The Chicago City Council could vote on Wednesday (July 22) on a proposal that would ban hobby breeding in the city without extensive permits and requirements. Those who reside, have registered a litter, or participate in breed rescue activities in Chicago are encouraged to reach out to the City TODAY, express your concerns, and ask […]

The New York Senate Insurance Committee is considering a bill on Monday (July 20) 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 New York are encouraged to contact the committee […]

On Monday, July 20 at 7:30pm, residents in Holliston, Massachusetts will be asked at its annual town meeting to vote on warrant  Article 22 .  Although the proposal’s title is “Protecting Consumers and Animals in Holliston,” it instead would ban the sale of purpose-bred pets from state-inspected and -licensed facilities, like pet shops, in favor […]

This week, a Chicago City Council committee gave initial approval to a proposal that would ban hobby breeding in the city without extensive permits and requirements. Those who reside, have registered a litter, or participate in breed rescue activities in Chicago are encouraged to reach out to the City TODAY, express your concerns, and ask […]

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the health of all dogs and their owners through sound scientific research and the dissemination of health information. CHF works with researchers, veterinarians, breed clubs, dog owners, and breeders to find and fund studies with the greatest potential to improve the health […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, announced today that the Belgian Laekenois has received full recognition, and is eligible to compete in the Herding Group. This addition brings the number of AKC-recognized breeds to 196. “We’re happy to have the Belgian Laekenois as part of […]

Since December 2019, the countdown clock has been ticking on the American Belgian Laekenois Association website for the coming-out party of what its members believe to be America’s best-kept purebred dog secret. Well, the secret’s out of the bag as of July 1, 2020 when the tousled wire-coated newcomer with shade variations from fawn to […]

Increasing demand for pets and restrictive breeder laws mean that U.S. breeders cannot meet the demand for dogs in the U.S. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates approximately one million dogs are imported into the United States annually. This has resulted in increasing reported incidents of imported dogs bringing contagious diseases […]

Local/Other: Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in U.S. 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 […]

State Issues: News from the State Capitols  Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – HB 209 sought to authorize food service establishments to allow pet dogs in outdoor restaurant seating areas if the company wishes to do so.  It would have required that the dog be leashed or […]