January 30, 2019 The Colorado House Judiciary Committee is considering a bill tomorrow (Thursday, January 31) that would prohibit ownership of animals for five years for any misdemeanor violation, and 10 years for a felony violation. House Bill 19-1092 increases the penalties for those convicted of animal cruelty in Colorado.  The sponsor of the bill […]

Maryland House and Senate committees are considering bills over the next week that could cause an owner to permanently lose ownership of their animals when they are suspected of cruelty – even if they are found not guilty. The AKC agrees that anyone found guilty of cruelty should be punished appropriately, including being responsible for […]

Friday, January 25, 2019 The American Kennel Club (AKC) and our New Hampshire federation, the Dog Owners of the Granite State (DOGS), are seriously concerned about a newly filed bill, HB 688 - An Act Relative to Transfer and Inspection of Animals. The bill is expected to be considered in a public hearing before the […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2019 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 2019. The 2019 event will showcase the top national and international canine athletes […]

Dogs and cats take over New York City next month when the American Kennel Club (AKC®)  joins forces with The International Cat Association® (TICA®) to bring the tenth annual AKC Meet the Breeds® to Piers 92 and 94 on Saturday, February 9th. This event gives animal lovers the unique opportunity to meet and play with […]

  Josephine-A-Rooni RM CGC TKA owned by Kristy Leech of Guntersville, AL Kristy met Josie when she volunteered to assist a friend with taking pictures at the Arab, Alabama Animal Shelter. They were told Josie would be impossible to photograph because she was too wild. In fact, the shelter had given her the name "Wild Child.” Since […]

Judges' Eligibility Requirements AKC Online Judges Test Judges’ Directory Apprentice Form Affirmation Form AKC Seminar Schedule Advanced Seminar Grant Info Judges Liability Coverage Judges Accidental Coverage Dog Disqualified by a Judge Form Sample Scoresheet Junior Handler Certification Hunt Test Judges Report Disqualification by Event Committee Junior Handler Certification Letter Procedural Checklist Judge's Questionaire

Last year, AKC GR tracked more than 2,100 bills and regulatory acts with the potential to affect dogs and dog owners. Success in protecting the rights of dog owners and ensuring the well-being of dogs is achieved through the hard work of dedicated owners, breeders, sportsmen, and exhibitors who take action. What was very clear […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Visit the 2019 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. Idaho – Senate Bill 1312 would increase penalties for any person who purposely injures or harasses a service dog or a service […]

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 […]