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CONNECTICUT FEDERATION OF DOG CLUBS AND RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERS, INC.

2024 LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY

SOME OF THESE PROPOSED LAWS WE SUPPORT
SOME OF THESE PROPOSED LAWS WE OPPOSE
WE APPRECIATE ALL YOUR HELP WRITING TO YOUR LEGISLATORS WHEN WE ASK - THANK YOU!
SEE NATIONWIDE INFORMATION AT BOTTOM OF PAGE
The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (CFDRDO) work hard to oppose legislation that would negatively impact Connecticut dog owners, breeders, and exhibitors.
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Wednesday, December 18, 2024 https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/federal-update-cdc-revisit-dog-importation-rules-2025
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided public notice that it will propose revisions and certifications to the requirements for the importation of dogs that it finalized earlier in 2024. The dog import rule that was implemented in August 2024 was designed to limit the public health risk of dogs being imported into the U.S. with DMRVV (canine rabies). The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly supports the intent of protecting pet and public health, but remains concerned that the 2024 rule is overly broad and fails to recognize the range of factors that contribute to or mitigate actual risk. AKC continues to work with diverse groups of stakeholders and lawmakers to express these concerns. A new advanced notice of public rulemaking is expected in the first half of 2025. AKC will continue to follow this issue and provide updates as they becomes available.
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November 18, 2024 https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/u-s-congress-new-senate-farm-bill-includes-dangerous-anti-breeder-proposals-take-action-now/
Please forward this important information to fellow club members and responsible dog owners. Congress is back in Washington for the lame-duck session and working to quickly move major legislation, such as the Farm Bill, not completed before the election. Yesterday, the Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Stabenow (D-MI) released the Senate version of the federal farm bill, The Rural Prosperity and Security Act of 2024, for immediate consideration. Unlike its House counterpart, this bill contains harmful proposals from the Better CARE for Animals Act (H.R.5041/ Senate Bill 2555). Lobbyists for animal rights groups are actively pushing to advance these anti-breeder proposals. Please respectfully call, email, or even leave a voice message for your U.S. Senators TODAY. Ask them to OPPOSE problematic proposals in Senate Farm Bill section 12508. Instead, ask them to SUPPORT the Committee-passed version of the House Farm Bill (HR 8467) with NO additional amendments related to dogs. Thank you for making your voice heard today. Your action can help protect responsible breeders and purebred dogs.
Easy steps to contact your Senators: 1.Visit AKC’s Legislative Action Center legislator contact page at https://akcgr.org/officials and type in your address/ state to find the names and contact information for your U.S. Senators. 2.Explain you are a constituent. Respectfully share your experience and concerns as a dog owner/breeder/expert.Ask them to OPPOSE problematic proposals in Senate Farm Bill section 12508. Instead, ask them to support the House Agriculture Committee-passed version of the House Farm Bill (HR 8467) with NO additional amendments related to dogs.
OPTIONAL: If you wish to be more specific, add the following details: Ask your Senators to OPPOSE problematic proposals in Senate Farm Bill section 12508 including: •Expanding the jurisdiction of the Attorney General (AG) to enforce the Federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Section 20 of this measure gives the AG (DOJ) enforcement authority even beyond what is currently possessed by the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA). This memorializes animal rights/protection groups’ false narrative that conflates dog breeding with animal cruelty.•The Animal Welfare Act establishes licensing and regulation of breeders and other animal entities: It belongs under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with its extensive experience in animal matters. Violations of licensing laws where no crime is committed is a matter for the USDA, not the Department of Justice. Current law, and a recent Memorandum of Understanding between the USDA and DOJ clarify that the Department of Agriculture can and does already work cooperatively with the DOJ in cases where a crime has been committed. •Sense of Congress that Federal Courts have authority over violations of the AWA. If Congress had intended the Dept of Justice to have this authority, it would have given it to them when the AWA was first written.•Allowing the Attorney General to seize any animal for any violation of the AWA or its existing or future regulations and standards–including paperwork violations—irrespective of any harm to the anima•Allowing penalties of $10,000, each day, per violation, for any violation of the AWA or its existing or future regulations and standards –including paperwork violations.•Rewards and incentive pay for any person (including unregulated entities)) caring for seized animals. This incentivizes seizure of animals from regulated entities with potential minor violations to be then placed in unregulated facilities. This not only compromises the welfare of the animals; in a case where a crime is suspected, lack of proper documentation, training and record keeping undermines the evidentiary chain of custody. Ask them to oppose any added language from Better CARE for Animals Act and the Puppy Protection Act. These measures do nothing to improve the wellbeing of dogs, will create confusion in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), and undermine prioritizing proper care and conditions for dogs.