SB1548, which includes language that would make ear cropping a misdemeanor, easily passed the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions this week. The majority of the bill pertains to other aspects of veterinary medicine and has the support of the veterinary community. AKC is therefore urging fanciers to contact the bill sponsor and ask her […]

California fanciers, take note! The Animal Council reports that SB1548, a bill pertaining to veterinary medicine, was amended last week to include a ban on ear cropping for dogs. Violators will be charged with a misdemeanor unless the procedure was done for treatment of disease or injury to the dog. The bill defines "disease or […]

  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is proud to announce a new relationship with The Hartz Mountain Corporation to become the official sponsor of the AKC Veterinary Outreach Program. The AKC Veterinary Outreach Program unites the world of purebred dogs with the veterinary community through educational initiatives aimed at veterinarians, veterinary students and veterinary technicians. […]

The AKC has learned that Massachusetts's budget bill was sent to conference committee late last week. Thanks in large part to lobbying efforts by purebred dog fanciers, the Senate version of the bill does not appear to contain any language that will impact breeders. However, the House version does still include an amendment that would […]

The American Kennel Club announced today the initial delivery of Your AKC, an electronic newsletter delivered monthly to dog lovers' desktops. Currently, Your AKC has a circulation of 222,000 customers and year-end circulation figures are expected to be 350,000. Covering the complete world of AKC dogs, Your AKC will feature a broad range of articles […]

Despite opposition from concerned dog owners and fanciers at a public hearing in Boston on Thursday, April 29th, legislators appear resolute in their support of a breed-specific ordinance. The proposal now heads to committee for further consideration. If enacted, the measure would: Require residents to register their "pit bulls" with the city at a cost […]

California legislators are once again attempting to regulate hobby breeders. Introduced by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, AB2513 establishes the "Humane Control of Dog and Cat Overpopulation Act of 2004."   The bill will: Prohibit the sale of unaltered dogs and cats unless the seller has obtained a permit. Create two types of permits. The first will […]

Attention Boston dog owners! Councillors Rob Consalvo and James Kelly have introduced an ordinance that requires residents to register their "pit bulls" with the city at a cost of $50 annually. Pit bulls are defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, or any mix of those breeds. The measure also […]

  The American Kennel Club has announced that effective May 1, 2004, the Black Russian Terrier and the Neapolitan Mastiff have been granted regular status as AKC-recognized breeds and are eligible for competition in the Working Group, effective July 1, 2004. In addition, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is approved for AKC registration as of […]

On April 22nd, the North Carolina House Interim Committee on the Prevention and Disposition of Unwanted and Abandoned Companion Animals gave final approval to this legislation (see link below). The bill will next be introduced in the House of Representatives when it convenes on May 10th, where the measure will be assigned to a committee. […]

For 17 years, New York City has hosted Fleet Week, America’s Premier “thank you” to the brave men and women of the armed forces who serve our nation.  This year, Fleet Week is hosted by the Intrepid Foundation, the City of New York, The US Navy and the Fleet Week Executive Steering Committee. Fleet Week […]

"Do you spend so much time grooming your dogs that there is not enough time left for you?" Well, here is your opportunity to be transformed! "A Makeover Story", which airs at noon and 12:30pm EST on TLC (The Learning Channel) has contacted the AKC Communications department and is seeking two active dog-show breeder/exhibitors to […]

The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners reports the following: On March 24, 2004, H4537 was voted out of the Steering Committee and sent to the House floor listed with low priority, not requiring a vote for approval. Rep. James Eldridge (D, Acton) blocked it so the next […]

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day on Wednesday, March 17th, the American Kennel Club celebrates seven purebred dogs of Irish heritage that are AKC registrable or are in the AKC miscellaneous class. Additional information, including the full breed standards, links to Parent Club web sites and video clips of each breed, is available a this […]

In recent years, responsible dog owners across the country have faced an increasing threat to their right to own and breed dogs. The concept of replacing the term animal "owner" with "guardian" in city codes was first introduced in San Francisco several years ago by an extreme animal rights group. Since then, several cities and […]

The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that as of February 23, 2004 individual Dog Registration Applications will be accepted online. This new service offers numerous benefits to both breeders and dog owners and follows the Online Litter Registration service launched by the AKC in October 2003. "This initiative marks another milestone in AKC […]

Attention North Carolina dog owners and breeders! Last fall, North Carolina co-speaker of the House Jim Black established the House Interim Committee on the Prevention and Disposition of Unwanted and Abandoned Companion Animals. Its purpose was to evaluate the state's animal care and control laws. Specifically, the committee was charged with studying North Carolina's animal […]

Legislation (H4397) has been introduced in West Virginia that would prohibit debarking or surgical silencing of dogs. Violators would face fines of $400-$1,000 and/or up to six months in jail. H4397 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, and help is needed to defeat this misguided bill. Much misinformation exists about debarking of dogs. […]

The AKC is devastated to have to announce the death of Sue Gray, a valuable and popular member of the Special Services Department. Sue joined us in 1999 and has been an extremely competent, and very popular, connection to people in the sport of dogs as a "trouble shooter." Recently Sue took over the Foundation […]

The American Kennel Club Gazette, The Official Journal for the Sport of Purebred Dogs which has been continually published since 1889, swept the annual Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) awards dinner last night, taking home a total of seven awards: Best All Breed Magazine - AKC Gazette Best Special Publication - AKC Gazette special […]