New York Assembly Bill 5507, known as "Charlemagne’s Law", will be considered by the New York Assembly Agriculture Committee tomorrow, Tuesday, May 18.  Among its many provisions, the bill seeks to amend the state’s existing definition of "pet dealer", creates a new definition of "commercial kennels", and seeks to impact those designated as such with […]

-- Join Us for AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days This September -- Planning is under way for our 8th annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days, sponsored by Invisible Fence® Brand and ADT. We invite you to join us in celebrating responsible owners everywhere this September by hosting an event in your area. Nearly 600 clubs […]

The Ohio Senate State & Local Government & Veterans Affairs Committee will likely consider amendments to Senate Bill 95 during its meeting on May 11, 2010.  While no draft is currently available, the AKC understands that these amendments will further clarify changes that were previously adopted by the committee.  No public testimony will be allowed […]

The AKC Government Relations Department has confirmed that the New Orleans City Council will consider a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance this Thursday, May 6, 2010.  The proposal, in a purported effort to address three well-publicized dog bite incidents in New Orleans, seeks to require all dogs be sterilized by six months of age or require their […]

The AKC Government Relations Department expects Oklahoma Senate Bill 1712 to be sent to Governor Brad Henry soon for his signature or veto.  It is imperative that all responsible dog breeders and owners in Oklahoma contact Governor Henry immediately and respectfully ask him to veto this bill. Bill Summary: Known as the "Commercial Pet Breeders […]

The American Kennel Club has learned that the Oklahoma Senate has approved Senate Bill 1712 by a vote of 29-17.  However, the Senate now has 36 hours to reconsider its vote.  It is vital that all concerned responsible dog breeders in Oklahoma call their State Senator today.  Respectfully oppose the Senate’s attempt at quickly moving […]

In a quick parliamentary action late yesterday, Oklahoma SB 1712 was further amended and is now set to receive a final Senate vote today, Tuesday April 27. The new amended version further expands government regulation of anyone who breeds dogs or cats and who owns more than 11 intact females of either species.  The bill’s […]

HJR 86 seeks to keep Missouri’s animal welfare regulations under the state legislature’s oversight instead of being manipulated by outside interests. The resolution, which has already passed the Missouri House of Representatives and the Senate Agriculture and Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committees, is meeting filibuster-type resistance on the Senate floor.  Therefore, it is imperative […]

The Oklahoma House passed SB 1712 yesterday. The bill will significantly expand government regulation of anyone who breeds dogs or cats and who owns more than 11 intact females of either species. The bill’s vague definition of commercial breeder includes no time frame, which means it will require commercial breeder licensing for anyone who owns […]

This Thursday, April 22, marks the important "3rd reading" deadline for Oklahoma legislation.  All bills that already passed their house of origin and were transferred to the other legislative chamber must be read for the third time and debated in that chamber by the end of the day Thursday.  This is a key deadline for […]