Last night, the New York Assembly adjourned, officially ending the New York 2025 legislation session with many positive results for dogs and dog owners in the state: Hobby Breeder Licensing/Commercial Regulations Did Not Advance: Thanks to the partnership with the NY Federation,  Associated Dog Clubs of New York State (ADCNYS) and the many hobbyists who […]

Earlier this month, the Rhode Island (RI) House introduced H. 6383 as a companion to the Senate bill that seeks to change the state’s  “hobby breeder” definition. For the bill’s June 10 public hearing, the American Kennel Club (AKC) submitted testimony that highlighted concerns and requested the House Corporations Committee amend the bill with text […]

Legislation is likely to move any time in the New York legislature that could force virtually every hobby breeder in the state to be licensed, inspected, and regulated as pet dealers. As mentioned in a previous alert, Senate Bill 8252 and Assembly Bill 8653 include some clarifying language to address the ban on dog and […]

Two Rhode Island (RI) bills of concern to the American Kennel Club (AKC) have been amended before being passed by the State Senate. Earlier this week, the State Senate delayed its scheduled vote on S. 325, “Animal Care”, which sought to further restrict the state’s definition of “hobby breeder”. Yesterday, before passing the bill, the […]

A pivotal point has been reached in the California Legislature session.  The deadline has passed for bills that were subject to a fiscal committee review to be eligible for further advancement during the session. This year was especially challenging for bills that increased spending given the state’s sizeable budget deficit. We are pleased to report […]

This week, the Rhode Island (RI) Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture voted to recommend passage of S. 325, “Animal Care”, which would further restrict the state’s definition of who is a “hobby breeder”.  On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, S. 325 will be voted upon in the Senate - without any changes to address concerns […]

With just a few days before the end of the New York legislative session, bills have been filed in both the NY State Assembly and Senate that could force virtually every hobby breeder in the state to be licensed, inspected and regulated as pet dealers. The bills include some clarifying language to address the ban […]

Recently, your U.S. Senator John Kennedy introduced a bill that would radically expand and shift federal regulations while undermining expert care and oversight for dog breeding.  Your U.S. Senators, need to hear your opposition to this bill. Senate Bill 1538,  the so-called “Better CARE for Animals Act” shifts enforcement of dog breeder licensing under the […]

A Bolognese Breeder for over 10 years, Ikuko Hisaka fell in love with the breed as soon as she first held a Bolognese puppy in her arms.

The American Kennel Club®, a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for the AKC Eddy Award starting today through September 1, 2025. The AKC Eddy Award is designed to encourage and reward Parent Clubs that demonstrate a breeder education effort […]