News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – House Bill 485, among other provisions, would have allowed a dog to be confiscated without court authorization if suspected of harassing, harming, or killing livestock. Minor amendments were adopted in committee, and AKC GR advocated for […]

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 […]

Legislatures are in full swing around the country, and we are currently tracking over 2,000 federal, state, and local measures that could impact dog owners.  Between alerts, updates, and newsletters, it may seem you are constantly receiving communications from the American Kennel Club Government Relations department (AKC GR).  Each of these messages are essential in […]

Want a smarter, more empathetic, possibly healthier child? It may come as no surprise that having a family dog can benefit your child’s emotional intelligence. A collection of scientific studies outlined by Nienke Endenburg and Ben Baarda in their paper The Role of Pets in Enhancing Human Well-being: Effects on Child Development, along with other […]

The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) just learned that a proposed animal ordinance is scheduled for a vote by the Montgomery City Council on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. At the time of this alert, AKC has received information about certain provisions of the proposed ordinance.  An official copy of the proposed ordinance […]

Recently I helped a breeder friend compile a package of handouts to send to prospective owners. This was her first litter so she was new to the process. I was surprised to learn that her bitch’s breeder had not sent her anything comparable when she was shopping for a puppy. I used to think these […]

Competing with a senior dog can come with its fair share of concerns, from joints to weakened eyesight — but at nearly 14 years old, Radiance, a Shetland Sheepdog, is still moving well in Agility. In fact, she’ll be the oldest dog competing in the 2022 National Agility Championship (NAC) on April 1-3 in Ocala, […]

Update: Friday, March 25, 2022 Yesterday, the New Jersey Senate passed Senate Bill 981 without amendments.  The bill has already been assigned to the Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee. The American Kennel Club (AKC) remains opposed S.981 as currently worded, and continues to work to ensure that the bill’s lack of protections for co-owners […]

What tugs at our hearts more than an adorable Chihuahua peeking out of Reese Witherspoon’s purse in the movie Legally Blonde? Perhaps it is the sight of puppies glee­ fully romping through scenes in 101 Dalmatians, or the exploits of Otis, the endearing Pug, in The Adventures of Milo and Otis. Dogs occupy a treasured […]

On April 26, the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee is scheduled to consider Assembly Bill 1881, known as the “Dog and Cat Bill of Rights”. AKC staff and our representatives in California are working hard to communicate concerns with the author’s office, the committee,  and requesting significant amendments – but we need your help! […]