Twenty-six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country:  Connecticut – S.B.166 would impose penalties to prevent fraud and abuse by persons claiming to have service animals.  It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Human Services.  Connecticut - S.B.182 […]

As we look to the future of purebred dogs, we must recognize the growing challenges posed by legislation that could endanger the breeds we love. In recent months, we’ve witnessed firsthand how local laws and regulations can impact breeders and enthusiasts. From Cathy Pike's experience with the endangered Lagotto Romagnolo breed in Washington, to the […]

Forty-seven legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country:  Arizona – Senate Bill 1457 would establish a new Office of Domestic Companion Animal Health within the Office of the State Veterinarian.  It would, in part require “all backyard breeders and hobby breeders […]

The Connecticut Joint Planning and Development Committee’s public hearing agenda for Monday, February 3, 2025, includes HB 6832, which would give Connecticut cities and towns the authority to locally ban pet retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes HB 6832 and encourages all concerned Connecticut residents to share their […]

The Connecticut Joint Committee on General Law has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, February 10, 2025, that includes HB 5112, which would impose a statewide ban on the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits, beginning October 1, 2025. (This is in addition to another bill heard last week that seeks to allow individual […]

On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security will accept public testimony on HB 6964, which would create a taskforce to study what provisions could be made in certain circumstances to allow emergency medical services personnel to provide emergency treatment and transportation to an injured police K-9. […]

On February 27, the Abilene City Council is holding its second hearing on an animal ordinance that would significantly impact pet owners in the city. The ordinance includes two key problematic provisions: Mandatory spay/neuter for all dogs and cats over six months old. An exemption only for those who obtain a commercial breeder permit – even […]

The Abilene City Council decided to pull the proposed mandatory spay and neuter ordinance from its February 27 agenda following significant community feedback. An amended version of the ordinance is expected to be discussed at the March 13, 2025, council meeting at the same location: March 13, 2025 8:30 AM 2nd Floor Council Chambers 555 […]

'Samara' the Pyrenean Mastiff Outshines as a Guardian and Therapy Dog

The American Kennel Club (AKC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Gina M. DiNardo as AKC President and CEO, effective April 1, 2025. DiNardo will step into this leadership role following Dennis Sprung, ensuring a seamless transition as the organization continues its mission to advocate for purebred dogs and responsible dog […]