-- Governors of New York, North Carolina, Delaware, Oregon all designate Responsible Dog Ownership Days-- In honor of AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day on September 17, 2005, the American Kennel Club and many of its affiliated clubs have received support - in the form or proclamations and congratulatory letters - from numerous government officials […]

More than 60 AKC Legislative Liaisons from around the country gathered for the 2nd American Kennel Club Legislative Conference to discuss the strategies and tools necessary to fight anti-dog legislation. The Conference, held January 25-26, 2014 in Raleigh, North Carolina, provided legislative liaisons an opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss what was working in their states […]

New York, NY – The AKC® Humane Fund announced today the winners of the 15th annual AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). These awards honor five inspirational dogs that have made significant contributions to their communities and truly exemplify the power of the human-canine bond. One award is presented in each of the […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2024 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The […]

On Wednesday, May 23, the Rhode Island Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee will consider two bills of concern to the American Kennel Club (AKC).  Senate Bill 2055 seeks to amend the state’s Care of Dogs statute (1) by removing the provision that currently allows dogs to be kept outside during certain temperature conditions if they […]

On Wednesday, November 1, 2017, the Hillsborough County Commission is scheduled to discuss an ordinance that would regulate, require registration and licensing, and establish extensive record keeping requirements for certain dog trainers and dog training businesses in the county.

This morning, the Michigan Senate Agriculture Committee passed two bills that would establish a new Animal Welfare Commission in the state to create new rules, licensing, inspections, and other requirements for anyone who breeds dogs in Michigan.    This commission will be given broad powers to regulate animal welfare in the state, and yet those directly […]

The Massachusetts legislature’s Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government has scheduled consideration of 14 dog-related bills at its meeting on Tuesday, July 14th.  Another bill of importance, HB 344 (see info, below) will be heard concurrently by the Joint Judiciary Committee.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) and its Massachusetts federation, the Massachusetts Federation of […]

Iowa already has some of the most restrictive breeder regulation in the nation.  Nevertheless, legislation has once again been introduced to expand the state’s regulation of dog breeders, hobbyists, fanciers, groomers, and rescues and require them to pay significant license fees.  Proposals are currently pending in both the Iowa House and Senate.  Iowa dog owners, […]

On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the New Hampshire (NH) Senate Judiciary Committee will hear public testimony on SB 290, which seeks to add a definition of “torture” to NH’s animal cruelty law. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is deeply concerned that, as currently worded, SB 290 could be used as the basis for inappropriate criminal […]