The AKC has learned that Massachusetts's budget bill was sent to conference committee late last week. Thanks in large part to lobbying efforts by purebred dog fanciers, the Senate version of the bill does not appear to contain any language that will impact breeders. However, the House version does still include an amendment that would […]

The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners reports that the Budget Conference Committee has approved the final version of the state budget, and it does not include a House-approved amendment requiring regulation of those who breed and sell more than five litters of puppies or kittens per year. This development is welcome […]

A stakeholder meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 11, 2023, to discuss an animal ordinance that among other provisions seeks to establish overreaching requirements for individuals who may occasionally breed a single litter of puppies or kittens. As currently drafted, the proposed ordinance  would also require any individual who sells or transfers more than two […]

Late Friday the US Senate passed their version of the 2007 Farm Bill. Below is a summary of provisions affecting dogs. Senator Richard J. Durbin (D-IL) has announced that his amendment to the Senate Farm Bill to protect the health of puppies imported into the United States has been accepted. The measure will require that […]

We are reaching out to you because your representative in the U.S. Congress sponsored the Puppy Protection Act last year. This bill to restrict dog breeding has been re-introduced in Congress again this year. Your action is urgently needed to contact your member of Congress and respectfully ask them to not sponsor or support the […]

Arbitrary federal legislation to restrict the activities of dogs breeders has been re-introduced in Congress.  Though labeled as commercial breeding regulations, the one-size-fits-all requirements can also apply to small hobby breeders.  Your action is urgently needed to stop the animal-rights supported Puppy Protection Act (H.R. 1624) and to protect the rights of responsible dog breeders […]

Monday, August 12, 2019 The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) is pleased to announce that amended New Jersey Assembly Bill 4552 was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on Friday, August 9. See AKC’s position statement on Protection for Puppy Purchasers. As introduced, A.4552 sought to prohibit predatory pet leasing schemes […]

Congress is returning to Washington this week for the brief lame-duck session. Major legislation, including House and Senate versions of a Farm Bill that contain new regulations for dog breeders, could be passed very quickly before the end of the year.  Already, lobbyists for animal rights groups are actively pushing to add language from the […]

Being truly unique in our mission and having a history spanning more than 120 years, there are few organizations with a heritage anything like ours. However, in recently learning more about the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), I have been struck at the many parallels it shares with the AKC. Both the AKC and AVMA […]

  Deck the Halls with AKC Toys, Games and Treats! The holiday season is right around the corner and AKC licensed merchandise includes products which are sure to please both canines and their human companions! From "dog-a-licious" treats to Rubik's Cubes to plush stuffed animals for kids and canines—there's an AKC item for everyone on […]