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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Seventeen state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors. It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”.  As introduced, the bill […]

Twenty-eight state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors.  It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”.  As introduced, the bill […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories CA, Los Angeles – The Los Angeles City Council has passed a moratorium on issuing new breeder permits until the shelter population levels reach a 75 percent capacity.  AKC expressed significant concerns with the proposal, and continues to ask that current law be […]

Thirty-five state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors.  It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”.  As introduced, the bill […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Ten state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session, and two state legislatures are in special session. AKC Government Relations is currently tracking more than 1,444 local, state, and federal issues. The following are highlights […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Twelve state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session, and three state legislatures are in special session. AKC Government Relations is currently tracking more than 1,429 local, state, and federal issues. The following are highlights […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – SB 2 sought to prohibit inmates from participating in training of dogs for identifying scents and tracking humans. AKC monitored this legislation, which was not considered in the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and failed at end of […]