Due to a number of changes on the Governor's staff, House Bill 2810 is still sitting idle. This bill would increase the instances where an animal is seized on suspicion of cruelty and may result in more Illinois dog owners losing their pets even if they are ultimately found not guilty.

AB 485 will be sent to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature or veto upon the Assembly's agreement to include the Senate's amendments in the proposal. It is important that all concerned California residents contact Gov. Brown and urge him to veto AB 485.

SB 139 which sought to ban cropping and docking in Illinois, has been amended to remove all substantive language from the bill. It now simply exists as a placeholder or "shell", should the sponsor choose to revisit the issue later in session.  AKC will continue to monitor this legislation and will update our website if new language […]

May 27, 2015 Thanks to your calls and e-mails, and the work of the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners (IFDCO), House Bill 4029, as amended, has passed the Senate unanimously. Now, the bill goes back to the House for final approval before going to the governor.  Illinois residents are asked to call your […]

Yesterday, a resolution was introduced in the U.S. Senate to declare May 1 as National Purebred Dog Day.  Senate Resolution 447 “designates May 1 as National Purebred Dog Day in celebration of purebred dogs and the many service and companion benefits purebred dogs have and continue to provide to the United States.” The resolution further […]

Purebred dogs play a special and important role in our lives. On May 1, the American Kennel Club invites you to join us as we honor the pride, predictability, and purpose of purebred dogs and promote the preservation of these breeds.  The May 1st National Purebred Dog Day movement was created by Colorado resident and […]

In 2015, numerous new laws passed around the country that were supported by the AKC and will benefit dogs and dog owners.  Here are some highlights: California Assembly Bill 794 enhances penalties for attacking or intentionally injuring a law enforcement dog or horse. Delaware Senate Bill 22 protects the health of dogs by allowing law […]

Numerous state and local measures have included nearly identical legislative findings that are inaccurate, offensive to breeders, and directly reference “HSUS puppy mill estimates.” Such findings are designed to limit debate from the start, undermine alternative sources of information and put opponents on the defensive. While legislative findings are not actual laws, inaccurate, pejorative or […]

A bill is moving through the Illinois Senate that will allow retired police dogs to be adopted by the officer or employee who had custody of the dog during its service. “As a dog owner myself, I recognize there is a special connection formed between an officer and their dog,” bill sponsor Senator Tom Cullerton […]

State Issues: News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Visit the 2017 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. California —AB 485 requires that all pet dogs, cats, and rabbits offered for retail sale […]