It’s June, which means it is officially summer! That means more events, club meetings, and opportunities to promote responsible dog ownership and the good things the American Kennel Club and affiliate clubs do. The American Kennel Club prides itself on being the champion for all dogs – and for dog-friendly communities too! That is why […]

Next week, two communities in New Jersey will consider ordinances that restrict pet stores to selling only dogs sourced from shelters and rescues. On Tuesday, June 27, at 8PM, the Borough of Westwood will consider Ordinance #23-20, Prohibiting the Sale of Dogs and Cats by Retail Pet Stores.   Then, on Wednesday, June 28, at 7:30PM, […]

The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to introduce newly updated AKC economic and community impact figures for all 50 states. The AKC Impact By State packet provides valuable information to share with lawmakers, local media, chambers of commerce and other community entities about the positive impact that AKC clubs, affiliates and events have in each and […]

On Monday, June 19, the Township of Mahwah, New Jersey, is scheduled to consider an ordinance that seeks to prohibit the retail sale of dogs and cats in retail stores.  This ordinance will limit pet choice and consumer protections for area families seeking a dog that fits their needs and lifestyle. Retail pet sales bans […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, continues its commitment to students pursuing veterinary studies with the announcement of the 2023-2024 AKC Veterinary Outreach Scholarship recipients. These scholarships aim to support those with backgrounds in AKC events and programs seeking to promote animal […]

Heart murmurs in dogs can be harmless or represent serious health conditions. Learn about the different types and how they're diagnosed and treated.

Friday, June 2, was the deadline in California for 2023 bills to pass out of the chamber in which they were introduced. AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in California. Although no action is needed at this time, below are a few highlights of where legislation stands after the June 2 deadline. […]

This past weekend, the Illinois General Assembly adjourned a very busy spring session for dog owners and trainers. We thank the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs, and all who took the time to file witness slips and contact legislators.  Together we are making a difference for dogs in Illinois. Below are the latest updates on […]

AKC is monitoring several bills impacting dog owners in California. Below are a few highlights in advance of the June 2 deadline for legislation to advance out of the chamber where it was introduced. To see the complete list visit the AKC legislative action center at www.akcgr.org  and/or the AKC legislative tracker.  AKC Government Relations […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – SB 2 seeks to prohibit inmates from participating in training of dogs for tracking humans. AKC is monitoring this legislation, which was assigned to the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. Alabama – SB 242 seeks to remove the […]

This week, the Delaware General Assembly continued to advance legislation seeking to regulate barking dogs and provide immunity for animal cruelty reporting.  Below is the latest information, as well as action you can take today on these bills: House Bill 124 – Regulating Barking Dogs House Bill 124 would prohibit dogs from barking continuously for […]

Florida dog owners breathed sighs of relief when the hard-fought 2023 Florida legislative session adjourned on Friday, May 5th. Several problematic bills did not advance, while positive bills passed in the state legislature and await action by the Governor. Possibly the most egregious state-level dog breeder bills (HB 1581/SB 1492) filed in the U.S. to […]

The Delaware House Health and Human Development Committee approved bills seeking to regulate barking dogs and granting immunity for animal cruelty reporting after a recent hearing.  Delaware residents are strongly encouraged to contact their State Representatives (see below for more information). House Bill 124 – Regulating Barking Dogs House Bill 124 would prohibit dogs from […]

Truant the Border Collie was crowned the 2023 Masters Agility Champion at Westminster on May 6, 2023 in Flushing, Queens at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

This Wednesday, May 3, the Delaware House Health and Human Development Committee will be considering bills seeking to regulate barking dogs and granting immunity for animal cruelty reporting. Delaware residents are encouraged to contact the committee and express your concerns with House Bill 124 regulating barking dogs and express comments and concerns you may have […]

In Oklahoma, committee and crossover deadlines came and passed earlier this month and bills that did not yet receive hearings or consideration in their originating chamber have effectively failed. AKC tracked a number of bills this session and below you will find an update on legislation of interest. The session officially adjourns May 26th. Bill […]

The Delaware Senate’s agenda for Tuesday, April 25, 2023, includes a bill that would provide immunity to people who, in good faith, report suspected animal cruelty from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise exist as a result of making the report. Those who would like contact members of the Senate prior to the […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – SB 2 seeks to prohibit inmates from participating in training of dogs for tracking humans. AKC is monitoring this legislation, which has not yet received a committee assignment. Arkansas – HB 1591, a bill supported by AKC that limits a local […]

The 2023 Kentucky legislative session ended with positive results for dogs, working K9s, and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks AKC club members, dog owners, sportsmen, and every individual who contacted lawmakers about legislation that affects the dogs we love.  Bills Opposed by AKC GR: HB 321 attempted to problematically […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – SB 2 seeks to prohibit inmates from participating in training of dogs for tracking humans. AKC is monitoring this legislation, which has not yet received a committee assignment. Arkansas – HB 1420, among other provisions, defines […]