AKC Government Relations

21/06/2024

The Louisiana Support and Service Animal Integrity Act (House Bill 407), which establishes requirements for support animals and service dogs, was signed by Governor Jeff Landry as Act No. 558 and takes effect August 1, 2024.

As stated in the Act, its purpose is to “restore integrity into the process of determining whether an individual has a disability which requires the use of a support animal.”

The Louisiana Support and Service Animal Integrity Act (House Bill 407), which establishes requirements for support animals and service dogs, was signed by Governor Jeff Landry as Act No. 558 and takes effect August 1, 2024.

21/06/2024

On Monday, June 24, 2024, the House Judiciary Committee will consider legislation aimed at addressing concerns by boarding kennels along the state borders.
Recent changes to Pennsylvania’s Dog Law (Act 18 of 2023) requires a certified certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) from a dog’s home state in order to be boarded in Pennsylvania licensed boarding kennel.

On Monday, June 24, 2024, the House Judiciary Committee will consider legislation aimed at addressing concerns by boarding kennels along the state borders.

20/06/2024

Pennsylvania Update: West Mifflin Withdrawals Ordinance to Establish Animal Ownership Limits

Just prior to Tuesday’s schedule hearing, the West Mifflin Borough Council withdrew a proposed ordinance that would limit the number of animals that may be kept or maintained on any property prior

20/06/2024

Two bills supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (CFDRDO) were recently signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont. A change to the rabies vaccination schedule has also been made.

https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/connecticut-canine-bills-become-law/

Send a message to learn more

20/06/2024

On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the Delaware House of Representatives passed legislation to regulate barking dogs in the state.
The bill now moves to the Senate where it has been assigned to the Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee.

On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the Delaware House of Representatives passed legislation to regulate barking dogs in the state.

18/06/2024

On June 10, 2024, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed House Bill 626 into law, thereby establishing a division of animal welfare as part of the Department of Public Safety (Department). The Department will have until January 1, 2025, to hire the new division’s director. This is a foundational step for developing, implementing, and administering a centralized program for investigating and enforcing animal welfare requirements in the state. Details on provisions in the new law can be viewed here.

On June 10, 2024, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed House Bill 626 into law, thereby establishing a division of animal welfare as part of the Department of Public Safety (Department). The Department will have until January 1, 2025, to hire the new division’s director. This is a foundational step ...

17/06/2024

Tomorrow evening, West Mifflin Borough Council will hold a public hearing at 6:30pm on an ordinance that would limit the number of animals that may be kept or maintained on any property.

According to the proposed ordinance, “It shall be lawful for any person/owner to keep pets, but no more than three dogs and no more than five cats and/or dogs combined in total over the age of six months in a structure, living unit or unimproved land.” For example, a person/owner may lawfully have three dogs and two cats, or two dogs and three cats or five cats; but may never have more than 3 dogs.

Tomorrow evening, West Mifflin Borough Council will hold a public hearing at 6:30pm on an ordinance that would limit the number of animals that may be kept or maintained on any property.

17/06/2024

CA: Fresno to Consider Mandatory Spay/Neuter on Thursday- Call Your Councilmember

On Thursday, June 20, the Fresno City Council will vote on a resolution that would suspend the issuance of new unaltered dog licenses until the 3-month shelter occupancy rate average drops below 75 percent. As the city is currently above this threshold, if adopted, the issuance of new unaltered dog....

17/06/2024

The Delaware House of Representatives will be considering a bill to regulate barking dogs in the state during tomorrow’s (June 18, 2024) session scheduled to start at 2:00p.

Delaware residents are encouraged to contact the members of the House of Representatives to express your concerns with House Bill 124 which seeks to regulating barking dogs.

The Delaware House of Representatives will be considering a bill to regulate barking dogs in the state during tomorrow’s (June 18, 2024) session scheduled to start at 2:00p.

17/06/2024

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U.S. Senate: Ask Your Senators to Oppose Harmful Proposals in Senate Farm Bill Legislation
The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee is currently considering proposals for inclusion in the Senate Farm Bill. Right now, animal rights/ “protection” groups are actively lobbying your Senator(s) to include two proposals that could harm responsible dog breeders.
https://www.akc.org/.../u-s-senate-ask-senators-oppose.../
AKC.ORG
U.S. Senate: Ask Your Senators to Oppose Harmful Proposals in Senate Farm Bill Legislation – American Kennel Club
The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee is currently considering proposals for inclusion in the Senate Farm Bill. Right now, animal rights/ “protection” groups are actively lobbying your Senator(s) to include two proposals that could harm responsible dog breeders.
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Akc GR
Last week, a new bill was introduced to replace the existing legislation (House Bill 2354) aimed at addresses concerns by boarding kennels along the state borders.
Recent changes to Pennsylvania’s Dog Law (Act 18 of 2023) requires a certified certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) from a dog’s home state in order to be boarded in Pennsylvania licensed boarding kennel.

https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/pennsylvania-update-bill-regarding-boarding-dogs-state/

Last week, a new bill was introduced to replace the existing legislation (House Bill 2354) aimed at addresses concerns by boarding kennels along the state borders.

