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. Visit the 2018 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. California – Assembly Bill 1762 would require California State Parks to post on its website […]

The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has been on the road this summer and will continue to cover ground across the United States. On the weekend of July 13th, the GR team hosted a two-day legislative conference in the Denver, Colorado area where dozens of dog owners, breeders, and community leaders met […]

The City of Palm Springs has removed an item from tonight’s City Council’s meeting agenda regarding a proposed ordinance that would have banned all dog and cat breeding within the city limits. The City Clerk’s office and the City Manager’s office have both just confirmed to AKC Government Relations that the item has been pulled […]

To raise strong, healthy puppies, you need a strong, healthy brood bitch. As a breeder, you choose your potential brood bitch carefully, probably earning conformation and/or performance titles with her and making sure she has all the health and genetic testing recommended for the breed. Extensive research goes into choosing a worthy sire that has […]

The City of Palm Springs will formally introduce a proposal tomorrow (July 11) that will ban all “backyard breeding”, defined as any breeding for a business or commercial purpose on residential property. Those who reside or exhibit in Palm Springs are strongly encouraged to contact the city council TODAY and ask them to oppose the […]

Founded in 1884, The American Kennel Club is the world’s largest purebred dog registry, the nation’s largest purebred rescue network, and the only not-for-profit purebred dog registry devoted for more than 130 years to the health and well-being of dogs. We work actively to educate about responsible dog ownership and advocate for humane treatment of all dogs. […]

If you’re interested in learning as much as possible about dog sports and want to participate in a meaningful, hands-on way, joining your regional breed club is an important connection to make. It is a natural complement to membership in your local all-breed kennel club. The all-breed club will afford you the opportunity to learn […]

On Friday, Ohio Governor John Kasich signed a law that will have a significant positive impact on dogs, dog owners, breeders, and sportsmen throughout Ohio. House Bill 506, which contains numerous amendments requested by the AKC, is a compromise bill developed with a broad range of stakeholders concerned about animal welfare in the state.  The […]

Recently, we have seen a number of successes across the country that will have a positive impact on dogs, dog owners, breeders, and our sport.  These include amendments to bills in Rhode Island (House Bill 7045 and Senate Bill 2055) that will protect humane tethering for hunting, herding, and sled dogs, and the passage of […]