The Indiana House Courts and Criminal Code Committee has agreed to hear a proposed amendment that would require any breeder who owns 10 or more intact female dogs over four months old to register as a commercial breeder.  The amendment also bans ownership of more than 20 intact dogs that are a year of age […]

On Tuesday, April 16, the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee held a hearing for AB 2425, a bill seeking to address concerns in animal shelters and change the definition of a dog breeder in California code to encompass hobbyists. No vote was taken during the hearing and at this time AKC believes the Business […]

Lacey and Luisma Benítez, of LBK American Staffordshire Terriers, are the first and only Platinum Breeders of Merit of the American Staffordshire Terrier. They are a married couple, navigating life between Spain and St. Augustine, Florida, and have been deeply involved in this breed for 20 years. Luisma, who is from Spain, is a software […]

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 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. The full city council will consider the proposal on Tuesday, April 9. See below for more info! Reminder: this proposal would […]

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 City of Springfield has decided to table a proposal at least temporarily that would require anyone who breeds in city limits to first obtain a $100 annual breeder permit. AKC thanks local club members and hobbyists who took the time to reach out to the council to express your concerns with the proposal.  We […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report that an extremist New Hampshire bill that would have criminalized some breeders failed to meet a March 28, 2024, legislative deadline, likely ending any further consideration of the bill for the remainder of the 2024 legislative session. House Bill 1102 sought to describe brachycephaly as a […]

Summary: On Wednesday, April 3, the Los Angeles Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee is expected to discuss a 2023 proposal to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits. This would impact all who breed in the city, and as currently enforced it could also impact all owners of intact dogs even if they are not […]

SUMMARY: On Thursday, March 28, 2024, the New Hampshire House of Representatives is expected to vote on House Bill 1102, an extremist bill that seeks to describe brachycephaly as a “birth deformity that causes suffering” and would criminalize the sale and breeding of brachycephalic dogs and any dog that could be claimed to have a […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report that, this morning, the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee voted House Bill 1102 as “Inexpedient to Legislate.”  This means that it is the committee’s recommendation that the bill should not be approved. HB 1102 is a radical bill that seeks to describe brachycephaly as […]

The voices of Tennessee dog owners were heard! The sponsor of House Bill 2938 has taken this problematic dog breeder bill “off notice” in committee. That means HB 2938 and companion Senate Bill 2513, which seek to license and regulate dog and cat breeders in the state, are unlikely to advance. Read concerns with these […]

Minnesota Senate File 3458, which is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Agriculture, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, seeks to remove from current law an explicit declaration that data collected by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (Board) on commercial dog and cat breeders is private or nonpublic.  SF […]

On Tuesday, March 5, at 1PM, the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee is scheduled to consider HB 1102, “Defining Animal Cruelty,” in a public hearing.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the New Hampshire Dogs Owners of the Granite State (NH DOGS) are in strong opposition to HB 1102, which describes brachycephaly as […]

On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, the New Hampshire (NH) House Environment and Agriculture Committee will hear public testimony on HB 1680, which seeks to restrict newly-defined “retail pet stores” to include anyone with a physical facility who transfers more than 30 dogs per year at retail.  Residents and New Hampshire breeders are strongly encouraged to […]

December 28, 2023 Beginning January 1, 2024, those that breed between 5 and 11 intact females must comply with the new law regulating breeders.  The law (SB 876 signed by Governor Abbot in May of this year) will require anyone that both owns 5 or more intact females and is engaged in the business of […]

December 28, 2023 On Thursday, January 4, 2024, the New Hampshire (NH) Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hear public testimony on SB 541, which will restrict newly defined “retail pet stores,” including anyone with a physical facility who transfers more than 30 dogs per year at retail.  Residents and New Hampshire breeders are […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce the recipients of the 2023 AKC Eddy Award. The AKC Eddy Award is designed to encourage and reward Parent Clubs that demonstrate a breeder education effort (website, workshop, mentoring, or the like) […]

Summary: On Wednesday, December 13, the Bakersfield City Council will consider the adoption of multiple changes to the animal control laws – including licensing and inspections of all breeders and owners of more than three dogs.  This will likely be the final opportunity to oppose these draconian measures, so it is critical to voice your […]