AKC strongly opposes any measure that restricts choice by compelling people and/or retailers to obtain pets solely from shelter or rescue distributors.

A Delaware Senate committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Wednesday, April 26, that would protect the rights of responsible Delaware dog owners by prohibiting any dog from being declared 'potentially dangerous' or 'dangerous' under state law simply based on the dog's breed.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to announce that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has conditionally vetoed Senate Bill 3041. The AKC, a multitude of our grassroots advocates, and a number of organizations allied in opposition to the onerous provisions of the legislation, worked together in urging Governor Christie to veto the bill. The […]

The Delaware Legislature has passed House Bill 13, which would protect the rights of responsible Delaware dog owners by prohibiting any dog from being declared 'potentially dangerous' or 'dangerous' under state law simply based on the dog's breed.

The Land Use Committee of the City of Riverside's City Council is scheduled to meet on Monday, May 8th. The agenda includes the consideration of drafting laws that would ban the retail sales of pets and require breeder licensing.

The NY Assembly is expected to vote soon on a bill that would prohibit homeowner's insurance providers from refusing or cancelling coverage or increasing premiums based solely on the breed of dog owned by the policy holder.

Assembly Bill 485 is scheduled for consideration and a vote by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, May 17. Like many other measures that reference 'retail pet sales" or "pet stores", this measure is aimed squarely at restricting the availability of purpose-bred dogs and cats. California residents are strongly urged to contact members of the […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) emphatically supports freedom of choice in selecting a pet. AKC actively promotes efforts to ensure that people are educated, understand the demands of responsible ownership and have access to a pet that is right for them.

AKC Government Relations has just learned that the City Council of Providence, Rhode Island, recently passed a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance and animal ownership limits. The proposal would require all dogs six months of age or older to be spayed or neutered unless a person acquires a dog breeding permit.

Assembly Bill 485'which seeks to prohibit pet retailers from selling pets (including dogs, cats and rabbits) unless the animals were obtained from a public animal control agency or shelter, a shelter maintained by a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, a humane society shelter, or a nonprofit rescue or adoption organization'is scheduled for […]

The Oklahoma City Council is holding a public hearing TOMORROW (Tuesday, June 20) on a proposal that would require the mandatory sterilization and other actions for dogs deemed to be 'menacing' or 'dangerous'.

The New Jersey Assembly could consider a bill as soon as Thursday, June 22, that allows for the seizure and permanent forfeiture of animals taken pursuant to an allegation 'but without a conviction'of animal cruelty.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) emphatically supports freedom of choice in selecting a pet. AKC actively promotes efforts to ensure that people are educated, understand the demands of responsible ownership and have access to a pet that is right for them.

The Massachusetts' General Court's Joint Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider two bills of great concern to the American Kennel Club at its Tuesday, July 18, hearing. H.2290 seeks to change the legal status of pets from personal property to companion animals, while H.852 seeks to establish an animal abuse registry and impose certain additional […]

It is imperative that all California residents contact the members of the Committee and their state senator and express opposition to AB 485, which is scheduled for consideration by the State Senate Committee on Business, Professions, and Economic Development on Monday, July 17. The bill seeks to prohibit pet retailers from selling pets (including dogs, […]

AKC has learned that the Washoe County Commission (Nevada) is considering a proposal that would require anyone who wishes to own more than three dogs to apply for a variance permit and have their dogs sterilized.

AKC Government Relations is pleased to share the latest issue of our In Session Congressional newsletter, which is sent to members of Congress and staff. This issue highlights our Capitol Hill celebration of National Purebred Dog Day, which included a reception where members of Congress, staff and guests could meet purebred dogs representing each breed […]

APHIS proposes to implement changes to 'better promote sustained compliance with the AWA, reduce licensing fees and burdens, and strengthen existing safeguards that prevent individuals and businesses who are unfit to hold a license from obtaining a licensing or working with regulated animals.'

AKC Government Relations just learned that California Assembly Bill 485 is scheduled for consideration and possible vote by the California Senate on Monday, August 28. Because this may be the last chance to express opposition to the bill, it is imperative that concerned Californians contact their state senators and express opposition to the proposal now.

In addition to bills to be considered by the Joint Judiciary Committee, the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture is also scheduled to consider several dog-related bills on Tuesday, September 12.