•Remind your lawmakers that the House Agriculture Committee-passed version of the Farm Bill already contains: oAdditional resources for USDA to better enforce the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)oRequires USDA to report to Congress on existing enforcement with recommendations on improving enforcement and enhancing educational programs and outreach.oImproves enforcement of the AWA by requiring any inspector finding unrelieved suffering by animals to report that immediately to local authorities who have jurisdiction over animal welfare in their communities.oLanguage from the Healthy Dog Importation Act, which addresses public health threats related to the import of unhealthy dogs into the U.S., without requiring that all dogs imported into the U.S. be a minimum of 6 months old.Background Learn more about the House - Committee passed version of the Farm Bill, HR 8467Summary of ‘Better CARE for Animals Act’ (H.R.5041/ Senate Bill 2555)•Circumvents enforcement of dog breeder licensing under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and shifts authority to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). This shift would move oversight authority from an agency staffed by animal experts that focuses on improving animal husbandry; and instead place it with one with little or no animal expertise that focuses on violations as potential federal crimes. •Empowers the DOJ to file charges, seize animals and impose penalties regardless of whether USDA has determined or even alleged that there has been a violation of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). (See Senate Farm Bill specifics in bullets above.)•Could potentially undermine or remove current exemptions from licensing for small hobby breeders, thereby requiring them to be licensed and comply with USDA standards for high volume commercial breeders that are not appropriate for hobbyists.To learn more, visit www.akcgr.org.
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Thursday, August 1, 2024 https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/new-dog-import-rules-effect-today
Today, Thursday, August 1, 2024, new rules for the importation of dogs into the United States have gone into effect. HISTORY In July 2023, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) proposed new rules to address the public health risk of dog-maintained rabies virus variant (aka, canine rabies) associated with the importation of dogs into the U.S. In addition to issuing multiple calls to action for all dog owners, the American Kennel Club (AKC) submitted a formal comment in September 2023 to CDC, urging it to retain its policy allowing personally-owned dogs that have not spent time in countries classified as high-risk or restricted for canine rabies to be imported into the U.S. younger than six months of age if they met health and vaccination requirements. On May 8, 2024, CDC released a letter to stakeholders advising of coming changes to the rules pertaining to the importation of dogs and cats into the U.S. The text of the final rule was published in the Federal Register on May 13, 2024. Since then, many concerned purebred dog owners, enthusiasts, and sportsmen, along with airlines and groups that import rescue dogs from foreign countries, have expressed deep concerns with the impact the new rules will have. This feedback has resulted in changes to how the new rules’ requirements will be enforced.
UPDATES ON THE CDC DOG IMPORT FORM To provide greater flexibility to the requirements for dogs coming from canine rabies-free or low-risk countries, dogs that have spent the prior six months only in canine rabies-free or low-risk countries will be able to enter the U.S. with a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt as acceptable documentation. This form can be filled out the day travel, and the receipt can be shown to airlines and border officials by phone or printed copy. For these dogs, the receipt will be good for travel into the U.S. for six months from the date of issuance, including multiple entries into the U.S. However, all dogs entered the U.S. must have a microchip and be over six months of age. In a recent discussion with AKC staff, CDC staff clarified that for dogs that have not been in a canine rabies high-risk country in the six months prior to importation, the CDC Dog Import Form does not require the importer to provide a photo of the dog or its microchip number. However, both CDC and AKC recommend that importers of these dogs travel with a digital or printed copy of their dog’s vaccination record, a photo of their dog, and a record of the dog’s microchip number as a precautionary measure. It should be noted that some U.S. states may also require this or similar information. For dogs that spent any time in a country classified as high-risk for canine rabies in the six months before entering the U.S., additional documents and requirements remain in effect. For these dogs, the CDC Dog Import Form will require the dog’s microchip number and photo. REQUIREMENTS, BY TYPE OF IMPORTATION All dogs being imported into the U.S. must:•Appear healthy upon arrival.•Be at least six months old at the time of entry or return to the U.S.•Have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.•Be accompanied by a receipt for a CDC Dog Import Form.Additional requirements may be required by CDC, depending on the type of importation. For:•Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low Risk Countries, click here.•S.-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries, click here.•Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries, click here.For dogs arriving in the U.S. by air and that traveled in-cabin, airlines are now required to generate air waybills. This requirement is the same as has been required of dogs arriving in the U.S. by air but that were flown as cargo. Airlines unable to generate an air waybill for in-cabin dogs due to the time required for technology updates may obtain a temporary waiver by providing the same data to CDC in another format. Anyone travelling with a dog who intends to arrive in the U.S. by air is strongly encouraged to contact their airline to determine and meet requirements prior to arriving at an airport for travel. CDC staff continues to emphasize that the latest information available to importers is available on its website at www.cdc.gov/dogtravel. CDC staff also noted that the first nine months of implementation of the new dog importation rules will be an “adaptation” period, during which it will be looking at additional information and program performance to determine reasonableness, feasibility, and potential rule changes.
