Chihuahuas are a beloved breed who are known for their loyal and loving nature toward their owners, their tenacious spirit and, yes, their diminutive frame. But while small in size — they're actually one of the smallest recognized dog breeds — Chihuahuas are sure to get themselves noticed and be heard. So, if you have […]

As previously reported, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has proposed to reissue a rule to require that breeder/dealers, research facilities, intermediate handlers, carriers, and other animal enterprises subject to USDA licensing establish emergency/contingency planning in the event of a natural or manmade disaster or other business disruption. HISTORY […]

Local/Other: Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can't help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or […]

At first glance,  you wouldn't be able to tell that Cheyenne is the oldest dog competing at the 2021 AKC Rally National Championship. Lively and energetic, the Australian Shepherd defies her age -- 15 years old. More impressive, this is the senior dog's first AKC Nationals event. But Cheyenne is not at all new to […]

Lauren Mulvihill didn't grow up with dogs, but that never stopped her from wanting one. Growing up, her cousin's dog Casey — “the perfect Golden to a T" — was friendly, goofy, and smart. Lauren begged her parents for a dog like Casey. “I would ask every single holiday," she says. “I'd be like, please […]

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS),  announced on June 24 that it is re-issuing a rule to require that breeder/dealers, research facilities, intermediate handlers, carriers and other animal enterprises subject to USDA licensing establish emergency/ contingency planning in the event of a natural or manmade disaster or […]

Today, the Colorado Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a ballot initiative seeking to expand the state’s cruelty laws cannot proceed. As such, supporters may no longer collect signatures.  They would need to draft a new proposal and resubmit it for consideration and hearings again by the state Title Board.  It is very unlikely that this […]

A hot topic in June is the announcement by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that it is temporarily banning the importation of dogs from countries at high risk for canine rabies, effective July 14. American Kennel Club Government Relations quickly responded with a legislative alert on the issue and a blog […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can't help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or introduced […]

Today, the Connecticut Senate formally closed the 2021 legislative session by adjourning sine die, a day after the House adjourned for the year.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased that the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s bill impacting shelters was adopted, while bills that would have negatively impacted responsible dog owners and breeders were not. […]