Immediate help is needed to stop two poorly written bills that would hurt responsible dog owners in Illinois ! HB4213 Background: Introduced by Rep. Michael Tryon on December 1st, 2005, HB4213 automatically deems American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, "pit bulls," Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers and Staffordshire Terriers vicious and requires owners of these […]

Minnesota House File 4215 seeks to fund a program that would provide grants to nonprofit organizations that train and place therapy dogs in state and local law enforcement agencies located in Minnesota to aid in treating peace officers suffering from job-related trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder and to assist in responding to calls involving persons […]

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 […]

Companion Minnesota bills, House File 3157 and Senate File 2646, seek to make it a crime to misrepresent a dog as a service animal or a service animal in training.   First violations would qualify as petty misdemeanors with fines up to $100.  Second or subsequent violations would qualify as misdemeanors with 30 hours of community service for an […]

Because HB 2992 is in line with the Misuse of Service Dogs position statement, AKC supports HB 2992.

Friday, August 9, 2019 Yesterday, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) issued guidance to help travelers understand their rights while new regulations are being developed. The DOT is currently developing new rules to govern what types of animals will be allowed to accompany passengers on flights and what documentation will be required to determine […]

Minnesota House File 2815, which is scheduled to be considered by the House Civil Law and Data Practices Policy Committee on Thursday, March 8, seeks to make misrepresenting an animal as a service animal a misdemeanor.  All Minnesota residents are encouraged to contact the members of the committee and express support of HF 2815. The AKC […]

The Los Angeles County Regional Planning Board unanimously rejected proposed zoning changes affecting dog kennels. AKC congratulates the kennel operators and responsible owners and breeders who worked hard to educate the board members about these important issues.   Los Angeles County Zoning Changes to Hurt Kennels and Breeders [Thursday, October 22, 2009] The Los Angeles […]

The City of Aurora is hosting a public information meeting on Tuesday, October 16 regarding several proposed changes to the city’s animal laws.  The stated purpose of the changes is to “Create a superior quality of life for residents” and make the city “a desirable place to live and work.” These changes include limiting a […]

On Tuesday, April 9, the Los Angeles City Council voted to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits until city animal shelters are below 75 percent of capacity. AKC continues to strenuously oppose this measure as responsible dog breeders are not the reason why city animal shelters are in distress. AKC will continue to advocate […]

On Tuesday, April 9, the Los Angeles City Council voted to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits until city animal shelters are below 75 percent of capacity. AKC continues to strenuously oppose this measure as responsible dog breeders are not the reason why city animal shelters are in distress. AKC will continue to advocate […]

Summary: On Tuesday and Wednesday this week (September 26 and 27), two Los Angeles city committees will consider a proposal that could lead to a suspension of new breeder permits for city residents. Under current city law, breeder permits are required for all breeding in the city, as well as for anyone wishing to own […]

In light of overwhelming opposition from purebred dog fanciers and other concerned animal owners, Sen. Sam Helton has withdrawn his support from SB1130. Staff members for the Senator have confirmed that the bill, which would have required mandatory spay/neuter for all animals unless one purchased an expensive license, will not be introduced next week when […]

Today, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced a measure to require that all dogs imported into the U.S. meet minimum health standards as demonstrated in a health certificate issued by a recognized veterinary authority in the country of origin. The Senate Healthy Dog Importation Act of 2021 joins companion measure HR 4239 […]

Summary: On Wednesday, April 3, the Los Angeles Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee voted to send a proposal to the full Los Angeles City Council that would suspend the issuance of new breeding permits. There is not a date set for the city council to consider this proposal, but AKC will provide updates as they […]

The Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and Breeders reports that the Senate Rules Committee decisively voted 15-1 to oppose SJR37 at Friday's public hearing. Only Senator Potts, sponsor of the resolution, voted in favor of it. The vote sends a strong message that legislators will not tolerate proposals for studies with a predetermined outcome, which […]

A problematic proposed ordinance that sought to amend Metro Nashville/Davidson County (TN) animal law was withdrawn by the sponsor last night. However, the same or an amended ordinance could be refiled. View AKC’s previous alert for more information on the withdrawn ordinance, BL2022-1252. What comes next:  A community meeting to discuss the animal ordinance is […]

According to Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County staff, a second vote on a proposed animal ordinance has been rescheduled for January 17, 2023. At this time, a public hearing on the proposed ordinance has not been scheduled. View the proposal. The most recent version, BL2022-1571, is less problematic than a previous version that was withdrawn […]

-- Holiday Tips Keep Hounds Healthy and Safe -- New York , NY - Dressing a dog in a costume may seem over-the-top to some, but with Halloween just around the corner, the American Kennel Club (AKC ® ) surveyed dog owners to learn first-hand just how many plan to turn their Fido into a […]

Memorandum Today, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced a measure to require that all dogs imported into the U.S. meet minimum health standards as demonstrated in a health certificate issued by a recognized veterinary authority in the country of origin. The Senate Healthy Dog Importation Act of 2021 joins companion measure HR […]