CONCERNS REMAIN, CONTACT CONGRESS AND CDC AKC recognizes the serious health threats posed by the recent, continuing import of unhealthy dogs using fraudulent veterinary/import paperwork, and supports CDC’s intention of protecting the public from serious health risks. However, AKC remains concerned that banning the import of all dogs younger than six months is overly burdensome and will have a disproportionate impact on the entry/importation of low-risk, personally-owned dogs, including those that regularly cross the U.S.-Canadian border for canine events, training, veterinary care, and breeder collaboration. If you have concerns about the new import rule, we encourage you to contact your members of the U.S. House and Senate, and the CDC. Respectfully express your concerns. It is recommended that breed enthusiasts who import personally-owned dogs from canine-rabies free or low-risk countries, or owners who routinely cross a land border with their dog, ask Congress and CDC to eliminate the disproportionate impact that they experience, particularly regarding the requirement that puppies be six months of age for importation. Share messages in personalized, individual emails, calls, or letters in which you represent your own situation or that of your club.Tell your story about how it negatively impacts you and your colleagues, events, etc., as responsible dog enthusiasts. Ask the CDC to continue to work with AKC and other organizations that represent responsible dog owners to consider exceptions for personally-owned dogs that can affirmatively demonstrate little risk of canine rabies. Other points you may wish to include:The final rule disregards the difference in risk profiles for personally-owned pets and dogs intended for transfer.The proposed rule for comment included exceptions, potentially reducing comment, but the final rule provided no exceptions.There is little risk from fully vaccinated puppies from low-risk countries entering the U.S. at four months of age.
To find out who represents you in Congress, visit: www.akcgr.org/officials/. FOR MORE INFORMATION First, go to www.cdc.gov/dogtravel for the latest information on CDC’s dog importation requirements. Then, for specific inquiries or to express concerns, contact CDC at (404) 498-1600 or cdcanimalimports@cdc.gov. You may also contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.
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July 19, 2024 https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/cdcs-dog-import-rule-share-concerns-cdc-congress
On August 1, 2024, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will implement new restrictions and requirements for the entry of dogs into the U.S. Anyone planning to bring a dog into the U.S. in the near future should familiarize themselves with upcoming import policy changes. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the serious health threats posed by the recent, continuing import of unhealthy dogs using fraudulent veterinary/import paperwork, and supports CDC’s intention of protecting the public from serious health risks. However, AKC remains concerned that banning the import of all dogs younger than six months is overly burdensome and will have a disproportionate impact on the entry/importation of low-risk, personally-owned dogs, including those that regularly cross the U.S.-Canadian border for canine events, veterinary care, and breeder collaboration. What You Can DoAKC is pleased that some members of Congress, as well as other responsible sporting dog organizations, share this concern and are asking CDC to delay implementation of this rule for at least six months, so that possible exceptions for low-risk, personally-owned dogs may be considered. If you have concerns about the new import rule, we encourage you to contact your members of the U.S. House and Senate, and the CDC. Respectfully express your concerns and ask for a delay in implementing the new rule so that concerns relating to personally-owned, low-risk canine imports/entry can be addressed. Congressional outreach is particularly valuable if you live in states that are close to the U.S./Canada border, as many of these members are in direct contact with the CDC regarding this issue.•Share messages in personalized, individual emails, calls, or letters in which you represent your own situation or that of your club.•Tell your story about how it negatively impacts you and your colleagues, events, etc., as responsible dog enthusiasts.•Ask the CDC to work with the American Kennel Club and other organizations that represent responsible dog owners to consider exceptions for personally-owned dogs that can affirmatively demonstrate little risk of canine rabies.Other points you may wish to include:•The final rule disregards the difference in risk profiles for personally-owned pets and dogs intended for transfer.•The proposed rule for comment included exceptions, potentially reducing comment, but the final rule provided no exceptions.•There is little risk from fully vaccinated puppies from low-risk countries entering the U.S. at four months of age.For additional information, please review: •AKC one-page fact sheet: Understanding CDC’s New Rule for Bringing Dogs into the United States (double sided)•AKC four-page fact sheet: Understanding CDC’s New Rule for Bringing Dogs into the United States•AKC’s July 17, 2024, joint letter with the Canadian Kennel Club to CDC, regarding dog imports.To find out who represents you in Congress, visit: www.akcgr.org/officials/ To contact the CDC for specific inquiries or to express concerns, call (404) 498-1600 or email cdcanimalimports@cdc.gov. More information about the rule is available at www.cdc.gov/dogtravel. If you can, please also share your messages and any responses with the AKC Government Relations team at doglaw@akc.org. We will use these messages for reference as we continue to reach out directly to Members of Congress and the CDC. Your respectful outreach can lay a foundation for cooperation between responsible dog owners and government agencies to protect both public health and canine travel. Thank you.
