The Louisville Metro Council is again considering breed-specific legislation, a limit law and restrictions on breeders and dog owners. This ordinance will have a devastating effect on dog owners and breeders in Louisville and may have a dramatic impact on the Kentuckiana Cluster, the largest dog show cluster in the country. The legislation proposes breed […]

Ohio State Representative Jim Hughes introduced a substitute House Bill 606 before the State Government Committee on December 7th. The original bill set the threshold for licensure as an establishment that keeps, houses, and maintains nine or more adult dogs. Rep. Hughes' substitute bill modifies the definition of those covered by the licensure requirement as […]

Minnesota Senate Bill 121, known as the Dog and Cat Breeders Bill, has been introduced by Senators Betzold and Koering. It seeks to establish breeder licensing, inspection of all "kennels", and unproven care standards. If passed and signed into law, the changes imposed by this bill would have a profound impact on dog breeders in […]

The public comment period for the proposed changes to the dog law regulations has been extended until March 16, 2007. The American Kennel Club and the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs ask concerned dog owners to mail their letters no latter than March 12, 2007 to ensure that they are received prior to the deadline. […]

Representative Trent VanHaaften today confirmed that House Bill 1607 will not move forward in its present form. This bill would have imposed requirements on breeders who either sold one dog for profit per year or breeders who sold six or more dogs per year. Rep. VanHaaften has indicated that he will welcome constructive input in […]

Kentucky House Bill 375, introduced by Representative Webb, has been referred to the House Committee on Local Government but has not yet been set for a hearing.  It seeks to protect the rights of breeders and owners by limiting what local governments can prohibit or regulate in regards to dogs.  It is vital that breeders […]

Please be advised that Minnesota HF 1046, the Dog and Cat Breeders Act, has been pulled from today's agenda for the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee. The bill was to be considered at 6:30PM today. The Canine Legislation Department will continue to monitor legislative activities in Minnesota, and will advise as developments warrant. […]

  Annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day Encompasses Hundreds of Events and is "A Breed Apart" Each year, the American Kennel Club® (AKC®) calls on clubs and dog related organizations from around the country to participate in AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day, a nationwide initiative that educates the general public about the importance of being […]

Whether you're looking for tips on training, grooming and health or are currently considering adding a precious pup to the family this September, be sure to mark "AKC® Responsible Dog Ownership Day" on your calendar. This month-long celebration involves hundreds of organizations around the country holding free events filled with fun and engaging activities for […]

September is the Month to Make Your Pooch a Prime Priority Sometimes, we need a reminder of everything that is required of us in return for the wonderful privilege of having a dog. Dogs bring us love, affection, comfort, security and unrivaled devotion, despite our flaws or past mistakes. So what do we owe them […]

  Over 370 AKC Events Held Nationwide; 5,000 Pet Promise Signatures New York, NY -- Demonstrating again that the dog is truly man's best friend, the American Kennel Club® has wrapped up its fifth annual celebration of AKC® Responsible Dog Ownership Day. More than 370 affiliated clubs and other organizations marked the day by hosting […]

Assemblyman Neil Cohen and Assemblywoman Joan Voss have introduced Assembly Bill 1591, a bill which threatens the rights of responsible breeders in New Jersey.  This bill is a reintroduction of 2006’s AB 3401.  Fanciers, concerned dog owners, and responsible breeders should immediately contact their representatives in the New Jersey State Legislature, and the members of […]

Palm Beach County Adopts Mandatory Spay/Neuter and Hobby Breeder Restrictions [February 6, 2008] Yesterday afternoon the Palm Beach County Commission voted 5-1 to restrict the rights of responsible dog owners and breeders. Commissioner Kanjian was the only member who voted to support the responsible dog owners and breeders of Palm Beach County. AKC thanks all […]

The Senate Agriculture and Veterans committee has removed SB 2292 from its February 26 agenda. The bill may be still heard at a later date. Please contact the members of the committee to share your concerns about this bill. Continue to check www.akc.org for updates. Minnesota Breeders Bills Moving Forward [Wednesday, February 20, 2008] Minnesota […]

The Dallas, Texas City Council will soon consider major changes to the Dallas animal control ordinance. The changes include breeder permitting, limits on the number of pets that can be owned, stricter dangerous dog language, and a ban on tethering. Mandatory Spay/Neuter   This proposed ordinance mandates that you spay or neuter your dog unless […]

  Annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day Encompasses Hundreds of Events New York, NY – Each year, the American Kennel Club® calls on its nearly 5,000 affiliated dog clubs and all other pet-related organizations from around the country to participate in AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day. The nationwide initiative educates the public about the importance […]

Two Chicago Aldermen are sponsoring a new ordinance that would require all dogs to be spayed/neutered by the age of six months unless they qualify for an unneutered animal license. Chicago residents are asked to contact their representative on the Board of Aldermen to oppose this measure. To qualify for an unneutered animal license the […]

Yesterday, Representative Bill Caul of Mt. Pleasant introduced Michigan House Bill 6395, which proposes to strictly regulate virtually all responsible dog breeders.  It is imperative that all concerned responsible dog breeders in Michigan contact the members of the House Agriculture Committee, which currently has cognizance of the bill, and their elected Representatives and express their […]

  -- It's Time to Make Your Pooch a Prime Priority -- Sometimes we need a reminder of everything that is required of us in return for the wonderful privilege of having a dog.  Dogs bring us love, affection, comfort, security and unrivaled devotion, despite our flaws or past mistakes.  So what do we owe […]

The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department has learned that Representative Bill Caul has publicly stated that he will not move House Bill 6395 forward. As written, HB 6395 attempted to strictly regulate virtually all responsible dog breeders in Michigan. (For more information on HB 6395, click here.) The AKC congratulates all concerned Michigan fanciers […]