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 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 would require California State Parks to post on its website details of where dogs are allowed within […]

Summer is winding down and many legislatures are in recess or have adjourned, but AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) has remained extremely busy working around the country to protect the rights of dog owners and educate legislators on canine legislation issues. AKC GR is pleased to announce that there have been numerous legislative victories as […]

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: U.S. […]

Officials in Kansas City, Missouri, are seeking input from residents on numerous proposed changes to the city’s animal control laws. This includes amending the current ownership limit laws and removing breed-specific provisions.  Other considerations include mandatory spay/neuter and regulations on tethering and outdoor shelters. The city has set up a website with a questionnaire to […]

The grief that comes with losing a beloved pet can be all-consuming. In fact, the pain can actually manifest with physical symptoms that mimic a heart attack. A 2017 article in The New England Journal of Medicine detailed the case of a Texas woman who reported symptoms of a heart attack. But at the hospital, […]

The Township Committee of Shamong, New Jersey, is expected to consider significant changes to its animal ordinances at its Tuesday, September 4, meeting.  As currently worded, the proposal contains many troublesome and controversial provisions, including future prohibitions on kennels and breeders with 5 or more intact females.  The proposal also includes breeding and ownership restrictions, […]

The Township Committee of Shamong, New Jersey, is expected to consider significant changes to its animal ordinances at its Tuesday, September 4, meeting.  As currently worded, the proposal contains many concerning and controversial provisions, including future prohibitions on kennels and breeders with 5 or more intact females.  The proposal also includes breeding and ownership restrictions, […]

A new law has been signed in Illinois that will require state animal shelters and animal control facilities to report certain information regarding the animals entering and leaving the facilities. Public Act 100-0870, initiated by AKC’s Illinois federation, the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners (IFDCO), is an important law that will, among other […]

  On June 29, an All-American Dog who started life with his owner as “unpleasant to live with” and who “could not be taken anywhere” made good by winning the Advanced Class at the 2018 AKC Rally National Championship. Keep reading to learn about how this dog and his owner became a successful team. Super […]