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Thursday, June 20, 2024https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/connecticut-canine-bills-become-law
Please share this update with Legislative Liaisons, Club Members, and Responsible Dog Owners in Connecticut. 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.
SENATE BILL 339 – RESTITUTION FOR INJURY OR DEATH OF POLICE K-9 Public Act No. 24-65 was signed into law on May 28 and is effective October 1. It requires restitution by anyone that injures or kills a police K-9 or volunteer search and rescue dog by requiring that person to pay the cost of incurred veterinary services and, if the dog is no longer able to perform its duties, the costs and expenses incurred in the purchase and training of a replacement dog. AKC is grateful for this recognition of the public safety value these working dogs provide. Click here to learn more details.
HOUSE BILL 5304 – DESIGNATING THE STATE DOG Public Act No. 24-121, in part, names the Siberian Husky as the state dog of Connecticut. Governor Lamont signed it on June 5, and it becomes effective October 1, 2024. Motivation for passing the bill came in part in celebration of the University of Connecticut men’s basketball national championships in both 2023 and 2024. The team’s mascot is the Husky. The Connecticut Valley Siberian Husky Club has offered to attend a ceremonial bill signing with their beloved dogs, if scheduled!
HOUSE BILL 5223 - MINOR REVISIONS TO AGRICULTURE RELATED STATUTES Legislation proposed by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, HB 5223, in addition to provisions noted in this AKC update, was amended by the House to change the rabies vaccination schedule from “the age of three months or older” to “ twelve weeks or more of age but less than fourteen weeks of age, or at the age that the vaccine manufacturer recommends and approved by the United States Department of Agriculture”. The change was requested by Connecticut’s Veterinary Medical Association and is effective immediately after amended HB 5223 was signed by the Governor on May 30 as Public Act No. 24-69 (page 8). For more information on these or other legislative issues in Connecticut, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.
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AKC’s Bebout Award: This presitigioous award was presented to Laurie Maulucci, President, and Members of Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners
Congratulations to Laurie Maulucci, President, and members of the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (CFDRDO), winners of the Walter Bebout Memorial Award for Leadership in Canine Legislation. The Award was presented to CFDRDO and accepted by Ms. Maulucci at the federation’s February 12 meeting.Over the past ten years, Maulucci has made significant contributions influencing Connecticut canine legislation as federation President. In 2022, she advised the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (Department) on selecting Dr. Arnold Goldman, DVM to serve on a workgroup to help develop an online dog licensing system. Her advocacy resulted in a consensus vote to establish a flat license fee for all dogs, replacing a system of higher fees for unaltered dogs. The program will be advanced by the Department. An unusual number of dog-related bills were filed in January 2023. Maulucci coordinated with CFDRDO leaders and AKC Government Relations to review 21 different proposals. During the legislative session, she testified before three committees at public hearings and presented comments based on concerns communicated to her from Connecticut club members. Maulucci also traveled to Hartford to attend press events and meet with lawmakers to secure favorable amendments. As a result, CFDRDO was successful in not only blocking passage of a bill that would have changed the legal status of animals, but also in securing favorable amendments to both an animal cruelty bill and a kennel and domestic dog bill before they became law. Ms. Maulucci has been an integral contributor to the Tufts AKC Whelping Program Selective at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, which was initiated in the 2022 Fall semester. She continues to coordinate veterinary students’ attendance at dog shows and health clinics, and her network has garnered speakers that enhance the quality of roundtable discussions and secured club donations to reimburse students’ program travel expenses. This semester, the program will have mentored nine veterinary students in the whelping of healthy litters and the specialty of canine reproduction. AKC is grateful for the outstanding dedication that Ms. Maulucci and other members of CFDRDO have demonstrated in protecting the future of purebred dogs in Connecticut. About the Bebout Award:The “Bebout” award recognizes federations and owner/breeder organizations that have demonstrated leadership in educating legislators about responsible dog ownership issues, and have worked to preserve the rights of responsible owners and breeders. Winners of the Bebout award receive a $1,000 donation to help offset the costs associated with their legislative efforts.
