This edition of Taking Command reviews legislative highlights from 2016, and assesses how they may impact responsible dog ownership in your state and community, and provides guidance on new laws that go into effect in 2017. The AKC Government Relations Team is pleased to announce a new emphasis and expansion in regional outreach starting in 2017. New initiatives include […]

As the holidays approach, the AKC Government Relations team wants to thank each of you who have worked tirelessly this year to protect the right to own, breed, and exhibit dogs. We rely on you – our state federations, legislative liaisons, and local advocates – to help communicate with lawmakers in your state and local […]

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 […]

As the year wraps up, the American Kennel Club’s Government Relations team has been holding strategic meetings to better position ourselves going into the 2018 Legislative Session. In late October Jennifer Clark, Director of Legislative Outreach, spoke to the annual summit of the National Assembly of Sportsmen Caucuses in Traverse City, Michigan.  This event, sponsored […]

Full Newsletter What’s New from Government Relations Federal Issues State Issues Local Issues AKC GR 2016 Legislative Year in Review Another Study Demonstrates Possible Link Between Spay/Neuter and Increased Disease Incidences New Year, New Dog Laws Puerto Rico Senator Jose Luis Dalmau Receives AKC Legislator of the Year Award

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 […]

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 -- 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.  […]