As mentioned in a previous alert, the Waynesboro (VA) City Council recently heard a presentation from the City Manager about proposed amendments to City Code regarding animals, which included a provision that would limit the number of animals that may be kept or maintained on any property. At the beginning of last night’s meeting, Mayor […]

The American Kennel Club leads in supporting legislation across the country that protects the rights of responsible dog owners.   The AKC PAC accepts voluntary contributions from individuals and uses these donations to support legislative candidates who defend dog owners’ rights and can effectively influence legislation impacting animal owners. Donations are pooled with contributions from AKC […]

A bill will soon be sent to the governor that would prohibit homeowner’s insurance providers from refusing or cancelling coverage or increasing premiums based solely on the breed of dog owned by the policy holder.  For the past 10 years, AKC has advocated for legislation in New York on this issue, which will protect responsible […]

Dogs have fought alongside man since ancient times. The Egyptians, Greeks, Persians, Romans, and others used dogs as sentries and scouts and sometimes brought dogs into combat. Attila the Hun used fierce Mastiff-like breeds that were sometimes armored and sent into battle. In more modern times, Germany created military dog-training programs late in the 19th […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce that Sandra D’Andrea has been promoted to Field Director of Conformation effective September 1, 2021. In her new role, she will be responsible for managing the field staff at conformation events.  Sandra joined the AKC in November 2012 as an Executive Field Representative based in the […]

What’s New from AKC Government Relations The work of dog advocates is making a difference! On the federal level, the American Kennel Club, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Animal Interest Alliance, and leading dog advocacy organizations continue working on passage of the Healthy Dog Importation Act. This bipartisan measure seeks to require that […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. California – HR 61 is a resolution that declares the Assembly’s intention to only support “sensible and humane therapeutic veterinary procedures for companion animals.”  As defined, this could mean the Assembly opposes such procedures as ear cropping, tail […]

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 […]

The Horry County (SC) County Council will hold the first of three votes on amendments to the county animal ordinance on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Owners of pets and “large animals” are urged to review the proposed ordinance and express their concerns to council members. The numerous provisions that would affect dog owners include the […]

The Fauquier County (VA) Board of Supervisors will be conducting a Public Hearing on August 12 on an  amendment to the County zoning ordinance that would prohibit the retail sale of dogs and cats in all commercial and industrial districts.  The prohibition would not apply to adoption events hosted by private non-profit or rescue groups. […]