AKC Government Relations just learned that California Assembly Bill 485 is scheduled for consideration and possible vote by the California Senate on Monday, August 28. Because this may be the last chance to express opposition to the bill, it is imperative that concerned Californians contact their state senators and express opposition to the proposal now.

By Jennifer Clark, Director, Legislative Outreach A club member sends you an e-mail or forwards you a social media story about an issue they are fighting in their community that could impact dog owners.  You hear a story on the news about a proposed dog law.  As a parent club, what can you do to […]

Ann Lettis, winner of the American Kennel Club’s Walter Bebout Memorial Award for Leadership in Canine Legislation, has announced that she is donating the prize money accompanying the award to the AKC’s Canine Legislation Support Fund. “I could think of no better use for the money than to support the CLSF. I’ve worked with the […]

Moderator Laura Reeves points to an audience member ready to ask a question at a Del Monte Kennel Club Friday Night Forum in Carmel, Calif., last month. Panelists are, from left, Pat Trotter, Dorothy Macdonald, and Kimberly Meredith-Cavanna. Photo by Cook Dog Show Photography.   Bridging the gap is defined as connecting two things — […]

AKC has learned that the Washoe County Commission (Nevada) is considering a proposal that would require anyone who wishes to own more than three dogs to apply for a variance permit and have their dogs sterilized.

It is imperative that all California residents contact the members of the Committee and their state senator and express opposition to AB 485, which is scheduled for consideration by the State Senate Committee on Business, Professions, and Economic Development on Monday, July 17. The bill seeks to prohibit pet retailers from selling pets (including dogs, […]

The Massachusetts' General Court's Joint Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider two bills of great concern to the American Kennel Club at its Tuesday, July 18, hearing. H.2290 seeks to change the legal status of pets from personal property to companion animals, while H.852 seeks to establish an animal abuse registry and impose certain additional […]

The New Jersey Assembly could consider a bill as soon as Thursday, June 22, that allows for the seizure and permanent forfeiture of animals taken pursuant to an allegation 'but without a conviction'of animal cruelty.

Assembly Bill 485'which seeks to prohibit pet retailers from selling pets (including dogs, cats and rabbits) unless the animals were obtained from a public animal control agency or shelter, a shelter maintained by a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, a humane society shelter, or a nonprofit rescue or adoption organization'is scheduled for […]

Puck poses for a photo in Wyoming en route to the 2016 Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America National Specialty in Pleasanton, Calif. That 6,400 round-mile road trip was the longest time he has been away from home.   His Australian breeders named him Puck, since each puppy in his litter carries a moniker for […]