Legislative Alerts

The American Kennel Club is pleased to share the attached bipartisan "dear colleague" letter from Congressmen Dan Boren (D-Okla.) and Paul C. Broun, M.D., (R-Ga.) to their colleagues in Congress outlining concerns with federal "PUPS" legislation, H.R. 5434. Click here to read the letter. The American Kennel Club is pleased to share the attached bipartisan […]

On Wednesday, December 8, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Board will consider extensive, onerous regulations for breeders who sell 25 or more dogs each year. Responsible dog owners and breeders are encouraged to attend the hearing and indicate on the sign-in form that you are attending in opposition to the […]

Dear AKC Delegates, Judges, Club Officers and Breeders, The Oklahoma Board of Commercial Pet Breeders has moved its Rules Hearing regarding proposed regulations for the commercial breeder law (SB 1712) passed by the Oklahoma legislature earlier this year.   Here is the revised location information: Oklahoma Board of Commercial Pet Breeders Hearing Information December 9th, […]

Dear AKC Delegates, Judges, Club Officers and Breeders, The Oklahoma Board of Commercial Pet Breeders has issued proposed regulations for the commercial breeder law (SB 1712) that was passed by the Oklahoma legislature earlier this year.  A copy of the proposed regulations can be found here. Although the regulations must reflect the underlying statute they […]

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is conducting a study of animal welfare in North Carolina. The study will focus on current laws and regulations pertaining to the welfare of dogs, the oversight of public and private animal shelters, spay/neuter programs, the score of commercial breeding operations, and consumer protection issues. The […]

Previously published in the Kansas City Star There are two issues on which every dog lover agree.  First, dogs deserve a life in a safe, caring, and healthy environment.  Second, those who treat dogs in a negligent or cruel manner should be held accountable. The American Kennel Club is the nation’s only not-for-profit organization dedicated […]

The Guilford County Board of Commissioners will consider changes to their animal control ordinance at a work session and commission meeting this week. According to the information we have at this time, public comment will NOT be accepted at those meetings, so it is imperative that concerned dog owners and breeders call or email the […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes and shares concerns about substandard kennels.  AKC’s mission includes working to protect the rights of all dog owners and promoting responsible dog ownership. We support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of dogs without restricting the rights of owners or breeders who take their responsibilities […]

At the August Board meeting, the AKC Board of Directors approved an official canine legislation policy position statement on debarking. Debarking is a viable veterinary procedure that may allow a dog owner to keep a dog that barks excessively in its loving home rather than to be forced to surrender it to a shelter. Debarking […]

Ohio Representative Cheryl Grossman has introduced House Bill 570, which is intended to be an alternative for Senate Bill 95.  Both bills seek to regulate dog breeding in Ohio. The American Kennel Club opposes numerous provisions in House Bill 570, including (but not limited to): Definition of commercial breeder – A commercial breeder is anyone […]