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 […]

Forty-six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Alabama – HB 249 would specifically prohibit animal abandonment in Alabama.  The bill is currently at second reading in the Alabama House of Representatives.  Click here for more information. Arizona – Senate […]

Thirty-seven state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Alabama – HB 249 would specifically prohibit animal abandonment in Alabama.  The bill is currently at second reading in the Alabama House of Representatives.  Click here for more information.  Arizona – Senate […]

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 […]

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 […]

On Thursday, March 6, the New Jersey Assembly Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture Committee will consider Assembly Bill 4051, which seeks to repeal the state’s consumer protection laws for pet purchasers and implement a statewide ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by pet shops.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all concerned […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has just learned that the Minnesota House Commerce Finance Policy Committee will consider House File 2627, which seeks to prohibit pet shops from selling dogs and cats, tomorrow, Tuesday, April 1, 2025.  Pet shops that have been open for at least one year, and under the same ownership, would be […]

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, starting at 5PM, the Senate Committee on Judiciary is scheduled to accept testimony on multiple dog related bills. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is strongly opposed to two and encourages residents to review two others for possible outcomes. S.551 – CRUELTY TO ANIMALS – OPPOSE Seeking to further the interest […]

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Maine Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Committee) is scheduled to accept public testimony on LD 1771, “An Act to Strengthen Oversight of Kennels by Changing the Licensing Authority from Municipalities to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry”. The bill would require a hobby kennel owner to: […]

Registering with the AKC connects dog owners to a community that values purebred pride, offering them lifetime benefits and carrying on the legacy of your beloved breed. As a breeder and exhibitor, you understand the value of AKC support. But puppy buyers don’t always understand the importance of AKC registration, so we have gathered some […]