The AKC Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has received word that several Jefferson Parish councilmembers will request to defer the consideration of the proposed cruelty ordinance changes, which were scheduled to be considered today, until a future meeting. Councilmembers have expressed an interest in hearing Parish residents’ views about the proposal. Therefore, it extremely important […]

At its next meeting on Wednesday, January 28, the Jefferson Parish Council is scheduled to consider a proposal that will amend the parish’s ordinances that regard the humane treatment of animals. Several parts of the proposal are of concern to the American Kennel Club. Jefferson Parish residents are strongly encouraged to review the proposal and […]

Four proposals have been introduced by the Madison City Council that will have a direct impact on dog owners, fanciers, breeders, and sportsmen in the city. Residents and those that participate in dog events in Madison are strongly encouraged to contact the council regarding these proposals, as well as the commissions mentioned below. Click here […]

In the next few weeks, residents of Aurora, Colorado, will be receiving mail-in ballots. Question 2D on the ballot asks, “Shall the people of Aurora adopt an ordinance allowing pit bulls back into their city?” A vote of “YES” will provide the opportunity for Aurora dog lovers and residents to fight discrimination, restore the rights […]

Tomorrow, Thursday, October 9, 2014, the New Jersey Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee will consider several bills that, if ultimately enacted, will impact dogs in the Garden State. AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) encourages all owners in New Jersey to review the bills detailed below and to express their opinions to the committee members. […]

As reported previously, the Jefferson Parish Council has delayed their consideration of changes to the Parish’s animal cruelty ordinances. Instead, officials with the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter and Animal Shelter Advisory Board will first hold a public meeting to discuss the proposed changes. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at 6:30PM […]

As reported previously, the Jefferson Parish Council has delayed their consideration of changes to the Parish’s animal cruelty ordinances. Instead, officials with the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter and Animal Shelter Advisory Board will first hold a public meeting to discuss the proposed changes. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at 6:30PM […]

The Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Wednesday, February 4, that would amend the state’s tethering laws and ban dogs from being left tethered outdoors in extreme cold and winter conditions. However, as introduced it prohibits any dog from being tethered outside unattended for an hour when the temperature […]

Two overly-broad animal cruelty bills, SB 2127 and SB 2821, have advanced to the Mississippi State Senate calendar and could be voted upon at any time. The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports strong penalties for acts of animal cruelty; however, we have concerns with several aspects of these bills as currently written.  SB 2127 prohibits […]

On Friday, February 13, the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee will consider House Bill 624, a bill regarding animal care costs in cruelty cases. As introduced, the bill could force individuals charged—but not convicted—of animal cruelty to forfeit ownership of their pets, even after they are later found not guilty of those charges. […]