The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that SB 460 is finally dead. The measure was pulled from consideration by the House Finance Committee late last week when it became clear that supporters did not have the votes to pass the measure in the House. The AKC received further confirmation this past weekend that […]

The AKC Government Relations Department has learned that the House Finance Committee will likely consider Senate Bill 460 on Thursday, June 24.  It is essential that all North Carolina dog lovers call AND e-mail members of the House Finance Committee TODAY.  Tell them that responsible dog owners and breeders oppose SB 460, and respectfully ask […]

California Senate Bill 250, which seeks to mandate the sterilization of a dog on a second animal control offense, has moved from the inactive file back to the Assembly floor and could be voted on any day. Amendments have been adopted, but they only modify the appeals process and do not alter our fundamental opposition […]

The West Virginia Senate has passed Senate Bill 406, which would impose onerous restrictions on those who own 11 or more intact dogs. While some exemptions are included, the AKC believes they are vague and may still impact hobbyists who are not truly commercial breeders. The bill has now been assigned to the House Judiciary […]

Two bills are pending in the Iowa Senate that would impose detrimental requirements on those who are classified as "commercial breeders". In current law, a "commercial breeder" is defined as anyone who owns at least four intact dogs or cats and receives any consideration for breeding. These bills would significantly restrict the ability of those […]

Iowa Senate committees have approved two measures that would make detrimental changes to the laws regulating commercial breeders, defined in current law as anyone who owns at least four intact dogs or cats and receives any consideration for breeding. While the bills are virtually identical to the ones that were scheduled for consideration last week, […]

Yesterday, the West Virginia Senate passed an amended version of Senate Bill 437. This newly amended version of the bill addressed many of the issues with the bill; however, the AKC remains concerned about the definition of commercial breeder. This is now defined vaguely as one who owns 11 or more intact dogs (male or […]

Maine LD 1239, sponsored by Representative Paul Davis, seeks to clarify, streamline, and promote fair animal welfare laws in Maine. The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes LD 1239 represents an improvement over current Maine law, and joins the Federation of Maine Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (Maine Federation) in support of LD 1239.  Maine […]

The West Virginia Legislature has passed Senate Bill 437, which will regulate those who own 11 or more intact dogs over one year of age "for the exclusive purpose of actively breeding." The bill now goes to the governor for his signature. Those who keep or breed dogs "for the purpose of herding or guarding […]

North Carolina House Bill 733, filed on Thursday, March 19th, seeks to strictly regulate dog breeding in the Tarheel State by imposing ownership and breeding limits. This measure is sponsored by Representatives McElraft, Dickson, Sager, and Allen. Bills similar to HB 733 have been introduced across the country since the start of 2009 - including […]

The North Carolina Senate passed SB 460 this evening by a vote of 23-22. While the AKC appreciates the many changes that were made to the bill yesterday we remain concerned that the bill has been too rushed to allow time for legislators and the public to adequately review the bill and fully understand its […]

Two bills that seek to provide strict oversight of responsible dog breeders are on the move in Minnesota. It is imperative that concerned responsible dog breeders and owners in Minnesota contact their elected officials in St. Paul as well as the appropriate committee members listed below, and express their opposition to the bills as they […]

The City of Holly Hill, Florida, is trying for the second time this year to pass a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for the small community.  The ordinance would require all dog owners to have their dog or cat spayed or neutered by six months of age, with few exceptions. In February 2009, the City Commission rejected […]

Senate Bill 460, a bill which regulates breeders and infringes on the rights of responsible dog owners, passed the North Carolina Senate Commerce Committee today.  The bill now goes to the Senate Finance Committee.  The Finance hearing could be scheduled for as early as next Tuesday.  It is essential that responsible dog owners and breeders […]

California Senate Bill 250 has been amended to allow local governments to utilize existing procedures to issue intact dog licenses or to charge a fee to offset their costs. These amendments are an attempt to prevent the state from having to reimburse local governments for costs associated with enforcement of SB 250. The amendments also […]

