Bull Dogs Mixed breed dogs with […]
    AKC Government Relations