The Utah Legislature adjourned for the year on Friday, March 5 without passing House Bill 420. This bill as introduced would have restricted retail pet stores in the state, and included a broad definition of pet store that could have included hobbyists who raise and sell dogs in their home. AKC expressed concerns with this […]

As mentioned in a previous alert, a bill has been introduced in the California Assembly that would regulate all breeders in the state. The bill has now been assigned to the Assembly Business and Professions Committee.  No hearing has been scheduled; however, it is important that the committee members hear from Californians who will be […]

It's been a hard year for everyone, and teachers and young students have faced some of the toughest battles of all. One teacher in Seattle hoping to boost morale and engagement in her second-grade remote-learning class hit upon a winning solution: a class pet. A class dog, to be precise, who would join the children […]

AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) thanks both the New Hampshire residents who contacted lawmakers this month regarding bills impacting dogs and the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee for the consideration of their comments and the thoughtful review of legislation before them. Two of three helpful bills supported by AKC GR and considered by […]

On Tuesday, March 2, the Memphis City Council will hold a third and final vote on an ordinance that makes false claims about breeders and would restrict consumer choice when acquiring a pet. Memphis residents are urged to contact city council members and urge a no vote on the pet store ordinance.  Scroll down for […]

Attention Parent Clubs: Reach Your Newest Puppy Owners! Public Education begins with people understanding their breed's needs. Help get the newest owners of your breed off to a good start by taking advantage of one of the AKC's programs -- a service that distributes flyers written by national breed clubs along with each AKC registration […]

The Nevada Senate Commerce and Labor Committee is considering a bill on Wednesday, February 24, 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. All responsible dog owners and breeders in Nevada are encouraged to contact the committee […]

Last week, a bill was introduced in the California Assembly to regulate all who breed a dog in the state. Assembly Bill 702 can be scheduled for a committee hearing beginning March 19.  No hearing is currently scheduled; however, this is an opportunity for all who breed dogs in the state to join the AKC […]

Aurora, a seven-year-old white, gray, and black mottled Border Collie, kept complete focus, jumping, spinning, and sitting on command in perfect unison with her handler. Aurora was competing in the Rally National Championship in Orlando, Florida, for the fourth time. She's placed in the top 10 of every national event she's competed in. To compete […]

What’s New from AKC Government Relations The AKC Government Relations team is off to a busy start for 2021. Currently, 47 state legislatures are in session and many dog-related bills have already been introduced. Congress has been busy with organizing with new leadership, the impeachment, COVID and budgetary issues.  So far this year, AKC GR […]