Legislative Alerts

1. SC: Spartanburg County to Create Breeder Licensing and Oversight – Contact County Council Members!

   South Carolina dog fanciers and enthusiasts: Extensive proposed amendments to Spartanburg County’s Animals ordinance seek to create new licenses for dog breeders, require inspections of their facilities, establish care and conditions standards for all dogs, and impose ownership limits.  The ordinance is likely to be considered at the County Council’s next meeting, scheduled for Monday, […]

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2. ME Alert: Multiple Upcoming Dog Related Bill Hearings – PLEASE OPPOSE AND REVIEW!

   LD 962 – ESTABLISH OFFENSE OF AGGRAVATED OPERATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE RESULTING IN THE DEATH OF A PET – OPPOSE On Monday, March 31, 2025, starting at 1PM, the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety is scheduled to accept testimony on LD 962. Among other provisions, the bill would create a new, separate crime […]

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3. Illinois: Genetic Testing, Other Concerning Dog Bills Held for Session

   Today is the deadline for bills to be heard in an Illinois committee.  Thanks to the many club members and breeders who took the time to register your concerns, the three bills of primary concern to the AKC will not advance in the spring session. These bills included HB 1902 (Mandatory Genetic Testing and Sterilization), […]

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4. Oregon Update: Committee Takes Testimony on Breeder Regulations, No Vote Scheduled

   On March 18, testimony was taken on a bill (SB 1076) that establishes a licensing framework for all breeders who sell even one dog as a pet was heard by an Oregon state Senate committee. The bill is not currently scheduled for a follow-up vote by the committee and AKC continues to closely monitor it. […]

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5. New York: Debarking Ban Advancing, Call Your State Senator

   The New York Senate is expected to vote soon on a bill to ban “debarking” – a standard veterinary practice also known as bark softening – unless the procedure is medically necessary to treat an injury, illness, or congenital defect. New York residents are strongly encouraged to contact your State Senator TODAY to express your […]

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6. New York: Debarking Ban Advancing, Call Your State Senator

   The New York Senate is expected to vote soon on a bill to ban “debarking” – a standard veterinary practice also known as bark softening – unless the procedure is medically necessary to treat an injury, illness, or congenital defect. New York residents are strongly encouraged to contact your State Senator TODAY to express your […]

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7. California: Protect Owner Exemption for Specific Animal Medical Care

   Currently, animal owners in California can perform certain functions on their animals such as giving vaccines or basic wound care under what’s known as the “owner exemption”—allowable under current regulations from the California Veterinary Medical Board (CMVB). This policy (and others affecting veterinarians) was considered last month by the California Legislature as a part of […]

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