14/06/2024

AKC GR Attends Local PA Officials Conference

Recently, the American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) participated in the Pennsylvania State Association Boroughs (PSAB) 112th Annual Conference. This year’s conference, which brings elected and appointed official from the Commonwealth’s 755 Boroughs, had the highest attendance ever.

https://www.akcgr.org/blogpostGRlocalPAConf2024/?

The American Kennel Club

14/06/2024

U.S. Senate: Ask Your Senators to Oppose Harmful Proposals in Senate Farm Bill Legislation

The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee is currently considering proposals for inclusion in the Senate Farm Bill. Right now, animal rights/ “protection” groups are actively lobbying your Senator(s) to include two proposals that could harm responsible dog breeders.

The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee is currently considering proposals for inclusion in the Senate Farm Bill. Right now, animal rights/ “protection” groups are actively lobbying your Senator(s) to include two proposals that could harm responsible dog breeders.

12/06/2024

New York: Dogs in Parks Passes, Debarking Held as Session Adjourns

The New York Legislature has officially adjourned its session for the year. Although it may return at some point this year, nothing has yet been officially announced.

07/06/2024

On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 1:00pm, the Delaware House Appropriations Committee will be considering a bill seeking to regulate barking dogs in the state.

Delaware residents are encouraged to contact the committee and express your concerns with House Bill 124.

On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 1:00pm, the Delaware House Appropriations Committee will be considering a bill seeking to regulate barking dogs in the state.

07/06/2024

Pennsylvania Update: Committee Approves Bill Regarding Boarding Dogs from Out-of-State

The Pennsylvania House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee has approved House Bill 2354 which addresses some concerns expressed by boarding kennels along the state borders.

The Pennsylvania House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee has approved House Bill 2354 which addresses some concerns expressed by boarding kennels along the state borders.

05/06/2024

The AKC Government Relations Department is excited to announce updated AKC economic and community impact figures for all 50 states. The "AKC Impact by State" packet offers valuable information for lawmakers, local media, chambers of commerce, and other community entities about the positive effects of AKC clubs, affiliates, and events in each state.
The updated one-page summaries feature a wealth of information, including:
- Economic impact of AKC dog shows
- Number of AKC dog clubs and shows by state
- AKC Reunite disaster relief trailer and K-9 Officer donations by state
- AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF) research grants and funding by state

https://www.akcgr.org/blogpost_economicimpact2023/?

The American Kennel Club

03/06/2024

On Thursday, May 30, 2024, the New Hampshire (NH) House favorably passed amended House Bill 1526 in order to increase access to veterinary professionals by allowing for the conditional licensure of foreign-educated veterinarians currently in the process of obtaining an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) certificate. Earlier this month, the Senate amended H. 1526 to limit the proposed conditional licenses to two years.

On Thursday, May 30, 2024, the New Hampshire (NH) House favorably passed amended House Bill 1526 in order to increase access to veterinary professionals by allowing for the conditional licensure of foreign-educated veterinarians currently in the process of obtaining an Educational Commission for For...

31/05/2024

The Pennsylvania House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee is scheduled to consider House Bill 2354 on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 11:15a. As introduced, HB 2354 seeks to address concerns expressed by boarding kennels along the state borders.

Those who are impacted by both the current Pennsylvania boarding kennel requirements and those proposed by HB 2354 are encouraged to contact the bill’s sponsors prior to Monday’s meeting. Thank them for being willing to consider this issue, and ask them to consider extending the exemption in this bill beyond states that border Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee is scheduled to consider House Bill 2354 on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 11:15a. As introduced, HB 2354 seeks to address concerns expressed by boarding kennels along the state borders.

31/05/2024

AKC staff and their dogs visited the state legislature in Raleigh on May 29 for the annual AKC Canines at the Capitol event, which many legislators and staff again claimed to be the “highlight of the year” at the State Capitol.
https://www.akcgr.org/blogpost_Caninesathecapitol24nc/?

The American Kennel Club

31/05/2024

Last week, two closely watched bills that would affect how law enforcement K-9s are deployed advanced out of the State Assembly and were transmitted to the senate for consideration. Although these bills are separate, they are related in that they are advancing as a package and both would need to become law during the 2023-2024 session to go into effect.

Last week, two closely watched bills that would affect how law enforcement K-9s are deployed advanced out of the State Assembly and were transmitted to the senate for consideration. Although these bills are separate, they are related in that they are advancing as a package and both would need to bec...