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Monday, March 11, 2024 https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/ct-update-proposed-change-grooming-facility-license-definition
Please share this alert with Legislative Liaisons, Club Members, and Responsible Dog Owners in Connecticut. Last month, the American Kennel Club (AKC) issued an alert regarding HB 5223, which proposed a change to the legal definition of “grooming facility” to include those doing business in “any vehicle or trailer”. AKC’s concern was that professional handlers exhibiting in the state could be required to obtain a grooming facility license because of the broad wording of the proposed definition. AKC expressed these concerns when testifying before the Connecticut Joint Environment Committee’s public hearing on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. Afterwards, AKC staff and the President of the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (CFDRDO) met with Connecticut’s Department of Agriculture (the Department) to provide details regarding handlers’ primary services of training, conditioning, and exhibiting, with grooming provided as incidental to those services. As a result, the Department concluded that no state grooming facility license would be required in these instances, despite the legislative change. An amended HB 5223 has now been voted favorably by the committee. Thank you to everyone who viewed our alert and took action. AKC is proud that our collective efforts have resulted in an acceptable outcome with the Department. AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will provide additional information during the 2024 Connecticut legislative session as developments warrant. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org
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AKC Government Relations and CFDRDO will continue to monitor all bills in Connecticut impacting dog owners and communicate with lawmakers to share our concerns and more positive, effective solutions. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.
From the AKC GR BLOG January 16, 2025 NATIONWIDE
AKC GR Legislative Year in Review: Perseverance Key to 2024 Efforts, 2025 Preparation
January 16, 2025
If the AKC Government Relations team could sum up 2024 in one word, we’ve agreed it would be “perseverance”. From emerging issues such as bans on breeding dogs with certain characteristics, to a plethora of breeding restrictions and mandatory spay/neuter proposals in local cities and counties throughout the country, 2024 saw dog owners and breeders facing a wide variety of legislative challenges.
Yet, through the perseverance of engaged dog lovers, AKC state federations, clubs, and breeders working in conjunction with AKC GR, many of these proposals were significantly amended, postponed, or defeated.
From the defeat of harmful overregulation of hobby breeders as commercial entities (such as Massachusetts HB 2019/SB 1309) to assuring the health and well-being of government working dogs (US HR 6960/S. 2414), to addressing inaccurate claims about breed characteristics and pushing back against legislation to ban the breeding of dogs with historic breed characteristics NH HB 1102), AKC GR and our state federations and clubs saw a broad range of successes in 2024.
In Pennsylvania, a new technicality in law that prohibited dogs from out of state from being boarded in Pennsylvania kennels without significant requirements, would have created a huge inconvenience and financial losses for boarding kennels and dog owners traveling with their pets. AKC worked with lawmakers, state officials, and AKC handlers to express concerns and Senate Bill 82 was enacted to exempt situations where dogs are boarded for less than 30 days.
In Connecticut, the local federation, AKC GR, and clubs were successful in having the Siberian Husky named as the State Dog, which included public events with the Governor celebrating the breed.
To get a full picture of the year in review, visit the AKC Government Relations website, www.akcgr.org. Check out key issues, blogs, alerts and the 2024 Legislative Successes page for a list of successes and a fuller picture of 2024 in review. Read on for a sneak peek of some of the year’s highlights.
