Legislative Alerts

• US Federal: AKC Replies to APHIS’ Breeding Female, Exercise and Socialization Info Request

  Earlier this week, the American Kennel Club (AKC) submitted a response to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (USDA APHIS) February 2026 Request for Information (RFI) regarding the health of breeding females, and the exercise and socialization needs of all dogs, kept by breeders licensed under the federal Animal […]

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• Illinois: Senate Extends Breeder Bill Voting Deadline

  The Illinois Senate now has until May 8 to vote on a bill impacting breeders, after extending the voting deadline on certain bills.  Illinois residents should continue contacting the Senate and express concerns that the breeder requirements in Senate Bill 2990 are not in the best interest of all dogs. Summary: As written,  Senate Bill […]

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• American Kennel Club Support for H.R. 7567 – the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026

    April 17, 2026 The Honorable G. T. Thompson Chairman House Agriculture Committee U.S. House of Representatives 400 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 RE:        American Kennel Club Support for H.R. 7567 – the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. Dear Chairman Thompson. On behalf of the American Kennel Club (AKC), our […]

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• South Carolina Professional Breeder Bill Set for Subcommittee Hearing

  Friday, April 17, 2026 South Carolina Senate Bill 720, the South Carolina Humane Dog Breeding Act, has been scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. SB 720 seeks to establish state oversight of professional dog breeders, which the bill defines as a person who possesses ten or more intact adult female dogs for breeding and […]

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• US Congress Update: House Farm Bill Floor Vote Expected Next Week – Take Action to Protect Responsible Dog Ownership

  Please share this important information with your club members, family and friends The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to debate amendments and vote on final passage of the Farm Bill, H.R. 7567, the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act,” the week of April 27. In our previous Farm Bill alert to AKC constituents, we reported that […]

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• Virginia Update: Governor Signs Debarking Ban

  Yesterday, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed 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. The new law becomes effective […]

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• RI Alert: Express Concerns with Consequences of Dog-Related Court Awards Bill Today

  Today, the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee will consider Senate Bill 2610, a bill that seeks to allow the awarding of non-economic damages to owners whose pets have been negligently injured or killed.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes Senate Bill 2610, and encourages all Rhode Island dog owners to share their opposition to S.2610 […]

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