The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Greater Atlanta supports the efforts of the Georgia Canine Coalition, Inc. (http://www.georgiacaninecoalition.org).

GCC President Gail LaBerge and GCC attorney Frank Mulcahy continue to work to protect your rights to own and enjoy your dogs. Memberships and contributions are needed and welcomed. For more information contact Gail LaBerge at outland@laberge.org

End of Session information can be found by clicking https://georgiacaninecoalition.org/end-of-session-reviewfirst-term-2025-2026/

Below is the report of the end of the Second Term of the Two-Year Session (2025-2026). 
If a bill did not pass this session, it is dead and would have to be reintroduced in the 2027-2028 Session.

HOUSE BILLS

HB 668 
To amend Title 16, Chapter 4 of Title 30, and Chapter 6 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, to provide for a criminal penalty for a person who causes death or physical harm to a service dog, to provide for a penalty for persons who misrepresent the need for a service dog, and for other purposes.  The GCC supported this bill, it passed, was signed by Governor Kemp on 5/11/2026 and became effective on 7/1/2026.

HB 1195
To amend Article 7 of Chapter 50 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, to revise provisions relating to veterinary telemedicine, teleadvice, and teletriage and the veterinary-client-patient relationship and for other purposes.  Provides protocols allowing these veterinary care practices if no veterinary-client-relationship exists. The GCC was neutral on this bill, it passed, and became effective when it was signed by Governor Kemp
on 5/11/2026.

HB 1408
To amend Chapter 19 of Title 31 and Chapter 50 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, to authorize licensed veterinary technicians under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian to administer antirabies vaccinations to animals required by this state to be inoculated against rabies, and for other purposes.  The GCC was neutral on this bill, it passed, was signed by Governor Kemp on 5/11/2026 and became effective on 7/1/2026.

HR 1323
A RESOLUTION commending the benefits and contributions of purebred dogs to the State of Georgia and recognizing May, 1, 2026, as Georgia Purebred Dog Day and for other purposes.  Spearheaded by the Georgia Canine Coalition and sponsored by Representative Hong of the 103rd, Jenkins of the 136th, and Howard of the 71st, this resolution was adopted on February 10, 2026.

HR 1704
A RESOLUTION creating the House Study Committee on Dangerous Animal Attacks and Animal Control Resources in Rural Georgia, and for other purposes.  Died in House Special Rules Committee.

SENATE BILLS

SB 587
To amend Chapters 5 and 12 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, to create a publicly accessible registry of individuals convicted of animal cruelty in order to assist shelters in screening potential owners, and for other purposes.  The GCC was neutral on this bill, it passed, was signed by Governor Kemp on 5/11/2026 and became effective on 7/1/2026.

SB 590
To amend Article 1 of Chapter 11 of Title 4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, to limit the total number of dogs that may be possessed for breeding purposes, to expand minimal standards of care applicable to dog breeders, and for other purposes.  Assigned to the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee.  The GCC opposed this bill which made no progression after introduction and died.

SR 848
A RESOLUTION commending the benefits and contributions of purebred dogs to the State of Georgia and recognizing May, 1, 2026, as Georgia Purebred Dog Day and for other purposes.  Spearheaded by the Georgia Canine Coalition, sponsored by Clint Dixon of the 45th, Shawn Still of the 48th, Chuck Payne of the 54th, Jason T. Dickerson of the 21st, Kay Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Gail Davenport of the 17th, Ed Setzler of the 37th, Kenya Wicks of the 34th, Kim Jackson of the 41st, Jason Albers of the 56th, Randy Robertson of the 29th, Ben Watson of the 1st, David Lucas of the 26th, Lee Anderson of the 24th and Russ Goodman of the 8th.  Adopted on February 25, 2026.
 

The AKC also has several legistative efforts which can be found on the AKC website.  This includes brochures, toolbox full of information, and how to communicate effectively with legislators.

Click on this link to view all the resources the AKC has to offer. http://www.akc.org/clubs/government_relations    
 Click on this link to view legislative alerts: Legislative Alerts Archive – American Kennel Club (akc.org)

Six Things You Need to Know About the AKC PAC 

1. What is the AKC PAC?

The American Kennel Club Political Action Committee (AKC PAC) helps elect dog-friendly candidates. The purpose behind the fund is to protect your rights as a breeder, dog owner and fancier by helping elect leaders who share that commitment.

2. What makes the AKC PAC different from other AKC funds such as the Canine Legislative Support Fund?

Canine Legislative Support Fund (CLSF) contributions are used to educate officials on a federal, state and local level to ensure that your rights as a responsible owner and breeder are protected. Without dog-friendly officials in office; however, the CLSF cannot do its job. AKC PAC funds are used to help elect dog-friendly leadership in Congress and state houses across the country. PAC funds can only be used as campaign donations and not to lobby or educate an official on a particular position.

3. Who can contribute to the AKC PAC?

Any individual may contribute to the AKC PAC. Although clubs may not contribute, they may hold fundraisers for the PAC or provide opportunities for their members to contribute. For example, a club may allow members to include a PAC contribution when paying their regular dues. The club may then forward the contribution to the AKC PAC. Clubs may also choose instead to contribute to the Canine Legislation Support Fund. Contributions to the AKC PAC and Canine Legislation Support Fund are not tax deductible.

4. How does the AKC PAC benefit dog owners? 

The PAC allows the AKC to support dog friendly candidates and elected officials. The more dog-friendly officials in office, the more assured you can be that your rights will be protected.

5. May I recommend candidates for AKC PAC contributions?

You may advise the PAC about officials who have assisted in either promoting dog-friendly legislation or opposing anti-dog measures. You may also suggest new candidates who you believe will support dog owners. Names of those you feel are deserving of PAC funds may be submitted to the AKC PAC Board through the AKC Government Relations Department. Contributions may not be given on behalf of a specific candidate.

6. How can I help the AKC PAC acquire donations?

You can make a personal donation or encourage club members to each contribute to the PAC. You may also ask clubs to hold a fundraiser for the AKC PAC or allow members to include a PAC donation in their dues. Remember- without donations to the AKC PAC, we cannot support the campaigns of dog friendly candidates! For more information, and to contribute online, visit www.akc.org/pac.