Federal Highlights
Anti-breeder animal activists made their presence known in Congress again in 2024 as they sought to attach highly problematic legislation to the 2024 Farm Bill. The Government Relations team worked with congressional committees and dedicated dog enthusiasts and other advocates to ensure that positive measures such as language from the Healthy Dog Importation Act was included in Farm Bill base text, while problematic proposals such as the Puppy Protection Act, Goldie’s Act and the Better Care for Animals did not advance independently or get added to the Farm Bill.
The Puppy Protection Act, HR 1624 /S. 5072, would have added numerous arbitrary requirements for dog breeders subject to USDA licensing. Specific requirements included one-size-fits all prohibitions on breeding based on an animal’s size or age, requiring unfettered access from a primary enclosure to a run in which the dog can reach a running stride, yearly dental examinations and arbitrary kennel temperature requirements.
“Goldie’s Act” (HR 1788/S. 4033) would have redefined violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and undermined priority for the care and wellbeing of animals by removing the distinction between care and welfare (direct) violations and paperwork/ non-welfare related (indirect) violations. While zero violations of any rules or laws should be the goal, AKC believes the care and wellbeing of animals must always be a priority. The bill also would have required inspectors to destroy or remove an animal if they believe it is suffering psychological harm, a term the bill did not define.
The Better CARE for Animals Act (HR 5041/S 2555) sought to significantly expand violations of the AWA and expand federal courts’ (Department of Justice) jurisdiction to prosecute any violations of AWA regulations. Currently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has jurisdiction over breeder licensing. It could also have potentially removed current licensing exemptions for groups such as small hobby breeders.
The Healthy Dog Importation Act (HR 1184 / S 502), which AKC strongly supports, would require owners/importers of all dogs imported into the United States to submit a valid health certificate from a veterinary agency recognized by the USDA. Certificates would demonstrate that dogs being imported are microchipped and fully vaccinated or protected against contagious diseases and pathogens of concern to the USDA, including rabies. Dogs and records would also be subject to inspection/verification upon entry. Unlike the current CDC rule, this measure focuses specifically on individual health status rather than country of origin and would allow healthy dogs under the age of six months to be imported into the U.S. for personal use (not for resale).
CDC Importation Regulations - Another area of significant focus in 2024 was the release of a new administrative rule from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rule that changed requirements for the importation of dogs into the United States, effective August 1, 2024. AKC strongly supports the intent of the rule to protect public health, but we have continued to express disappointment that previous exceptions available for dogs that present low risk profiles, such as the import of fully vaccinated, personally-owned pets, service dogs, and dogs from DMRVV (canine rabies)-free or low-risk countries, were eliminated. Due to the ongoing concerns of both members of the U.S. House and Senate, and members of the public, CDC announced in mid-December that it will propose revisions and certifications to the requirements for the importation of dogs. A new CDC proposal is expected in the first half of 2025. Click here for more information.
State Legislative Issues
Together on the state and federal levels, AKC GR tracked more than 3,100 legislative measures in 2024, with many of these carrying over from 2023. While not a record, the bills themselves covered a broad range of issues and demonstrate that lawmakers continue to hold a significant interest in animal welfare.
Animal Cruelty – As with past years, animal cruelty was the top issue for state lawmakers in 2024, comprising more than 200 of the bills we monitored. This is a comprehensive topic, and includes Arizona Senate Bill 1047, which sought to amend the cruelty laws to address dogs left outdoors in dangerous conditions and was amended at AKC’s request to ensure flexibility and consideration for a dog’s breed and physical condition. It also included bills we supported such as California Senate Bill 89, which added pets to domestic violence protection orders.
However, there were also some bills that, rather than protecting dogs, could have had a devastating impact on dogs and dog owners.
Bond for Care/Ownership Rights – The issue of bond for care, or requiring owners to pay for the care of animals seized during an animal cruelty investigation, continues to be a major topic across the country. This includes Kansas House Bill 2542, which as introduced included several changes to the Kansas Pet Animal Act. AKC was successful in removing a bond for care program where if owners missed one payment they would forfeit their dogs, even if found not guilty. Michigan and Arizona had similar legislation that did not ultimately advance.
AKC supported Missouri House Bill 1826, which ensured the protection of ownership rights throughout the legal process. While this bill did not ultimately pass, we expect it to be reintroduced in 2025.
AKC continues to work with lawmakers on New Jersey Senate Bill 3746, which prohibits those convicted of cruelty from owning animals. We are seeking amendments to protect the rights of co-owners to continue to care for the animals.
