Legislative Alerts

Tomorrow (February 12), an Iowa House subcommittee will consider a positive bill increasing the threshold of what constitutes a commercial breeder in Iowa. The bill also seeks to fix a longstanding problem wherein hobbyists have been improperly categorized as commercial kennels, resulting in significant barriers that have prevented some hobbyists from obtaining dogs in another […]

Last week, a Hawaii House committee deferred consideration of a bill to mandate the sterilization of dogs being imported into the state. However, Friday, at 3:10 PM a Senate committee will consider a bill with the same legislative text. Hawaiian residents are strongly encouraged to contact the committee today and ask them to not support […]

Tomorrow, Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Philadelphia City Council will be considering a proposal that would impose a three-year moratorium on the breeding, sale, and transfer of puppies under seven months of age in Philadelphia. You are strongly encouraged to act now and mobilize others to protect responsible breeding and dog ownership in Philadelphia by […]

Two dog-related bills will be considered by Rhode Island legislative committees tomorrow, Wednesday, February 11, 2026.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes House Bill 7545, which seeks to allow the awarding of non-economic damages to owners whose pets have been negligently injured or killed.  AKC takes no position on House Bill 7562, which seeks to […]

On Thursday, February 12, the Philadelphia City Council will be holding a public hearing and likely vote on a proposal imposing a three-year moratorium on dog breeding, and on the sale and transfer of puppies under seven months of age in Philadelphia. You are strongly encouraged to act now and mobilize others to protect responsible […]

On, Wednesday, February 4, the House Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems deferred consideration of House Bill 1594 – a proposal that would have mandated the sterilization of dogs being imported into the state. The American Kennel Club appreciates all who took the time to contact the committee and attend the hearing – your voices […]

The House companion to Florida Senate Bill 1356, House Bill 1521, is now scheduled to be heard by the House Subcommittee on Industries and Professional Activities on February 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. This bill would require dog breeders to register with the state and establish new operational regulations. Florida residents are strongly encouraged to […]

Yesterday, the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (ACNR) Committee voted to approve legislation to ban “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 […]

Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 4, a Hawaii committee will consider a bill to mandate the sterilization of dogs being imported into the state. Hawaiian residents are strongly encouraged to contact the committee today and ask them to not support House Bill 1594.  Visit the Hawaii Legislature website and create an account to submit written testimony or […]

Florida lawmakers will consider two dog-related bills this week that could significantly affect dog breeding, pet sales, dog breeding, and animal regulations statewide.  Senate Bill 1004 is a consumer protection bill that seeks to add new requirements for Florida pet dealers and when financing agreements are used to purchase a pet.  Senate Bill 1356 would […]