Delaware — Senate Concurrent Resolution 44 establishes an Animal Welfare Task Force "to consider and evaluate the state of animal welfare in Delaware." This task force is directed to "convene as soon as possible" and conduct at least one public hearing prior to providing written recommendations to the legislature in March 2013. The AKC will closely monitor this resolution and task force and provide more information as it becomes available. The resolution has been approved by both the Senate and House.

New Jersey — With the New York tri-state area still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy, the AKC endorses and supports New Jersey Senate Bill 1804 and Assembly Bill 3445, which would permit pet owners to board public transportation with domesticated animals during emergency evacuations. The AKC applauds the New Jersey legislature’s efforts to protect the Garden State’s dogs—and owners who might otherwise not evacuate a dangerous area—by providing the means by which responsible owners and their pets can escape areas where the catastrophic impacts of storms are expected. Senate Bill 1804 has passed the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee. Assembly Bill 3445 has been assigned to the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Read more about these bills.

New Jersey — Senate Bill 1840 / Assembly Bill 2746 are being described as consumer protection bills but instead seek to significantly regulate breeders across the state, including licensing, inspections, onerous breeding and sales restrictions, and care and conditions rules. Both bills have been assigned to committee, but neither has been scheduled for consideration. AKC GR continues to work closely with the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs and other allied groups in opposition to the bills as currently written.

North Carolina — AKC GR expects a breeder regulations bill to be introduced when the North Carolina General Assembly convenes in January 2013. It is expected that this bill will be virtually identical to those introduced in previous sessions, which would impose unreasonable and potentially harmful regulations on responsible owners of intact dogs. North Carolina residents are encouraged to contact their State Representative and State Senator and ask that they not support breeder regulations in the 2013 session.

Ohio — Senate Bill 130 regulates "high volume" dog breeders in Ohio, defined as those who produce 9 litters of puppies and sell 60 puppies in a calendar year. Those who meet this definition are required to obtain an annual license and inspection. The inspections may be conducted by local veterinarians. Standards of care will be established by the state Department of Agriculture and reviewed by an advisory board. As originally introduced, Senate Bill 130 would have negatively impacted hobbyists and sportsmen, created a new governmental dog breeding oversight board with no breeder representation, and instituted unreasonable engineering requirements and standards of care not in the best interest of dogs. Another bill introduced would have created even more unreasonable standards and regulated ear cropping and tail docking. This second bill never received a hearing, and most amendments recommended by AKC GR and AKC’s Ohio federation were incorporated into the final version of SB 130. Governor Kasich signed the measure into law on December 11. Read more about this success for Ohio dog owners and breeders.

Pennsylvania — House Bill 2409 would have forced owners to relinquish their animals when they are accused of cruelty, regardless of whether the charges are ultimately dismissed. The AKC was concerned with several provisions in this bill, including the forfeiture of all ownership rights if the accused fails to pay the amount mandated by the court at any time during the trial. The bill passed the House and was held in the Senate Judiciary Committee. AKC GR issued a legislative alert, sent letters of concern, and worked with the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs to address concerns with this bill. Read more about this legislation .

Texas — Licensing requirements of the Texas Dog and Cat Breeder Act went into effect on September 1, 2012. The AKC and many responsible dog owners and breeders in Texas are troubled with several aspects of the licensing and oversight program. The regulations were enacted as a no-cost measure; however, at this time there are a number of indications that the program's revenues will fall far short of sustainable levels and the program will likely become a fiscal drain on the Texas state budget. Currently, only 87 breeder licenses have been issued, which falls far short of the estimated 600 licenses required to cover basic operational costs of the program. The AKC is encouraging concerned Texas residents to contact their elected officials regarding these concerns. Read more about this issue .