West Virginia dog owners should be aware of a fast-moving bill (SB277) that would prohibit the possession, breeding, and sale of exotic animals unless one obtains a special permit. The bill further establishes an Exotic Animal Regulation Board and grants it extensive powers, including the authority to regulate the permitting process, the operation of pet […]

Attention California fanciers! Just a reminder that the Assembly Public Safety Committee will hold a hearing on SB418, a bill to ban ear cropping, on Tuesday April 5th at 9 a.m. in the State Capitol Building, Room 126. We need purebred dog owners to attend and respectfully show their opposition! For more background on AKC's […]

UPDATE! AB418 has been set for hearing in the Assembly Committee on Public Safety on Tuesday, April 5th at 9 a.m. in Room 126. The Animal Council is urging dog clubs to submit formal letters on their own letterhead to the committee consultant. Letters should be clearly marked "AB 418 - Dogs: animal cruelty: ear […]

Update! Sen. Sandoval’s office has told AKC and the Illinois Dog Clubs and Breeders Association that the Senator has reconsidered his position on SB1790 and will no longer support it. Many thanks to the countless dog owners who responded swiftly to our initial alert with calls and e-mails—your efforts made all the difference! With breed-specific […]

AB418, Asm. Paul Koretz’s bill to ban ear cropping in California, has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Public Safety. However, no action can be taken on the bill until mid-March. AKC will continue to provide updates as we learn when AB418 is scheduled for a hearing. Read more about this negative legislation in […]

As many fanciers are now aware, officials in West Hollywood, California recently proposed a city ordinance that would ban ear cropping, tail docking and other non-therapeutic measures. AKC has been actively working with California fanciers and parent clubs to oppose the ordinance. The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) shared AKC’s concern over the measure because […]

Rep. Jerry Mitchell has introduced HB1128, a bill to allow Illinois municipalities to enact breed-specific laws. (A statewide dangerous dog law passed only two years ago prohibits such legislation.) The bill is scheduled to be heard by the House Committee on Agriculture and Conservation on Wednesday, February 23rd at 2 p.m. The American Kennel Club […]

AKC has learned that last night the Senate Public Affairs Committee postponed hearing SB188. The bill will NOT be on the schedule for today's meeting, however it will likely be heard in the near future, perhaps as early as next week. Please check the New Mexico Legislature's Committee Calendar http://legis.state.nm.us/lcs/agecalendars.asp for scheduling information. Fanciers are […]

AKC has learned that Rep. Guy Liebmann has withdrawn H1282 from consideration. Congratulations to the many dog owners who alerted Rep. Liebmann to the problems with breed-specific legislation! However, Sen. Jim Reynolds's companion bill (S247) is still scheduled for introduction next week. Please keep up the concerned phone calls, letters and e-mails! See below for […]

Many thanks to the concerned fanciers and dog owners in Georgia who contacted AKC this week regarding H78, a bill to ban "pit bulls" in the state. For those who are not yet aware, H78 defines "pit bulls" as American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or any dogs displaying characteristics of […]

Oklahoma is currently one of 12 states that prohibit municipalities from enacting breed-specific laws. That would change if S247 (scheduled to be introduced February 7) is allowed to pass. Sponsored by Sen. Jim Reynolds, the bill allows cites and counties to regulate dangerous dogs based on breed. The American Kennel Club strongly supports sound, enforceable, […]

  Southeast Florida Combined Specialties must cancel their September 17, 2004 shows, due to the conditions resulting from the recent hurricanes. Due to the after effects of the recent hurricanes, the Boca Raton Dog Club regrets they must cancel their shows on September 18 & 19, 2004. They regret any inconvenience to their exhibitors and pray for their safety in these […]

-- 450 Events Nationwide Celebrate Man's Best Friend and Bring Attention to Responsibilities of Dog Ownership -- The American Kennel Club has declared Friday, September 17, "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day," and announced hundreds of events to be held nationwide throughout the month of September. The goal of the initiative - being held for the […]

-- Listing of Over 200 Events Goes Live on AKC Web Site --   New York, NY - The American Kennel Club has declared Friday, September 17, "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day," and announced hundreds of events to be held nationwide throughout the month of September. The goal of the initiative - being held for […]

In the wake of Boston's recent enactment of a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance, Massachusetts fanciers should be on the lookout for similar legislation in their municipalities. The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners has notified AKC that two cities, Fitchburg and Leominster, are considering proposals similar to Boston's new ordinance, which severely […]

Despite strong opposition and lobbying efforts by concerned dog owners and the AKC, the Boston City Council approved a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance on June 23rd. Prior to its passage, the measure was amended to include a mandatory spay/neuter provision for all "pit bulls." Pit bulls are defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull […]

  With more pets and people enjoying warm weather activities, the American Kennel Club advises responsible dog owners to take special care of their dogs during the summer months. According to a recent AKC online poll of more than 1,000 dog owners, 90 percent said their pet influences their weekend/free time activities and 76 percent […]

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 […]

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 […]

Attention Chicago dog owners! Alderman Virginia (Ginger) Rugai has introduced an ordinance that would prohibit residents from owning, transporting, or selling "pit bulls." Pit bulls are defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, or any mix of those breeds. Violators will face fines of $100-1000 and/or up to six months […]