The AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2017 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 the federal level include: U.S […]

This issue of Taking Command reviews major issues and emerging trends in legislation.  Among other developments, an increasing number of proposed laws seek to establish arbitrary dog care requirements that are not based on scientific criteria or accepted animal husbandry practices. For example, some states and communities have proposed laws that would require owners to provide dogs with “constant […]

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 -- This bill would allow visitors to all California state parks to bring animals when they […]

The AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2018 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 the federal level include:   […]

On March 9, 2015, the United States Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Perez v. Mortgage Bankers Association that administrative agencies do not need to post public notice or solicit comments when they revise interpretive rules. BACKGROUND The federal Administrative Procedure Act (APA) governs the way that administrative agencies of the U.S. government may propose and establish regulations.  […]

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 introduced in your city or county. We will provide you with resources and […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking.  Visit the 2015 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. Alabama — House Bill 261 seeks to restrict tethering of dogs and to establish minimum outdoor enclosure requirements of 100 square feet for up to […]

You’ve probably heard the philosophical question, “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” AKC club members may wish to ponder a similar question, “If your club does great things for dogs, do your lawmakers know?” Positive publicity in the media and in […]

AKC GR had a record 120+ New York, New Jersey and Connecticut lawmakers sign on as Honorary Chairs for the 2015 AKC Meet the Breeds event, held in conjunction with “Westminster Weekend”. AKC Government Relations reached out to federal, state, and local lawmakers in the tri-state area with invitations to be listed as Honorary Chairs and to […]

Guest columnist Patricia Johnson has bred, handled, and owned Best In Show Boston Terriers for 35 years. She is an AKC Breeder of Merit, an “AKC Gazette” breed columnist for Boston Terriers, served on her local animal advisory board for 9 years, and authored a pet disaster plan for her city. She owns Pat’s Grooming […]