On Thursday, February 29, 2024, the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will hold a hearing on a bill seeks to remove the cap on compensatory damages for which a person who tortiously causes an injury to or death of a pet is liable. Those who wish may comment on this bill using the information below. […]

Next Tuesday, February 21, 2024, the New Hampshire (NH) House Judiciary Committee will hear public testimony on HB 1684, which seeks to expand the relationships eligible for “loss of consortium” damages. Loss of consortium refers to the loss or impairment of the intangible benefits of a relationship, typically between spouses. When death or serious impairment […]

14-year-old junior handler Adam Kucera and 2-year-old Irish Setter "Stryker" already have some impressive titles under their belt, including NOHS BIS.

Edamame is a popular snack food or side dish for consumers worldwide. The name of these green soybeans, which are picked while still young, means "beans on a branch" in Japanese. This vegetable has all the essential amino acids the human body does not produce, is low in calories, fat, and sugar, and high in […]

On Friday, October 14, 2022, Governor John Carney signed Senate Substitute 1 to Senate Bill 258 (known as Izzy the Cat’s Act).  It provides for the awarding of compensatory damages for injury or death of a companion animal as a result of a tortious act. As signed by the Governor, when these acts are committed, […]

Macadamia nuts, although not usually an everyday food, are often found in baked goods, including cakes, cookies, muffins, and even trail mix. Are they safe for dogs? No. In fact, macadamia nuts are often listed as among the top human foods to avoid giving your dog. The consequences of eating macadamia nuts include vomiting, ataxia […]

Recently, a substitute version of Senate Bill 258 (known as Izzy the Cat’s Act) passed both chambers of the General Assembly.  It provides for the awarding of compensatory damages for injury or death of a companion animal as a result of a tortious act.  The legislation now goes to the Governor John Carney for signature. […]

This week, the Delaware Senate Judiciary Committee passed an amended version of Senate Bill 258, which, as introduced, this bill that would have allowed a person to receive damages for both the veterinarian cost and care of a pet as well as damages for mental distress or emotional harm caused by the injury or death […]

On Wednesday, May 4, at 1:00 pm the Delaware Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on a bill that would allow a person to receive damages for both the veterinarian cost and care of a pet as well as damages for mental distress or emotional harm caused by the injury or death of a […]

Tomorrow, March 10, 2022 at 4:00 pm the Maryland House Judiciary Committee will be voting on a bill that would allow a person to receive damages for mental distress or emotional harm caused by the injury or death of a companion animal. The sponsor and supporters of House Bill 1375 are attempting to make it […]

On Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 1:00 pm both the Maryland House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee are considering bills that would allow a person to receive damages for mental distress or emotional harm caused by the injury or death of a companion animal. AKC encourages Marylanders to contact the House Judiciary […]

Good nutrition for brood bitches is critical for the health of mom and puppies alike, but it does not need to be complicated. In fact, simpler might be better. We talked with veterinarian and Whippet breeder Dr. Deana McNamer and longtime breeder Lorraine Rothrock of Southern Wirehaired Pointing Griffons. They shared their feeding advice for […]

Breeders hope that their dam will be able to provide for all her puppies, but sometimes she needs help. Even the strongest and best prepared bitch may not be able to meet the nutritional requirements of a large litter without risk to her or her puppies’ health. And in any size litter, there might be […]

Walk down the dog food aisle of any large pet-supply store, or peruse the shelves at a boutique pet-food shop, and you can quickly become overwhelmed. This is especially true for puppy owners, and probably even more so for first-time puppy owners. When did it get so complicated? Back in the day, dog food options […]

The New York Senate continues to advance a bill that would allow a person to receive damages for mental distress or emotional harm caused by the injury or death of a companion animal. AKC opposes this bill.  Allowing non-economic damages for pets calls into question the legal status of pets as property. The legal concept […]

On Tuesday, May 18, the New York Senate Judiciary Committee is considering a bill that would allow a person to receive damages for mental distress or emotional harm caused by the injury or death of a companion animal. Although such concepts may sound benign, they represent a potential change in the legal status of animals […]

Got "milk teeth," now bring on the puppy food. Rapidly growing puppies tend to be eager eaters. Not surprising considering that until they are around six months of age, puppies need two to three times the amount of most nutrients and calories per pound of body weight compared to an adult dog. Choosing Puppy's First […]

While every breed has a shot at winning Best in Show at any given dog show, there are some dogs whose stand-on-your-tippy-toes glamour simply makes them hard to ignore. And the Poodle, with his halo of perfectly coiffed fur and showy attitude (so distinctive that it has spawned its eponymous adjective – “Poodley"), is undoubtedly […]