The Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on Friday, January 15, 2021, on House Bill 81, and the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, on Senate Bill 122.  These identical bills place limitations on dogs being outdoors and unattended when […]

The Spartanburg County (SC) Council will again consider extensive proposed amendments to the county’s Animals ordinance at its meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025.  The proposal would create new licenses for dog breeders, require inspections of their facilities, establish care and conditions standards for all dogs, and impose ownership limits.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) […]

Today, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published proposed updates to its regulations to make them consistent with existing requirements under the federal Animal Welfare Act AWA). These rules do not represent a change in current USDA policy regarding licensing. The proposed updates (known as a “proposed rule”) reflect changes to the […]

On Friday, June 21, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law three bills that affect dogs and dog owners in Florida: CS/HB 87, among other provisions, allows the use of lethal force against a bear when necessary to avoid an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to a person or pet, or substantial […]

This week State Senator Gene Yaw introduced Senate Bill 907 which would establish an Animal Welfare Board.  The bill, which will allow for a comprehensive review of current and future regulations regarding dogs in the Commonwealth, is supported by the AKC and has been assigned to the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. SB 907 […]

A problematic proposed animal ordinance that was scheduled to receive a second vote on April 18 has been deferred until the May 2, 2023, meeting of the Nashville/Davidson County Metropolitan Council. In response to constituent feedback, certain council members are working on potential amendments to the ordinance. What you can do: Concerned residents are urged […]

The Fauquier County (VA) Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on Thursday, March 17, on clarifying amendments to zoning regulations governing small, non-commercial kennels in the county.  The purpose is to clarify and streamline the numerous permits and licenses currently required for many hobby breeders. Those who wish to comment may attend the public […]

-- New Programs and Services Introduced in 2010 -- As we wind down the year, I am pleased to highlight programs and initiatives we have introduced in 2010. In April, the first agility, obedience and rally trials open to mixed-breed dogs in the AKC Canine Partners program were held. So far, 853 AKC-licensed clubs have […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2022 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees. “It is our pleasure to honor these knowledgeable and respected breeders,” said Dennis Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “The individuals have made significant contributions […]

  Award Presented at AKC/Eukanuba National Championship    New York, NY — Joan Savage of Banks, OR was honored with the 2008 AKC Breeder of the Year Award at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on Sunday, December 14, 2008.  The annual award honors those breeders who have dedicated their lives to improving the health, temperament and […]