U.S. Federal/Regulations – On February 17, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a Request for Information, noting that scientific advances, new information, and new concepts regarding the care and handling of dogs made it appropriate for the agency to seek scientific information and comment from the public on Standards for the Care of Breeding Female Dogs & Exercise and Socialization of Dogs. Specifically, USDA APHIS sought information on: 1) appropriate care for breeding females at dog breeding facilities, and 2) exercise and socialization of dogs subject to the federal Animal Welfare Act. Such requests often precede a proposed change in rules implementing federal regulations. Read more about AKC’s submission to USDA.