One of the most significant concerns for pet owners during times of natural disaster is ensuring the safety and care of their animals. Shortly after Hurricane Katrina, the federal Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (“PETS Act”) was passed to address these questions and issues.  This law and subsequent amendments require that when the Department of […]

Does your dog have almond shaped eyes? A heavy and muscular neck? A tail medium in length that tapers to a point? A smooth and short coat? A broad chest? If you said yes to these questions, then congratulations, you own a “pit bull” …At least according to the City and County of San Francisco’s […]

By Jessica Acito, GR Intern, and Phil M. Guidry, J.D., GR Sr. Policy Analyst Last week the Oregon Supreme Court handed down a decision in Oregon v. Newcomb regarding the relationship between animal cruelty and a dog’s legal status as personal property.  The court allowed a blood sample, taken from a dog seized without its […]

Over the past 30 years, shelters have done an extraordinary job of ending dog overpopulation in many parts of the United States. Their success has created some empty spaces at shelters, which has led the people who run those organizations to scramble for pet inventory or risk going out of business. The lack of shelter […]

The results of a retrospective study recently published in Canine Genetics and Epidemiology provides additional evidence of a link between sterilization status and certain health risks.  Correlation of Neuter Status and Expression of Heritable Disorders, by Belanger, et al., concludes that several conditions showed an increased risk associated with neutering.  The authors emphasize that, “the […]

On Friday, June 2nd, 2017, Delaware Governor John Carney (D) signed House Bill 13, which is intended to protect the rights of responsible Delaware dog owners by prohibiting any dog from being declared “potentially dangerous” or “dangerous” under state law simply based on the dog’s breed. The bill would also prohibit municipalities from enacting laws […]

The absence of regulations on animal shelters and rescues that import hundreds of thousands of dogs, transports them across state borders, and are sold at rescues and shelters threatens the health and safety of American families, homeland security, and animals. In the United States, dog breeding has become highly regulated which has addressed the issue […]

AKC President and CEO Dennis B. Sprung presented the Award to United States Capitol Police Chief Matthew R. Verderosa, Assistant Chief Steven A. Sund, Deputy Chief Fred P. Rogers and Technician Shawn Haynes, who were accompanied by Will, a black Labrador Retriever. “I am honored to present this award,” said Sprung. “It is a token […]

U.S. Congressmen and veterinarians Ted Yoho [R-FL-3], Ralph Abraham, [R-LA-5], Kurt Schrader [D-OR-5] and have joined forces across the aisle to introduce a Congressional Resolution in support of National Purebred Dog Day. The resolution highlights the essential and important role that purebred dogs and breeders of purebred dogs have played throughout United States history and […]

AKC Government Relations recently welcomed the Dog Owners of the Golden State (DOGS) as its fourth recognized federation in California. GR works with state federations of dog clubs to fight bad dog laws and support positive measures that teach the public about responsible dog ownership and care.  State federations are the ground soldiers for state-level […]