UPDATE! AB418 has been set for hearing in the Assembly Committee on Public Safety on Tuesday, April 5th at 9 a.m. in Room 126. The Animal Council is urging dog clubs to submit formal letters on their own letterhead to the committee consultant. Letters should be clearly marked "AB 418 - Dogs: animal cruelty: ear […]

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club (AKC) announced today that Charlotte McGowan has been named a recipient of the AKC Community Achievement Award for her diligent work on legislative matters of interest to the dog fancy. She was one of two honorees this quarter – Port Chester Obedience Training Club of Port Chester, […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) announced today that Port Chester Obedience Training Club (PCOTC) has been named a recipient of the AKC Community Achievement Award for its public education efforts throughout the greater New York metropolitan area. PCOTC was one of two honorees this quarter – Charlotte McGowan, Legislative Liaison for several Massachusetts clubs, also […]

HB1128 has resurfaced in Illinois with amended language that will directly impact anyone who shows and/or breeds dogs. Fanciers will recall that this bill originally would have permitted cities and counties to enact breed-specific laws. Dog owners successfully convinced legislators not to support such language and were pleased to learn that Rep. Jerry Mitchell had […]

Update! Sen. Sandoval’s office has told AKC and the Illinois Dog Clubs and Breeders Association that the Senator has reconsidered his position on SB1790 and will no longer support it. Many thanks to the countless dog owners who responded swiftly to our initial alert with calls and e-mails—your efforts made all the difference! With breed-specific […]

In the fall of 2004, the Board embarked on a strategic planning initiative designed to establish a roadmap for accomplishing the very important mission of the AKC. Given the challenges we face from anti-dog legislation, animal rights extremists, and competing registries, we believe it is essential to develop a clear plan for the future.  To […]

  The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that Curt A. Curtis has been named as Director of Companion Events. He will replace Patricia Krause, AVP of Companion Events, who will be retiring May 1st, 2005. Curtis comes to the AKC with extensive management and administrative experience from his former position as Sergeant with […]

Hobby breeders could soon be considered "dealers" in Tennessee if H148 or its companion S1686 are enacted. Both bills would require anyone who breeds and sells more than one litter of puppies per year to be licensed as a "dealer." In Tennessee, dealers must be inspected by the state and pay anywhere from $125-$1000 annually […]

AB418, Asm. Paul Koretz’s bill to ban ear cropping in California, has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Public Safety. However, no action can be taken on the bill until mid-March. AKC will continue to provide updates as we learn when AB418 is scheduled for a hearing. Read more about this negative legislation in […]

The AKC is now accepting DNA results produced by MMI Genomics through other registries, such as the Field Dog Stud Book. The move will allow coonhound and field dog customers who have already processed their DNA through MMI Genomics to transfer DNA records so the dog can become AKC DNA certified. Previously, the AKC did […]