From Our Nation's Capitol AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2020 Legislation Tracking page and click on “US Fed” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing on the federal […]

December was a very busy month for the AKC GR team.  In addition to legislative/policy tracking, updates and advocacy, the team also updated and prepared a number of new resources highlighted in this newsletter. These include two new Key Issues webpages on pet choice/sales bans and service dogs; and new resources on the legal status […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Connecticut – A Police Transparency and Accountability Taskforce has been gathering public input before issuing recommendations for law enforcement reforms.  AKC GR testified that standards of accountability for law enforcement misconduct should include municipal animal control officers since they are identified as law […]

In addition to tracking and responding to legislative proposals, AKC Government Relations addresses dog-related regulatory proposals from the U.S. federal government, all 50 states, and the District of Columbia.  AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) is currently tracking approximately 750 regulatory proposals, most which concern land use/hunting regulations and those governing the practice of veterinary medicine.  […]

The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can't help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or introduced in your city or county. We will provide you with resources and […]

Holistic medicine treats the person (or, in this case, animal) as a whole: mind, body, spirit. It uses several different practices, including acupuncture, massage, herbal remedies, chiropractic treatment, aromatherapy, nutrition, acupressure, and even sound therapy to address a variety of ailments and conditions. Americans spend more than $30 billion a year on alternative treatments for […]

Czarina Ellingson held her breath as she took the leash off her Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Gatsby, at an Agility trial. She had decided that if he didn't obey her, Czarina would pick him up and walk him out of the ring — therefore willingly disqualifying them from their favorite dog sport. Gatsby — named after […]

The Michigan Legislature is only in session for a few more days, and your help is needed to get a vote on a bill that would finally ban breed-specific laws in Michigan. House Bill 4035 has already passed the House and only needs a vote on the Senate floor before being sent to the governor.  […]

New Jersey Senate Bill 2868, which seeks to create court-appointed legal advocates for animals, has been scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, December 14, 2020. All New Jersey dog owners are urged to contact the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee today to respectfully request: (1) S.2868 not be approved, […]

The AKC® Humane Fund is proud to announce the winners of the 21st annual AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). These awards celebrate five loyal, hard-working dogs that have significantly improved the lives of their owners and communities. The five winners were carefully chosen from a pool of more than 800 impressive nominations. […]