Under the guise of updating Albuquerque's animal control ordinance to help reduce euthanasia rates at local animal shelters, City Councilor Sally Mayer has instead proposed sweeping changes that would drastically limit fanciers' ability to breed and own dogs, while doing little to address the city's problems with irresponsible ownership. The proposal is currently set for […]

  --In Honor of AKC® Responsible Dog Ownership Day, AKC Salutes Stars for Choosing the Right Breed to Fit Their Lifestyles-- New York, NY — Dogs have occupied the homes of many of the world's most sought-after celebrities since the dawn of the entertainment industry. Under constant surveillance of fans, critics and the media, celebrities […]

Despite opposition from the American Kennel Club, the California Veterinary Medical Association, The Animal Council, the Sacramento Council of Dog Clubs, and a host of other animal organizations, SB 861 passed the Assembly Local Government Committee yesterday. The bill would permit municipalities in California to enact breed-specific laws. However, SB 861 was amended on Wednesday […]

In response to a request from San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome, Senator Jackie Speier is sponsoring SB 861, a bill that will allow local governments to regulate dogs by breed as long as they do not ban specific breeds. Currently, California is one of 12 states that prohibits local governments from enacting breed-specific ordinances. SB […]

-- Click here for more information about PAWS -- --Monday June, 13 AKC Delegate Meeting, Chicago IL Remarks from Dr. James Holt, AKC's Legislative Liaison Regarding the Pet Animal Welfare Statute of 2005-- The Chair now calls on Dr. James Holt, AKC's Legislative Liaison to address this body. Dr. Holt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and […]

New York, NY — The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced today that John Fredericks, meteorologist at KVBC Channel 3 in Las Vegas and Vegas Valley Dog Obedience Club member, has been named a recipient of the AKC Community Achievement Award for his public education efforts throughout the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Fredericks was one of […]

The AKC is committed to maintaining the freedoms we deserve and are fortunate to enjoy when it comes to owning, breeding and showing dogs. We are firmly opposed to any unreasonable infringement on the rights of hobby breeders who are dedicated to nurturing our beloved breeds and responsibly enjoying our sport. With this in mind, […]

-- Click here for more information about PAWS -- The following is an interview with AKC's federal government relations consultant Jim Holt in response to dog owners' questions about PAWS. The article originally appeared in Dog News June 10th, 2005. Who is regulated under current law and how would PAWS change that? In simple terms, […]

-- Click here for more information about PAWS -- To help dog owners better understand the recently introduced PAWS legislation, please see the bill analysis below as prepared by Dr. James Holt, AKC's federal government relations consultant. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS OF S. 1139/H.R. 2669, THE "PET ANIMAL WELFARE STATUTE" (PAWS) INTRODUCED MAY 26, 2005. […]

New York, NY — This spring, approximately 2,400 graduating veterinarians from 27 schools received a special edition of the AKC's Complete Dog Book, the premier reference on purebred dogs, compliments of Hartz Mountain Corporation and AKC. Hartz is the official sponsor of the AKC Veterinary Outreach Program, which aims to provide resources that assist the […]