Despite strong opposition and lobbying efforts by concerned dog owners and the AKC, the Boston City Council approved a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance on June 23rd. Prior to its passage, the measure was amended to include a mandatory spay/neuter provision for all "pit bulls." Pit bulls are defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull […]

Following the recent defeat of proposed breeder regulations, New Jersey dog owners barely had time to catch their breaths before Senator Sharpe James, who is also Mayor of Newark, introduced the "Responsible Pit Bull Ownership Act" (S1718) late last week. S1718 Would Allow a Municipality To: Require a special license for all "pit bulls" ($150-700)-including […]

SB1548, which includes language that would make ear cropping a misdemeanor, easily passed the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions this week. The majority of the bill pertains to other aspects of veterinary medicine and has the support of the veterinary community. AKC is therefore urging fanciers to contact the bill sponsor and ask her […]

California fanciers, take note! The Animal Council reports that SB1548, a bill pertaining to veterinary medicine, was amended last week to include a ban on ear cropping for dogs. Violators will be charged with a misdemeanor unless the procedure was done for treatment of disease or injury to the dog. The bill defines "disease or […]

  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is proud to announce a new relationship with The Hartz Mountain Corporation to become the official sponsor of the AKC Veterinary Outreach Program. The AKC Veterinary Outreach Program unites the world of purebred dogs with the veterinary community through educational initiatives aimed at veterinarians, veterinary students and veterinary technicians. […]

The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners reports that the Budget Conference Committee has approved the final version of the state budget, and it does not include a House-approved amendment requiring regulation of those who breed and sell more than five litters of puppies or kittens per year. This development is welcome […]

Good news for Garden State fanciers! The New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs reports that Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, sponsor of A2324, has stated his intention to withdraw the bill from consideration. A2324, which would require any individual who sells ten or more animals per year to register with and face regulation by their municipality, […]

  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to welcome the ten students who have been chosen to participate in the AKC Internship Program. The program--open to college students with a background and interest in purebred dogs--is designed to further their professional development as well as help the AKC identify potential employees with experience in […]

AKC's Gail Miller appeared on NBC'S Today Show Friday, June 11th to discuss the recent findings by German researchers that dogs can comprehend language. Interviewed by Ann Curry, Miller stated that the findings are, "not surprising at all to anyone who has owned or trained dogs. Dogs are very intelligent and it's in their nature […]

The deadline for introduction of bills to be considered by North Carolina's General Assembly came and went last week without a word about the long-debated "Animal Protection Act." The draft legislation, which resulted from nearly a year's worth of work by the House Interim Committee on the Prevention and Disposition of Unwanted and Abandoned Companion […]