Her name evokes images of a beloved princess or the ancient goddess of the hunt—Diana. She easily slips in and out of these roles, sometimes on the same day. One moment, she’s gleaming white, pouffed, and proud in the show ring. Turn around, and she’s dripping with pond water, her curls flattened out as she […]

Two dog-related bills of concern are scheduled to be considered by the Hawaii House Agriculture Committee on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. House Bill 849 seeks to limit consumer choice by requiring pet stores to sell dogs obtained only from animal control or a shelter/rescue. House Bill 1513 seeks to limit civil and criminal liability for […]

What information does the DNA testing provide? AKC DNA Profiling is for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes only. It does not provide information regarding genetic health, conformation, performance ability, coat color, etc. AKC DNA testing does not determine the breed of a dog. Can DNA testing determine the breed of a dog? No. AKC […]

An October 2010 list published by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) called “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen” included the kennel of Mary Ann Smith.  The list, which purportedly listed, “some of the worst licensed kennels in the state,” was part of a public relations campaign designed in some measure to urge voter support of […]

Today, the Utah House Business and Labor Committee decided to table a bill regulating all breeders, pending further discussion and amendments. House Bill 359 seeks to require a permit for all breeders who sell even one dog in the state.  While some amendments were offered, the committee recognized that many questions still remain. They voted […]

A Utah House committee has just scheduled a hearing for tomorrow (Thursday, February 9) on a bill that would seek to develop regulations for virtually all dog breeders in Utah. AKC understands that amendments will be offered, but it is unclear what impact the amendments will have on breeders – particularly those who breed and […]

On Thursday, February 9, 2023, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Safety and Security Committee will accept public testimony on a list of bills, including SB 932, relative to protections for police K-9 and volunteer search and rescue dogs.  The bill would (1) increase the penalty for intentionally injuring a police K-9 or dog in a […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. California – AB-240: This proposal would create a tax on the sale of pet food for cats and dogs in order to provide dedicated funding to animal shelters for the spaying and neutering of animals. The bill is […]

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 […]

Thousands of dog-lovers made their way to the Javits Center Jan. 25 and 26 for the 11th annual AKC Meet the Breeds®, an unforgettable weekend full of canine fun and education. Adults and children alike went from petting Afghan Hounds to Yorkshire Terriers, learning about purebred dogs and responsible pet ownership along the way. So […]