Animal Rights activists are again circulating petitions in Oregon to put an extreme measure on the 2024 ballot that, in their own words “is the first ballot initiative in history that would criminalize the killing and breeding of animals.” Recently, the campaign received a large contribution from a private donor.  The campaign has stated they […]

Tomorrow (Tuesday, February 3) at 9:30am, the Virginia Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (ACNR) Committee, Companion Animal Sub-Committee will consider legislation to ban “debarking” and a bill that seeks to define a “puppy mill”. Virginia residents should use the contact information provided below to express any concerns you have with these bills today: Senate […]

Recently, the West Virginia General Assembly adjourned its 2021 session.  While very few bills relating to dogs and dog owners got much traction, AKC Government Relations did monitor a few bills of note. Those bills monitored by AKC Government Relations included: House Bill 2095 was comprehensive legislation seeking to enhance West Virginia’s animal welfare laws […]

Following a Public Hearing at a recent County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board of Supervisors voted to approve Zoning Ordinance Amendments that changes the definition of “Kennel” and its use in certain zoning districts. It should be noted that existing kennels, and kennels as a secondary use in conjunction with a dwelling (home occupation) […]

Bills regulating leaving dogs outdoors and allowing localities to arbitrarily pass laws regulating the care of dogs continue to move in Virginia.  Virginia residents are strongly encouraged to contact their State Delegate and Senator TODAY and express concerns on these bills (Scroll down for contact information). Summary: The Virginia Senate ACNR Committee recently passed Senate […]

The West Virginia House Agriculture Committee is scheduled to consider House Bill 2015 this Wednesday, February 2. This problematic bill would limit dog ownership and place restrictions on dog breeding.  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 […]

  At the AKC Delegate Meeting on March 8, Dr. Thomas M. Davies, Walter F. Goodman and Ronald H. Menaker were re-elected to the AKC Board of Directors, Class of 2008. Ronald H. Menaker was re-elected Chairman of the Board and David C. Merriam was re-elected Vice-Chairman at a meeting of the AKC Board of […]

The AKC Humane FundSM is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Sir John D. Spurling Scholarship, celebrating the human-canine bond. Each year, the AKC Humane Fund awards five full-time students enrolled in courses of study that contribute to the well-being of dogs and the advancement of responsible pet ownership. The […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) and Royal Canin are pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2016 National Championship to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18, 2016. The 2016 event will showcase the top national and international dogs and will also […]

This year as we gear up for the fourth annual AKC ® Responsible Dog Ownership Day (AKC RDO Day) I am pleased to report about some new opportunities for clubs, state federations, and pet-related organizations as they plan their AKC RDO Day events in communities across the country.    Publicly promoting responsible dog ownership takes time, initiative […]