Another Study Demonstrates Possible Link Between Spay/Neuter and Increased Disease Incidences; Underscores Importance of Owners Engaging in Discussing Both Advantages and Risks of Sterilization with VeterinariansOver the past several years, new inquiries into the possible risks associated with spay/neuter have been made by the veterinary medical community.  Recently, a new research article, Gonadectomy Effects on the Risk […]

The AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) table was once again one of the most popular stops at the 2016 National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), held this year in Chicago, Illinois.  Melissa Ferrell, AKC Government Relations Research Analyst, and Jennifer Clark, Canine Legislation Manager, met and provided information to legislators and staff from across the […]

Yesterday, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service launched a new web site intended to help international travelers easily determine travel requirements for pets.  The site, called APHIS Pet Travel, provides up-to-date information and import requirements for over 130 countries and territories, including required time frames for obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing, […]

Florida legislators met beautiful dogs, chatted with dedicated dog owners, and shared the excitement of the 2015 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship this month in Orlando, Florida. U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson (FL-9) and Orange County Commissioners S. Scott Boyd and Pete Clarke were among the lawmakers who visited the event on Dec. 13-14.Congressman Grayson and Dr. Dena Minning got […]

Sassy's Story - click to read  Question: What do these dog owners have in common?  Owners who hike and camp with their dogs Owners in residential developments with architectural and fencing restrictions Disabled and blind owners Owners of working, herding, hunting, field trial and sled dogs Owners of escape-artist dogs Answer: These and other good dog owners […]

By Jessica Acito, GR Intern, and Phil M. Guidry, J.D., GR Sr. Policy Analyst Last week the Oregon Supreme Court handed down a decision in Oregon v. Newcomb regarding the relationship between animal cruelty and a dog’s legal status as personal property.  The court allowed a blood sample, taken from a dog seized without its […]

There is no doubt that this country loves dogs.  This is particularly evident as we see an increasing number of proposals every year that address cruelty, breeding, breed-specific regulations, treatment of service dogs, and a myriad of other canine issues. In 2015, AKC Government Relations tracked more than 1,700 proposals across the United States that […]

By Jessica Acito, AKC Government Relations The Delaware House of Representatives has unanimously approved a bill to make the Golden Retriever Delaware’s state dog.  Eleven states currently have official state dog breeds, often recognizing those that are indigenous to a state. Pending approval by the Delaware Senate, the Golden Retriever will join the ranks of […]

By Jennifer Clark, Manager, Canine Legislation The images are enough to break anyone’s heart – stray dogs roaming the street without proper food, water and basic needs; shelters overflowing with unwanted animals.  There is no question that something needs to be done.  The dogs – and the people of Puerto Rico – deserve better. But […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) honored New Jersey Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney with the AKC Legislator of the Year award in recognition of his strong advocacy for responsible dog ownership. Sheila Goffe, AKC Vice President, Government Relations; Jeffrey Ball, President of the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs; and representatives of area AKC dog […]