Torture Breeding – One of the most disturbing cruelty bills in 2024 was New Hampshire House Bill 1102, which would have criminalized the sale and breeding of any dog deemed to have a “birth deformity that causes suffering” “ including brachycephaly”. Thanks to the perseverance of the federation, clubs and dog enthusiasts working with AKC GR, the lawmakers received an overwhelming message of opposition to this extreme measure. We expect this measure to be reintroduced in 2025 and are watching closely for any similar measures in other states.
In addition, the small community of Ojai, California, became the first in the nation to prohibit the breeding of dogs and cats with “congenital anatomical features” that it deemed are likely to cause harm to the animal, with no exceptions.
We encourage you to review articles about this issue to fully understand this new threat to the future of purebred dogs and how you can join us in fighting back. You can view the articles here and here.
Working Dogs – Lawmakers are also becoming increasingly aware of the many roles dogs have in our lives, including as police, therapy, service, and other working dogs. Almost 200 bills monitored by AKC GR in 2024 addressed working dogs.
AKC was successful in amending Michigan House Bill 5525, which originally sought to require non-economic damages (such as for pain and suffering) for injuring or killing a service animal. The bill, which we expect to be reintroduced in 2025, now allows law suits to obtain damages for actual loss, training, etc.
AKC also supported bills such as Connecticut Senate Bills 339 and 427 and Kansas House Bill 2583, which addressed penalties for those who harm a police canine or additionally, in the case of Connecticut Senate Bill 427, a dog assisting with a search and rescue. Tennessee Senate Bill 1867 and New Jersey Senate Bill 1253 recognized the value of therapy dogs and created a pilot program to place therapy dogs in public schools.
Other 2024 legislation impacting working dogs included California Assembly Bill 742, which sought to regulate the use of police canines. AKC worked with the author on amendments, but the bill was ultimately withdrawn.
Hunting/Performance Events – Over 150 bills tracked in 2024 were related to hunting/performance events. While the majority of these addressed license fees, etc., there were others that had a direct impact on AKC events.
For example, in January, the New York governor signed Senate Bill 4099, which prohibited anyone from organizing, sponsoring, or participating in a competition with the object of “taking or hunting wildlife for prizes or other inducement…” At the request of AKC, this was amended to exempt dog training areas, field trials, or “any similar canine performance events.”
Rhode Island House Bill 7294 would have prohibited captive hunting for domestic or wild animals without prohibiting the release of upland game birds for hunting on licensed shooting preserves. AKC negotiated a clarifying amendment with proponents of the bill to ensure that adoption would not interfere with lawful field trials.
AKC also continues to be a part of a coalition of sporting organizations and others in opposing Oregon Initiative Petition 28, which, among other provisions, would prohibit all hunting and field trials in the state. It also contains limits on breeding, training, and many other humane activities. The coalition is working to keep this off the 2026 ballot.
Veterinary Issues – Veterinary care is an issue that has seen a significant increase in state legislatures, with over 140 bills monitored by AKC in 2024 impacting the veterinary community.
This includes Colorado Proposition 129, which began as a legislative bill that was then sent to the ballot. It sought to address the concern of veterinary shortages by creating a new Veterinary Professional Associate credential that would allow the practice of veterinary medicine, including surgeries. AKC joined the Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs and Colorado Veterinary Medical Association in expressing concerns about the lack of adequate training and oversight for this program, particularly as relates to allowing surgery with little practical experience.. The ballot measure did pass in November 2024.
New Hampshire House Bill 1526, supported by AKC, authorized conditional veterinary licenses to foreign-educated veterinarians who met certain qualifications and requirements.
Other bills monitored in 2024 included California Senate Bill 1233, which authorizes a California veterinary medical school to develop a high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification program to be offered as elective coursework to enrolled students. Program participants must then offer low-cost or free spay neuter services in local communities.
Animal Control – Lawmakers on the state and local levels are becoming increasingly concerned with animal control and irresponsible owners. This was evident in Delaware, where House Bill 124 sought to regulate the length of time a dog was permitted to bark outside each day. While the bill did ultimately pass, AKC was successful in getting several amendments to exempt dog events and instances such as trespassers on the property.
Thanks to much persistence and hard work by the Vermont Federation of Dog Clubs, House Bill 626 passed establishing a new division of animal welfare within the Department of Public Safety, and includes significant input from the federation. This is a centralized program for investigating and enforcing animal welfare requirements in the state.
