Legislative Alerts

On Thursday, February 9, 2023, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Safety and Security Committee will accept public testimony on a list of bills, including SB 932, relative to protections for police K-9 and volunteer search and rescue dogs.  The bill would (1) increase the penalty for intentionally injuring a police K-9 or dog in a […]

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has proposed changes to the General Regulations Relating to Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and to Wildlife and Environmental Areas (WEAs).  The effect of the proposed changes will: (1) Allow dogs to be used for hunting non-protected birds during any period when at least one species of small game […]

On Thursday, February 2, a proposed Oregon Constitutional amendment that would declare constitutional right to fish, hunt or harvest wildlife or gather wild foods, subject to certain legal restrictions will be heard in the Oregon House Rules Committee. In Oregon, the term “hunt” is defined in part as taking or attempting to take wildlife with […]

AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in Washington state. Below are the latest updates, along with contact information if you wish to comment on any of these measures. AKC GR will continue to provide individual updates and alerts when necessary.  Bills Advancing in Washington Legislature: House Bill 1234 – Concerning the civil […]

Yesterday, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) announced that its Animal Welfare Inspection Guide was amended in late December 2022 to ensure consistency across guiding regulatory documents and to align with the congressional directive to discontinue the use of “teachable moments” during inspections. BACKGROUND: Since 2016, USDA […]

Hawaii Senate Bill 612 seeks to require that sellers or providers of emotional support animals (ESAs), and sellers or providers of certificates, identifications, tags, vests, leashes, and harnesses for ESAs, provide a disclaimer that an ESA is not a service animal under state law. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is concerned that SB 612 uses […]

The Missouri Agriculture Policy Committee is considering a bill on Thursday, February 2, 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 ensure that the accused are treated as innocent until proven guilty, […]

Tomorrow, January 31, 2023, the New Hampshire Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hear public testimony on SB 164, relative to biodiverse environments and land-use requirements.  In addition, per Section 11, this bill would insert a new section in law formalizing the creation of private contracts between animal owners and willing “guardians” who would […]

Based on House Bill 1160 that was enacted in 2021, the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has proposed new rules for those licensed under the state’s Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA). In Colorado, a “pet animal facility” means any place or premise used in whole or in part, which part is used for […]

Late yesterday, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an extension of the temporary suspension of dog imports from countries classified as high risk for rabies.  The current suspension period was to conclude on January 31.  Today’s announcement extends the suspension period until July 31, 2023. Click here to read CDC’s […]