The American Kennel Club has been advocating for purebred dog owners since our founding in 1884. Yet in 1990 we stepped up our efforts in the political arena with the formation of the Canine Legislation department. Now the time has come again for AKC to further enhance our role in protecting owners' and breeders' rights. […]

The American Kennel Club has been advocating for purebred dog owners since our founding in 1884. Yet in 1990 we stepped up our efforts in the political arena with the formation of the Canine Legislation department. Now the time has come again for AKC to further enhance our role in protecting owners' and breeders' rights. […]

In the fall of 2004, the Board embarked on a strategic planning initiative designed to establish a roadmap for accomplishing the very important mission of the AKC. Given the challenges we face from anti-dog legislation, animal rights extremists, and competing registries, we believe it is essential to develop a clear plan for the future.  To […]

On Monday, December 16, the New Jersey Assembly Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture Committee will consider Assembly Bill 4051, which seeks to repeal the state’s consumer protection laws for pet purchases and implement a statewide ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by pet shops.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all  dog […]

New Jersey Assembly Bill 3044, which seeks to create state oversight of dog groomers, is scheduled to be considered by the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee on Monday, October 15.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is concerned with two aspects of A.3044, which include the vagueness of the current wording believed to exempt handlers of show […]

-- Click here for more information about PAWS -- To help dog owners better understand the recently introduced PAWS legislation, please see the bill analysis below as prepared by Dr. James Holt, AKC's federal government relations consultant. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS OF S. 1139/H.R. 2669, THE "PET ANIMAL WELFARE STATUTE" (PAWS) INTRODUCED MAY 26, 2005. […]

Continued action is needed on extremely overreaching and punitive dog breeder bills in Florida. Senate Bill 1492 and House Bill 1581 would define any unsterilized female dog over the age of six months as a “breeding female” and would require her owner to register with the state as a “breeder,” pay significant fees, and be […]

Tennessee’s legislative session ended on April 25, 2024, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report multiple legislative successes that benefit dogs and dog owners. AKC thanks members of AKC-affiliated clubs, sportsmen, and every individual who contacted their state lawmakers about bills that affect our dogs. Special thanks go to the Nashville Kennel […]

On Monday, December 4, the New Jersey Senate Economic Growth Committee will discuss two dog-related bills, both of which should be of concern to New Jersey dog owners and purebred dog fanciers.  Senate Bill 182 seeks to require the licensing of pet groomers, and establishes licensing and operating requirements for facilities where grooming is performed.  […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, and the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce that the AKC Agility League held its second live championship from August 29th through August 31st at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, MO, bringing together league teams from around the country […]