Senate Bill 460, a bill which regulates breeders and infringes on the rights of responsible dog owners, is expected to be heard in the Senate Finance Committee as early as next week.  Many committee members have indicated that they have received few or no calls and letters in opposition to this bill.  It is essential […]

The American Kennel Club congratulates the many responsible dog breeders and owners in Tennessee who successfully endured a difficult 2009 legislative session.  In particular, House Bill 386 and its companion, Senate Bill 258, were especially threatening.  If enacted as introduced, these bills would have: Limited the number of dogs an individual could own;   Implemented […]

As expected, the U.S. Senate last night approved, 63-35, the nomination of Cass Sunstein to be Director of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) at the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. The role, also known as the "Regulatory Czar" is responsible for overseeing regulatory policy throughout the government. The nomination was approved […]

The Los Angeles County Regional Planning Board unanimously rejected proposed zoning changes affecting dog kennels. AKC congratulates the kennel operators and responsible owners and breeders who worked hard to educate the board members about these important issues.   Los Angeles County Zoning Changes to Hurt Kennels and Breeders [Thursday, October 22, 2009] The Los Angeles […]

Recently, both houses of the Iowa General Assembly passed versions of House File 2280, which seeks to provide for regulation of commercial establishments that handle dogs and cats.  The now–enrolled version of this bill provides the following: Major Provisions: With only one small change regarding racing Greyhounds, the bill continues to use the definition of […]

The American Kennel Club has learned that the Oklahoma Senate has approved Senate Bill 1712 by a vote of 29-17.  However, the Senate now has 36 hours to reconsider its vote.  It is vital that all concerned responsible dog breeders in Oklahoma call their State Senator today.  Respectfully oppose the Senate’s attempt at quickly moving […]

In a quick parliamentary action late yesterday, Oklahoma SB 1712 was further amended and is now set to receive a final Senate vote today, Tuesday April 27. The new amended version further expands government regulation of anyone who breeds dogs or cats and who owns more than 11 intact females of either species.  The bill’s […]

The American Kennel Club wishes to thank all those who worked so hard during the 2010 legislative session to oppose Senate Bill 1712 and to ensure that laws that govern dog breeders in Oklahoma are reasonable, enforceable and fair. Despite the efforts of many responsible dog owners and breeders, the measure was passed by House […]

Previously published in the Kansas City Star There are two issues on which every dog lover agree.  First, dogs deserve a life in a safe, caring, and healthy environment.  Second, those who treat dogs in a negligent or cruel manner should be held accountable. The American Kennel Club is the nation’s only not-for-profit organization dedicated […]

As reported previously, the Jefferson Parish Council has delayed their consideration of changes to the Parish’s animal cruelty ordinances. Instead, officials with the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter and Animal Shelter Advisory Board will first hold a public meeting to discuss the proposed changes. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at 6:30PM […]

As reported previously, the Jefferson Parish Council has delayed their consideration of changes to the Parish’s animal cruelty ordinances. Instead, officials with the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter and Animal Shelter Advisory Board will first hold a public meeting to discuss the proposed changes. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at 6:30PM […]

At its next meeting on Wednesday, January 28, the Jefferson Parish Council is scheduled to consider a proposal that will amend the parish’s ordinances that regard the humane treatment of animals. Several parts of the proposal are of concern to the American Kennel Club. Jefferson Parish residents are strongly encouraged to review the proposal and […]

The AKC Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has received word that several Jefferson Parish councilmembers will request to defer the consideration of the proposed cruelty ordinance changes, which were scheduled to be considered today, until a future meeting. Councilmembers have expressed an interest in hearing Parish residents’ views about the proposal. Therefore, it extremely important […]

A bill recently introduced in the Iowa Senate would likely have an extremely damaging impact on breeders and fanciers.  This bill is expected to move very quickly.  It is imperative that Iowa dog owners and breeders contact their State Senator TODAY and ask them to oppose Senate File 168.  Click here to find the name […]

A bill pending in the Minnesota Senate seeks to modify requirements for and uses of certain traps used in hunting, and would require the reporting of pets or companion animals discovered to have been ensnared. The bill, Senate File 1325, will be considered by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee's Subcommittee on Fish and Wildlife […]