New York A.6985 – Positive Reinforcement Mandate
Summary Status: Introduced March 2025; currently in the Agriculture Committee. What it does:
New Jersey S.3814 – The “Dog Training Licensing Act”
Summary Status: Active. A major hearing was held by the Senate Economic Growth Committee in February 2025, where it met intense debate. What it does:
Massachusetts H.2342 – An Act Relevant to Dangerous Dogs
Summary It’s a short bill, but it could make a huge difference. The bill states, that if a dog hurts a person or another dog by breaking skin and a complaint is filed, the family would be required to work with a veterinarian, behaviorist, or trainer to create a safety and behavior plan using humane, ACVB and AVSAB evidence-based methods. The use of shock, prong, or choke collars is prohibited. Here’s the key part of the bill: “…(vii) that the owner or keeper of the dog consults with a veterinarian,… Continued
Hernandez v. Radio Systems Corp. – Proposed Settlement
CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE Dated June 10, 2025 Below is a motion to approve a settlement in the Hernandez v. Radio Systems Corporation matter. The motion was filed last month. A hearing on the motion is set for one week from today. We have been advised that a significant portion of the settlement will not be allocated to RSC customers. The attorneys will seek attorneys’ fees up to 33-1/3% of the settlement, reimbursement of their costs and expenses (including expert witness fees), and a $10,000 “service award” for… Continued
Significant Legislation Targeting Dog Training
As of late 2025, the most significant legislation specifically targeting dog training is moving through state houses in the Northeast. There is a clear legislative trend: bills are increasingly attempting to mandate “force-free” or “positive reinforcement” methodologies by law, effectively banning the use of tools like e-collars (shock collars) and prong collars for professional trainers. Here are the three major bills currently pending or moving through state legislatures: 1. New Jersey: The “Dog Training Licensing Act” (S3814) 2. Massachusetts: Dangerous Dog Rehab & “Ollie’s Law” (HB 2342) 3. New York:… Continued
Major Legislation Impacting Pets 2025
The following is a summary of major legislation impacting pets in the United States from December 2024 through December 2025. The legislation is categorized by Federal (nationwide impact) and State (specific state laws with significant precedents). I. Federal Legislation (United States Congress) Note: Much of the federal activity in 2025 involved bills being introduced or moving through committee. Enacted federal laws are rare and typically take longer to finalize. 1. The PURR Act of 2025 (H.R. 597) 2. HELP PETS Act (H.R. 233) 3. Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act of 2025… Continued
Three Federal Lawsuits Expose the Fatal Cost of “No Kill” Sheltering Policies
Three cases expose how America’s most powerful animal welfare alliance (comprised of Best Friends Animal Society, Maddie’s Fund, the ASPCA, PetSmart Charities, Petco Love, and others) reshaped sheltering norms through a singular focus: achieving 90–95% “live release” rates. This metric, often treated as the ultimate sign of success, now finds itself at the center of a growing legal and ethical crisis. by Ed Boks Click here to read the full article on Substack.
The PAM Rock Act – FLorida 2025
The Pam Rock Act (HB 593 / SB 572) is a comprehensive piece of legislation designed to prevent severe dog attacks by increasing the accountability of owners with dogs classified as “dangerous.” It is named after Pamela Rock, a 61-year-old Florida postal carrier who was tragically mauled to death by a pack of five dogs in Interlachen, Florida, in August 2022. The dogs had a known history of aggression but had not been sufficiently regulated under previous laws. Here is a detailed breakdown of the Act as of its effective… Continued