The Montana House Agriculture Committee is scheduled to consider House Bill 179 on January 27, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. This bill would make it illegal for a humane shelter or its employees to engage in activities at an animal facility without the owner’s consent. It would not apply to the lawful activities of a government […]

On Thursday, April 20, 2023, the Maine Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety will accept public testimony on LD 1234, to Provide Reimbursement for Health Care Expenses of Retired State Police Law Enforcement Dogs. The bill would require the Department of Public Safety to reimburse authorized handlers of retired law enforcement dogs used by […]

Florida House Bill CS1/HB 721 seeks to remove an exemption under current Florida state law that allows certain cities and counties to ban dog breeds.  If this legislation passes, remaining county and city laws in Florida that ban dog breeds would no longer be in effect.  For example, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, “pit […]

In an effort to recognize and honor police dogs and other police animals killed in the line of duty, Texas House Bill 1677 seeks to direct the State Preservation Board to establish a Texas Police Service Animals Memorial Monument on the grounds of the Texas Capitol.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly supports HB 1677, […]

In June 2019, the Massachusetts General Court’s Joint Municipalities and Regional Government Committee accepted two hours of public testimony on multiple bills seeking to impose regulatory oversight over personal and commercial kennels, mandate annual inspections of all kennels, and create consumer protection laws that exempt animal shelters and rescue organizations from providing appropriate remedies.  AKC […]

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Maine Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is scheduled to accept public testimony on LD 133, An Act to Amend the Laws Regarding Nuisance Dogs. The bill would (1) amend the definition of “nuisance dog” as it appears in Maine’s dangerous dog laws; (2) label any dog that […]

Texas House Bill 543 seeks to restrict political subdivisions in the state, including counties and municipalities, from imposing requirements that ban the use of working animals. The bill is scheduled to be considered by the House Agriculture and Livestock Committee on Thursday, March 18, at 8AM.  Texas residents are encouraged to contact the committee today […]

On January 19, the Wyoming Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously passed Senate File 100, which seeks to add "puppy mills" and "animal hoarding" to the definition of animal cruelty. The AKC strongly supports the humane treatment of dogs, including providing an adequate and nutritious diet, clean living conditions, regular veterinary care, kind and responsive human companionship […]

AKC club members seeking to become savvy media specialists gathered at the first-ever AKC Communications Summit for a full day of learning and sharing ideas with AKC Communications staff and club-member panelists who have already found a formula for success when it comes to promoting their clubs and events. Held at the Kennel Club of […]

As an organization of dog lovers, we have all been deeply impacted by the news of NFL quarterback Michael Vick's federal indictment for alleged involvement in the illegal and barbaric "sport" of dog fighting. While this story is distressing and brings up intense emotions in all of us, there is a silver lining. It is […]