Legislative Alerts

Today, the American Kennel Club (AKC) submitted comments to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding its proposed regulation updates that would redefine “service animal”  for the purpose of air travel. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel and requires […]

Last June, the Massachusetts General Court’s Joint Municipalities and Regional Government Committee accepted public testimony on H.1774, S. 114, H. 1757, H.1758, H. 1822, H. 1823, and S. 1204, which seek: to impose regulatory oversight over personal and commercial kennels, mandate annual inspections of all kennels, and create consumer protection laws that exempt animal shelters […]

On March 16, 2020, members of the Edgewood, Kentucky, city council discussed amendments to the city’s animal ordinance, including changes to vicious dog provisions.  During the meeting, one council member proposed including a ban on Rottweilers and “pit bulls”.  No action was taken. The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports reasonable, enforceable, non-discriminatory laws to govern […]

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is proposing amendments to the Dog Training and Field Trials rule.  The rule is being amended to provide for the issuance of field trial permits online, and to make organizational and technical changes. The most significant change under the proposed amended rule would allow individuals who want to conduct […]

According to Governor Brian Kemp’s staff, an executive order will be issued tomorrow (4/3/20) that is anticipated to include shelter-in-place requirements.  Georgia pet owners are urged to contact the governor’s office today and politely request that veterinarians and pet food/care businesses be designated as essential businesses/services and allowed to continue to operate subject to safe […]

Dear AKC Club Officers and Delegates, Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we recognize that many of your clubs have had to make significant sacrifices, including cancelling the shows and events that you rely on for your viability. We want to assist you in every way possible. We have received a number of inquiries about whether […]

Today, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Animal Care Division provided an update on its inspection protocols for the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) licensees. APHIS Animal Care is continuing to conduct inspections when it becomes aware of serious welfare concerns.  Routine inspections are being limited based on Animal Care’s risk assessments […]

The COVID-19 outbreak and rapidly evolving policy responses are having a significant impact on the lives of dog owners around the country. The AKC Government Relations Department remains committed to keeping you up to date on the latest information impacting you and your dogs. Our new COVID-19 resources page in the AKC Legislative Action Center […]

On March 23, the State of Washington declared certain businesses as “essential” as part of its Stay at Home, Stay Healthy initiative in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. AKC appreciates that veterinary services and animal feed business have been considered essential to ensure the care of animals at this time. The American Kennel Club has requested […]

Late last week, the United States’ Transportation Security Administration (TSA) published new technical, medical, and behavioral standards recommendations for explosive detection canines. These standards are a response to legislation  (HR 4577 - the Domestic Explosives Canine Capacity Building Act) that the American Kennel Club (AKC) worked to advance in 2017 and 2018.  That legislation directed […]