Wisconsin Representative Don Pridemore is currently asking legislators to sign on as co-sponsors to LRB 1798 - legislation that would change the definition of "dog breeder" in state law from those who sell 25 dogs per year to those who sell 50 dogs per year. The American Kennel Club strongly believes that all dogs should […]

Senate Bill 637, which seeks to amend the Oklahoma Commercial Pet Breeders Act, is expected to be considered by the House of Representatives as early as today.    If you would like to contact your State Representative regarding this measure, click here and insert your address to view their name and contact information. Scroll down […]

The American Kennel Club wishes to extend profound thanks to Representative David Simpson for his help in removing House Bill 1451 from the Local, Consent and Resolutions Calendar. House Bill 1451 is now on the Major State Calendar for Tuesday, April 26th. This means that legislators will cast individual votes on the bill.  It is VITAL […]

The Missouri House Rural Development Committee is expected to consider a resolution on Tuesday, February 15, that would protect animal owners from undue economic burdens and regulations.   If passed by the General Assembly, it would appear on the November 2012 ballot. All Missouri dog owners and breeders are encouraged to contact the committee and ask […]

The St. Joseph (MO) City Council will be voting on new regulations on Tuesday, February 22, that would require licensing, inspection, and strict care and conditions requirements for anyone who owns three intact dogs of any age for breeding or exhibition.  The guidelines would also affect anyone who is involved with boarding or rescue.  The […]

- Contact Your Representative TODAY! [April 8, 2011] The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department has just learned that House Bill 1451, which seeks to establish extensive regulations for dog breeders, has been rushed through committee and will likely be considered by the House of Representatives any day.  It is imperative that all responsible dog […]

The Illinois House Agriculture & Conservation Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, February 22, that would remove the state ban on breed-specific legislation.  All responsible dog owners are strongly encouraged to contact the committee and ask them to oppose House Bill 1080. Summary: Illinois is currently one of 11 states that specifically […]

At the August Board meeting, the AKC Board of Directors approved an official canine legislation policy position statement on debarking. Debarking is a viable veterinary procedure that may allow a dog owner to keep a dog that barks excessively in its loving home rather than to be forced to surrender it to a shelter. Debarking […]

On January 18, the New York City Council approved a new section of city ordinances that would prohibiting the restraining (tethering) of animals outdoors for longer than three continuous hours within a 12-hour period. As amended, the measure was also amended to prohibit "for any amount of time" (e.g. temporarily) the tethering of an animal […]

California Senate Bill 250, which seeks to mandate the sterilization of a dog on a second animal control offense, has moved from the inactive file back to the Assembly floor and could be voted on any day. Amendments have been adopted, but they only modify the appeals process and do not alter our fundamental opposition […]