The New Castle County Council will vote next Tuesday, March 14th, on an ordinance to restrict "pit bulls." The measure, authored by Councilman Jea P. Street, defines "pit bulls" as Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers and any dog displaying the physical characteristics of these breeds. The measure will require owners […]

The Sixth District Court of Appeals in Ohio handed responsible dog owners a monumental victory last week when it ruled that local and state breed-specific "vicious" dog laws were unconstitutional. In a 2-1 decision, the Court held that Toledo Municipal Code 505.14a. (limiting ownership to one "pit bull" per household) and Ohio Revised Code 955.11 […]

  -- Importance of Responsible Dog Ownership Now Recognized by 23 States -- As a state that is fighting extremely restrictive dog ordinance proposals, Kentucky has joined the growing list of states that have passed AKC Canine Good Citizen® (CGC™) resolutions. Kentucky's CGC resolution endorses the CGC program and acknowledges that problems related to dogs […]

  AKC Board Chairman Ron Menaker today commented on the seizure of several hundred dogs from a kennel in Chester County, PA, citing it as an example of the need for more comprehensive legislation to protect pets. "This very sad case is an example of why we support the Pet Animal Welfare Statute (PAWS)," said […]

The AKC has learned that MA H4516 and NY A1824--bills to prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against homeowners based on the breed of dog they own--will very soon be considered by their respective state legislatures. The American Kennel Club believes that insurance companies should determine coverage of a dog-owning household based on the dog's deeds, […]

The Vermont Federation of Dog Clubs reports that S250, a bill to prohibit ear cropping in Vermont, has been scheduled for a hearing before the House Agriculture Committee on March 15th. Time and location are yet to be determined. Dog owners are strongly encouraged to attend the hearing and urge opposition to the bill! Vermont […]

Oklahoma dog owners report that Rep. Paul Wesselhoft's H2657 and H2658 have died in the Health and Human Services Committee. These bills would have permitted cities and counties to enact breed-specific legislation, action that is currently prohibited by state law. Committee members listened closely to concerned dog owners who argued for better enforcement of stronger […]

Fanciers have worked hard and have made significant progress in the Illinois State Legislature, which is considering several dangerous dog and breed-specific bills. Fanciers are also working to oppose breed-specific legislation (BSL) in Chicago. Below is an update on current "hot" initiatives facing Illinois residents. In the General Assembly: As Illinois dog owners may recall, […]

Highlights from the February 2006 meeting of the AKC Board of Directors are as follows:   The Board approved a revised policy concerning visiting judges. The following actions were taken: The policy adopted at the July 2005 Board meeting was reaffirmed. However, the number of all-breed shows a visiting judge may do in a calendar […]

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors will hold a workshop on February 21st to discuss instituting a $200 intact animal fee, part of the proposed Animal Overpopulation Ordinance. The current license fee for an intact animal is $30. Fanciers are encouraged to attend the meeting which will be held at 2:30 in the Board Chambers […]