Wednesday, April 17, 2019 The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has proposed new regulations for the operation of animal shelters and animal rescue organizations, and amendments to the Commonwealth’s regulations applying to pet shops. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages potentially impacted entities and individuals to carefully review the proposals, below, and respectfully share their […]

AKC has learned that the U.S. Supreme Court has denied the Doris Day Animal League's (DDAL) petition to appeal a case against the USDA that would have made all residential breeders of dogs and cats subject to federal licensing and inspection. The decision, which upholds an earlier ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for […]

Yesterday, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship published the final updates to the state’s animal welfare regulations. Visit the IDALS website to view the regulations in their entirety.  AKC thanks all those who took the time to submit comments to the department. Summary: The purpose of these updates in part is to address […]

Yesterday, June 24, the New Hampshire House of Representatives approved HB 2, a state budget bill that includes text establishing an animal records database, and it is on its way to the Governor’s desk for approval.  This text contains many amendments requested by AKC and its state federation. Background: In January 2021, the American Kennel […]

Despite opposition from responsible pet owners, on October 10, 2023, the Floyd County, Georgia, County Commission enacted changes to the county animal ordinance that make it “unlawful for any person to own, keep, or be in possession of a sexually mature dog or cat which has not been spayed or neutered, unless otherwise exempt from […]

As Florida’s governor signs or vetoes remaining 2022 bills, the American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks AKC club members, the hardworking members of the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs (FAKC), dog owners, sportsmen, allied organizations, and every individual who contacted their lawmakers about state legislation that affects our dogs. Here are some […]

Legislation continues to advance in California that would make further clarifications and amendments to the law passed in 2019 that requires those who hire independent contractors to provide them the same benefits as full-time employees. Late last week, a Senate committee combined several bills into Assembly Bill 2257, including an important provision AKC worked on […]

More Than 140 Grants in 45 States to Support Volunteer Teams   Raleigh, NC — The AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) Canine Support and Relief Fund recently awarded $413,000 in grants, the majority to K-9 Search and Rescue (SAR) teams.  Since 2002, AKC CAR has proudly supported the crucial role these volunteers play during […]

– Breed is Sixth Coonhound to Gain Full AKC Recognition – The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) expanded its litter of registered breeds on January 1 to welcome the Treeing Walker Coonhound, growing AKC’s family to 174 breeds. "The Treeing Walker is a fast, hot nosed, sensible hunter with a clear, ringing bugle voice," said AKC […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world's largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the winners of the AKC Agility League Season 2. Champion and Reserve Champion Teams were named in three divisions: International (ISC courses), Regulation (Masters courses) and Limited (Shorter courses for smaller spaces). […]