Colorado established a Division of Animal Welfare within its Department of Agriculture through House Bill 24-1458. This new division will provide education, create voluntary programs, and award grants. Thanks to the Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs, there will be a stakeholder process as this is developed, and the federation will be able to have a leadership role in this process.
Other Trending Issues:
In addition, we saw some other important issues gaining traction that we anticipate will require continued perseverance into 2025:
Local Mandatory Spay/Neuter and Intact Animal Ownership/Breeder Restrictions – Several local communities in 2024 considered mandatory spay/neuter proposals, including Kern County and Fresno in California, Houston and Longview, Texas, and St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. San Antonio, Texas, already has a mandatory sterilization on a first impoundment and implemented a new process to assist with enforcement.
Indianapolis did not impose mandatory spay/neuter, but instead implemented a registry for everyone in the city who owns an intact dog. Fairfield County, South Carolina, considered a permit for all show and hunting dogs, along with other radical provisions. DeKalb County, Georgia, continues to deliberate on litter permits and potentially a permit for intact female dogs. In both cases, the proposals also include restrictions on breeding and litters.
The City of Los Angeles, California, imposed a moratorium on all breeder permits until the shelter population is under 75 percent. AKC opposed this measure and is also watching implementation to ensure this will not impact the ability to obtain intact animal permits in the city.
The majority of these are a result of shelter population concerns, particularly in local communities, and it is essential that local clubs continue to establish relationships with local lawmakers and remain vigilant, as often communities are quick to point a finger at breeders and owners of intact dogs.
Dangerous Dogs – AKC GR is also seeing a spike in legislation related to concerns about dangerous dogs. On the state level, AKC GR monitored over 80 bills in 2024 dealing with breed-specific or dangerous dog policies. Hawaii Senate Bill 2692/House Bill 2058 provided a new broad definition of “dangerous dog” that, while breed neutral, did not allow for any due process for owners and could have resulted in forfeiture of the animals if an owner did not pay care costs during the court process.
Another example is Georgia Senate Bill 142, which proposed a problematic definition of “dangerous dog” and significant requirements and penalties. AKC GR worked with the Georgia Canine Coalition to get the bill amended to address concerns. The bill did not ultimately pass.
Upshur County, West Virginia, also considered a broad definition of “dangerous dog” that could have included minor scratches. AKC and local club members worked with the county to amend the definition to ensure a differentiation between minor scratches/puppy nips and true dangerous actions.
San Antonio, Texas, also significantly increased penalties for dangerous dogs and allowed for anonymous complaints to be filed. It is possible this will filed as a statewide measure in 2025.
Shelter/Rescue Oversight – AKC monitored 75 bills in 2024 addressing the regulation of rescues and shelters. This includes Utah House Bill 478, which originally regulated breeders. As amended and ultimately enacted, however, it instead solely regulates shelters and rescues. New provisions include preventing the sale of a dog under eight weeks of age and requiring record keeping on health conditions, medical care, and “dangerous behaviors” exhibited by the animals in their care.
Indiana House Bill 1412 in part mandates the registration of all rescues that transfer more than 12 dogs in the state and allows for inspections of rescues if there are complaints about the care of the animals.
Colorado Senate Bill 24-045 requires all dogs being brought into the state for shelters or rescues to be sterilized in an attempt to address shelter population concerns.
Clubs involved with breed rescue are strongly encouraged to review the laws and requirements for their states to ensure they are in compliance.
California considered several bills requiring certain reporting for shelters, including information on intake and rabies control. Assembly Bill 2425 would have imposed new requirements on shelters, but it also had a new provision that would have regulated hobby breeders in the state. Fortunately, due to significant club outreach and AKC involvement, the bill did not advance.
Looking Ahead:
All 50 states and a new Congress will be in session in 2025, and year looks to be a busy one. There are also many new lawmakers who have never before learned about canine legislation, dog shows, and clubs. We anticipate many of the issues that we addressed in 2024 to be brought up again, and animal rights activists to continue to push their radical agenda.
It is imperative that clubs get involved on the state and local levels to make their presence known and share their expertise. Be sure to continue to check the AKC Legislative Action Center at www.akcgr.org to ensure you have the most up to date information on bills impacting your dogs. We also encourage you to check out our recent blogs for how to be vigilant in your local community and New Years resolutions to ensure you and your club are ready to continue to join with AKC in persevering on behalf of purebred dogs and our sports in 2025.