The AKC Government Relations Department is committed to protecting your right to own, breed, and exhibit the dog of your choice.  This advocacy is essential to the future of dog ownership in our country. Among the many measures that AKC is currently engaged with is AB 485 in California. This problematic proposal calls for a […]

State Issues: News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Visit the 2017 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. California —AB 485 seeks to require all dogs, cats, and rabbits offered for retail sale […]

This fall has been a very busy one for the AKC Government Relations team, as we continue to advocate for the rights of responsible dog owners and breeders and promote positive canine legislative policy. Earlier this month, Sheila Goffe testified before Congress on the issue of shortage of appropriate, domestically bred dogs available for work […]

State Issues: News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Visit the 2017 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. California —AB 485 requires that all pet dogs, cats, and rabbits offered for retail sale […]

AKC Government Relations is delighted to announce that Barbara Reichman of the NAIA Trust of New Jersey has become the first two-time winner of the Walter Bebout Memorial Award for Leadership in Canine Legislation by the American Kennel Club. Mrs. Reichman was first awarded with a Bebout Award in 2014, in recognition of her work […]

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 […]

The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations team has had an extremely busy two months, starting with the 15th annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day (RDO) held in Raleigh, NC on September 9th.  Each September, the AKC hosts AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days to educate first-time dog owners about the responsibilities of dog ownership and help current […]

On September 27, 2016, the Palm Beach Board of County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing and final vote on proposed amendments to the animal control ordinance. The provisions of the ordinance will be applicable to all incorporated and unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County, unless a municipal exemption applies. Although the proposed ordinance includes […]

AKC Government Relations has just learned that the recently-formed Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter Citizens’ Advisory Committee will consider mandatory spay/neuter and breeder licensing recommendations at its meeting tonight.  It is imperative that all concerned Ouachita Parish residents, members of AKC-affiliated clubs, and fanciers and enthusiasts in the area appear at tonight’s public meeting and express […]

On Monday, June 20, a committee of Stamford, Connecticut’s Board of Representatives will accept public comment on proposed changes to Chapter 111 of the City’s Code of Ordinances.   Since the proposal was first considered, several changes have been made at the behest of resident responsible dog owners.  However, the proposal still seeks to create breeder […]