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. […]

We love our furry friends, but sometimes pet expenses can cause an unexpected dent in our wallets. Being unable to afford the cost of pet maintenance is one of the top three reasons dogs are relinquished to rescue networks, according to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy. But like most things, a little […]

Dogdom has quite a few breeds that take their inspiration from other species: The dainty Papillon is named for its butterfly-evoking ears. The Shar-Pei is always channeling its inner hippopotamus. And a number of Asian breeds, from the Pekingese to the Tibetan Spaniel, were intentionally bred to evoke the king of beasts in miniaturized form. […]

As previously reported, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has proposed to reissue a rule to require that breeder/dealers, research facilities, intermediate handlers, carriers, and other animal enterprises subject to USDA licensing establish emergency/contingency planning in the event of a natural or manmade disaster or other business disruption. HISTORY […]