Legislative Alerts

Today the New York Senate Agriculture Committee held a bill regulating hobby breeders and passed a bill banning debarking. The American Kennel Club (AKC) thanks all those who took the time to contact the committee regarding the bill regulating hobbyists. We urge everyone to continue contacting the committee and your State Senator. Below is more […]

Two bills will be considered this week impacting Illinois dog owners. Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 10), a bill will be considered amending the laws regarding forfeiture of seized dogs when cruelty is suspected. On Thursday, March 12, the Illinois Senate Agriculture Committee will hear Senate Bill 2990, which would place extensive new requirements on those licensed […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has just learned that the Minnesota House Commerce Finance Policy Committee will consider House File 2627, which seeks to prohibit pet shops from selling dogs and cats, tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10, 2026.  Pet shops that have been open for at least one year, and under the same ownership, would be […]

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has signed a bill establishing a three-year moratorium on the breeding of dogs and the sale and transfer of puppies under seven months of age in the city.  The bill takes effect on June 2, 2026. In short, Bill 250989 establishes a 36-month moratorium on the breeding and transfer of puppies […]

The Colorado House of Representatives has passed a bill that restricts consumer choice and makes false claims about breeders and pet stores. The bill now goes to the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, and a hearing is expected soon.  Colorado residents are strongly encouraged to contact the committee to express concerns with House […]

In the coming days, the Missouri House of Representatives is expected to consider a bill that would require certain social workers to report any animal cruelty they encounter while performing their official duties. Because a House vote is expected soon, those who wish to comment on House Bill 2292 are encouraged to contact their Missouri […]

On Tuesday (March 10), a New York committee will consider a bill that could force anyone who sells nine (9) dogs in a year, which could be one litter, to be licensed, inspected, and regulated as pet dealers. This bill, Senate Bill 8252, is from the 2025 session, and includes some clarifying language to address […]

On Wednesday (March 11), a Maryland Committee is holding a public hearing on a bill that, among other provisions, would require annual registration for all dog breeders, and $50 birth certificates for every puppy whelped.  The costs would be put into an account to support shelters and spay/neuter programs, along with supporting administration and enforcement […]

The Virginia House has passed Senate Bill 707 which bans “debarking” – a standard veterinary practice also known as bark softening – except when such procedure is necessary to treat or relieve any injury, disease, or congenital defect that is causing or may cause the dog physical pain or harm. Having passed both chambers of […]

A Connecticut committee is considering a bill tomorrow (Wednesday, March 4), that in part would establish a working group to study and develop recommendations regarding the state’s animal population control program.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is concerned with the proposed composition of the working group, and encourages the bill be amended to ensure balanced […]