30/05/2024

In addition to the proposed rules announced last week, the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food (Department) has announced additional proposed rules to incorporate changes required by 2021’s HB 2.

In addition to the proposed rules announced last week, the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food (Department) has announced additional proposed rules to incorporate changes required by 2021’s HB 2.

30/05/2024

A bill that would ban “debarking” – a recognized veterinary practice also known as bark softening – continues to advance in the New York Assembly. With only a few days of session remaining, it is possible this could continue to move quickly.

The bill is pending in the Rules Committee, which is a procedural step before being sent to a vote by the full Assembly. It is important that New York residents contact their State Assemblyperson today and ask them to oppose Assembly Bill 3569. Type your address in the AKC Legislative Action Center at akcgr.org/officials to get the name and contact information for your member of the State Assembly.

https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/new-york-debarking-ban-continues-advance-contact-assemblymember/

A bill that would ban “debarking” – a recognized veterinary practice also known as bark softening – continues to advance in the New York Assembly. With only a few days of session remaining, it is possible this could continue to move quickly.

23/05/2024

In June, the California Assembly Public Safety Committee will consider a bill that seeks to expands the definition of stalking to include behavior that seeks to harm or threaten a domestic violence victim’s pets, service animals, or emotional support animals. This bill would bring California in line with the federal stalking statute.

AKC encourages California residents to ask the leadership of the Assembly Public Safety Committee to support Senate Bill 89.

In June, the California Assembly Public Safety Committee will consider a bill that seeks to expands the definition of stalking to include behavior that seeks to harm or threaten a domestic violence victim’s pets, service animals, or emotional support animals. This bill would bring California in li...

22/05/2024

South Carolina Governor Signs Two Bills Affecting Dogs and Dog Owners

South Carolina’s two-year legislative session adjourned on May 9, 2024, and this week Governor Henry McMaster signed into law two bills that affect dogs and dog owners:

22/05/2024

Last week was a pivotal point in the California Legislature with the deadline passing for bills to be eligible for further advancement during the session. This year was especially challenging for bills that increased spending given the state’s sizeable budget deficit. Below are updates of key bills the American Kennel Club (AKC) has been tracking. AKC will continue to monitor the California Legislature for any new developments or changes to bills that could impact you.

Last week was a pivotal point in the California Legislature with the deadline passing for bills to be eligible for further advancement during the session. This year was especially challenging for bills that increased spending given the state’s sizeable budget deficit. Below are updates of key bill...

22/05/2024

New York: Debarking Ban Advancing in Assembly – Call Today

Earlier this week, the Assembly Agriculture Committee approved a ban on “debarking” – a recognized veterinary practice also known as bark softening. This bill is very similar to one that recently passed the Senate that would prohibit veterinarians from performing this procedure unless it is medically necessary to treat an injury, illness, or congenital defect.

Earlier this week, the Assembly Agriculture Committee approved a ban on “debarking” – a recognized veterinary practice also known as bark softening. This bill is very similar to one that recently passed the Senate that would prohibit veterinarians from performing this procedure unless it is me...

20/05/2024

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 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. Although such feel-good concepts may sound benign, they not only represent a potential change in the legal status of animals (animal rights), but would also significantly increase the cost of care for all animals, ultimately undermining the ability of pet owners to care for their pets.

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 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. Although such feel-good conce...

20/05/2024

https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/u-s-congress-constituent-alert-contact-congress-now-support-base-text-house-farm-bill/

17/05/2024

AKC Lauds House Farm Bill ‘s Protections for Dogs and Their Owners

Today, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee released its draft language for the 2024 Farm Bill - the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024. This must-pass bill reauthorizes U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs for five years and typically serves as a vehicle to address federal priorities in the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

https://www.akcgr.org/blogpostAKCLaudsHouseFarmBillsProtectionsforDogsOwners/?

The American Kennel Club

17/05/2024

Earlier this week, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a new rule for the importation of dogs into the United States. The rule, which becomes effective on August 1, 2024, will require all dogs to be at minimum six months of age prior to import into the U.S.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports the aims of import regulations that seek to protect pet and public health, including those that seek to protect the United States from reintroduction of DMRVV (canine rabies). However, AKC is disappointed that the new rule is overly broad and disparately impacts purebred dog enthusiasts who import a personal animal or collaborate internationally, or dog event competitors that travel internationally. AKC will continue to share our concerns with CDC, and encourages those who believe they will be impacted negatively by the rule to share concerns with CDC at [email protected].

Earlier this week, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a new rule for the importation of dogs into the United States. The rule, which becomes effective on August 1, 2024, will require all dogs to be at minimum six months of age prior to import into the U.S.