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 […]

Elections Are Coming: Ideas for Identifying Dog-Friendly Candidates Primary elections across the U.S. are narrowing the list of candidates who will be on the ballot on Election Day, November 3. To preserve the future of purebred dogs, it’s important to identify dog-friendly candidates and use your vote to elect those who will protect the rights […]

State Issues: News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Visit the 2020 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. Alabama – HB 209 seeks to authorize food service establishments to allow pet dogs in […]

From Our Nation's Capitol AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2020 Legislation Tracking page and click on “US Fed” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing on the federal […]

This Friday, March 6, the Connecticut Joint Environment Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on HB 5338, which seeks to prohibit the sale of animal fighting paraphernalia.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the difficulties in prosecuting those who engage in animal fighting under current law, which requires catching individuals in the act.  […]

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2020. Founded by the American Kennel Club on February 21st, 1995 as an independent, 501c3 non-profit organization, CHF has grown into the world’s largest funder of health research focused solely on dogs. By funding high-quality, humane scientific research and sharing health information, CHF works […]

Life may be a box of chocolates, but after you’ve nibbled enough bonbons, you know which flavor you like best. Over the past four decades, Nancy Edmunds of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, has owned quite a Whitman’s Sampler of purebreds, including Cocker Spaniels, Manchester Terriers, Whippets, Brussels Griffons, Poodles, and Afghan Hounds. But in 1985, she finally came across her forever breed: the Vizsla. After almost 30 years breeding those Hungarian […]

"Cancer" — that dreaded word that nobody wants to hear. But as a leading cause of death in dogs, it's a reality all too many owners may have to face. Sadly, many cancers have a genetic basis, meaning there's not much owners can do to avoid it in their dogs. Yet there are certain choices […]

Minnesota House File 3369, which seeks to prohibit the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet shops, is scheduled to be considered by the Minnesota House Committee on Commerce on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes legislation that attempts to artificially manipulate the market in favor of pets sourced solely […]

Two ordinances on the agenda of the Collier County, Florida, Board of County Commissioners meeting for February 25, 2020, seek to establish overreaching and onerous regulations for both hobby breeders and commercial breeders.  Concerned dog owners are urged to immediately contact County Commissioners and attend the meeting on Tuesday. Under current law, all breeders, including […]