May 16, 2019 Four bills have been introduced in New York which will prohibit retail pet stores from selling any dogs or cats.  Instead, they would only be allowed to “showcase” animals available for adoption from a shelter, rescue, or adoption agency. Current law requires that pet dealers (defined in part as anyone who sells […]

Friday, May 10, 2019 On Tuesday, May 14, 2019, the Joint Judiciary Committee will consider six dog-related bills at its upcoming hearing from 1pm – 5pm.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports with amendment one of the proposals, is concerned with two others, and opposes three more.  The AKC encourages all concerned Massachusetts residents to […]

In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were created and first awarded in 1999 to honor our best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our sport on a national […]

Tuesday, April 30, 2019 The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently unveiled a new online licensing and registration tool that helps businesses and individuals identify their regulation needs under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Regulations established under the AWA set standards for the humane care and treatment for […]

Typically, the breed we choose to raise and show over many years and generations is the one to which we are committed for life. Yet sometimes, there are reasons - physical or emotional - that we are drawn to another breed. As exhibitors, we probably all have dozens of breeds that we admire at shows […]

April 22, 2019 On Tuesday, April 23, the Manatee County Board of Commissioners could discuss a proposal that would ban the retail sale of puppies.  An earlier version of the meeting agenda referenced a Sarasota ordinance that bans retail sales of pets from a commercial establishment.  It is not known at this time what might […]

Spring is an incredibly busy season for those involved with canine legislation.  As it currently stands, thirty-nine states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are still in session, and AKC GR is currently tracking more than 2,000 bills across the United States. Positive, fact-based messaging is a tangible reminder to legislators of the value that fanciers, […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Visit the 2019 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. Alabama – SB 10 seeks to provide for the rights and responsibilities of an individual with a […]

News from our Nation's Capitol The AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2019 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 […]

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 […]