A significantly amended New Jersey Senate Bill 63 was approved late last week by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.  The bill could now be considered for a vote by the full Senate this Thursday, June 30.  Although some important and necessary changes have been made, the AKC remains deeply concerned with SB 63.  It […]

En Español Legislation has been introduced in both the Puerto Rico House and Senate that would put a 5-year ban on all breeding and mandate the sterilization of every dog in Puerto Rico.  Those who do not comply risk fines, imprisonment, and having their dogs seized by law enforcement. The legislation states that this will […]

The NY Assembly Insurance Committee has given initial approval to a bill that would prohibit homeowners insurance providers from refusing or cancelling coverage or increasing premiums based solely on the breed of dog owned by the policy holder.  The bill now goes to the Assembly Codes Committee.  All responsible dog owners and breeders in New […]

The Iowa State Legislature adjourned on Friday evening for the year and once again no legislation that would negatively impact breeders and dog owners was passed.  For the past several years, legislation has been introduced that would have further regulated those who maintain at least four intact dogs and receive any kind of consideration for […]

Yesterday, a resolution was introduced in the U.S. Senate to declare May 1 as National Purebred Dog Day.  Senate Resolution 447 “designates May 1 as National Purebred Dog Day in celebration of purebred dogs and the many service and companion benefits purebred dogs have and continue to provide to the United States.” The resolution further […]

Friday, April 15, 2016 Connecticut Senate Bill 228, which seeks to allow non-economic damages in cases involving injury to a pet, and House Bill 5344, which seeks to create court-appointed animal advocates in court cases involving pets, are currently pending in the Connecticut General Assembly.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes that far-reaching unintended consequences […]

The United States Department of Agriculture today released an updated version of its online course for dog breeders.  This course provides the latest information on the federal Animal Welfare Act regulations and licensing requirements.  The program includes information on the pre-licensing process, and guidelines and suggestions to help breeders be in compliance.  The course can […]

The Maryland Senate is expected to consider a bill any day that contains some very troubling legislative findings (including implying that breeders are the reason dogs end up in shelters). The purpose of the bill is to ensure that pet stores and dealers in Maryland only obtain dogs from reputable breeders, and many positive amendments […]

A bill is moving in the New York Senate that would make it a crime to steal a pet from an owner’s or lawful custodian’s private property.  New York residents are encouraged to contact their State Senator and ask them to support Senate Bill 423.  The bill has passed Senate committees and is pending a […]

New Jersey Senate Bill 63, which seeks to limit consumer choice and remove consumer protections for New Jersey dog purchasers, was recently amended and approved by the Senate Economic Growth Committee by a 3-2 vote.  The bill has been referred to a second committee, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, for further consideration.  Click here […]