Advocacy & Legislation
The Association follows state animal welfare legislation and lists measures its members are likely to care about. This is a reading list, not a complete record: it is compiled by hand, it is not exhaustive, and it is not updated on a schedule. Federal legislation is not tracked.
Summaries are the Association's own words. The linked source is the authority, and every link goes to the state's own legislature. Listing a measure is not an endorsement of it.
Delaware HB 131: pet stores and animal welfare
Delaware has prohibited retail pet stores from selling dogs and cats, and authorised those stores to give shelters and rescue organisations space to show animals for adoption instead. Enforcement sits with the state Office of Animal Welfare, with a civil penalty for each prohibited sale. Signed 23 July 2026 and effective 23 January 2027. The Association notes it as part of a run of state measures moving retail sale toward adoption.
Indiana HB 1165: animal cruelty penalties and vehicle rescue
Indiana has raised the penalties for cruelty and neglect, allowing a felony charge on a first offence where the circumstances are grave, and has increased the penalty for killing a law enforcement animal. The measure also protects a person who breaks into a locked vehicle to reach an animal in danger, provided they call emergency services first and stay with the animal until responders arrive. Effective 1 July 2026.
California AB 519: age limits on brokered pet sales
California has barred pet brokers, in person and online, from selling dogs, cats and rabbits under a year old. It is aimed at the resale channel rather than at breeders or shelters, and it is the third measure in a series the state has passed on the same subject. Effective 1 January 2026.
South Dakota SB 82: misrepresenting an animal as a service animal
South Dakota has made it a misdemeanour to intentionally present an animal as a service animal, in a place of public accommodation, in order to obtain rights the handler is not entitled to. The Association draws members' attention to this one in particular. Holistic Therapy Dog certification is a commemorative credential and is not a service animal credential: it confers no right of access anywhere, and presenting it as though it did is the conduct this measure penalises.
Bill text and status · South Dakota Legislative Research Council