Rottweilers, Dobermans and “pit bulls” would be declared vicious under a bill introduced this week in Iowa. The bill, SSB1195, was introduced by the Senate Committee on Government Oversight April 8th and was approved just two days later for consideration by the full Senate. Iowa fanciers must act now to stop this fast-moving bill. WHAT […]

AKC and California fanciers scored a major victory when AB342, which would have prohibited hunting with dogs or training for that purpose, was soundly rejected in committee by a vote of 19-0. The bill was granted reconsideration as a courtesy to the author, meaning it could possibly come before the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee […]

In a letter to Secretary Ann Veneman, the American Kennel Club is urging the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make important and needed improvements to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The AWA requires that minimum standards of care and treatment be provided for certain animals sold at wholesale, used in research, and transported commercially. […]

Help is needed immediately to defeat legislation that has been introduced in Maryland to severely restrict debarking of dogs. The bill (H355) is currently awaiting a vote by the House Committee on Environmental Matters. Debarking of dogs is a commonly misunderstood practice. When performed by a veterinarian, debarking is an acceptable medical procedure that is […]

The US Court of Appeals sided with the USDA and AKC Tuesday in a case that would have made all residential breeders of dogs and cats subject to federal licensing and inspection. The ruling, which reversed a lower court's decision, rejects arguments by Doris Day Animal League and other animal rights groups that wanted to […]

Immediate help from New Jersey dog owners is needed to defeat legislation that would severely restrict ownership of "pit bulls" and possibly Rottweilers. A2906 was introduced in October 2002 and fanciers immediately rallied to educate lawmakers about the ineffectiveness of breed-specific legislation. An identical Senate bill, S2381, was introduced in late February. We must act […]

On Monday, January 13th, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will give final consideration to changes to the city's animal control regulations. The proposed amendments would add the term "guardian" wherever "owner" appears in San Francisco's municipal code. The measure passed first reading in early December and now needs only 6 votes to become law. […]

Despite dog owners' efforts, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors gave final approval to the proposed "guardian" ordinance on January 13th. The measure adds the term "guardian" wherever "owner" appears in San Francisco's municipal code. The ordinance will now be sent to the mayor, who has ten days to act on it. Residents should contact […]

  AKC Humane Fund Seeks Entries From Across the Nation for 10th Annual Awards for Canine Excellence New York, NY – Just about every dog owner agrees that canines offer us unlimited love and companionship no matter what hardships we face in life. The AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE) were created to […]

  The American Kennel Club® is pleased to announce that 26 Junior Scholarships have been awarded to students from 16 states. The scholarships for high school, college and graduate school students range from $1,000 to $3,000 for each student. "These awards have been given to successful students who have also reached the highest levels of […]