The Missouri House Local Government Committee will consider a bill tomorrow (Wednesday, February 22), that seeks to protect the rights of responsible dog owners in Missouri by prohibiting municipalities from enacting breed-specific policies. All who reside or participate in dog events in Missouri are encouraged to contact the House Local Government Committee in support of […]

APHIS proposes to implement changes to 'better promote sustained compliance with the AWA, reduce licensing fees and burdens, and strengthen existing safeguards that prevent individuals and businesses who are unfit to hold a license from obtaining a licensing or working with regulated animals.'

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 […]

Under a new bill proposed in Virginia, all dogs and cats acquired from dealers, hobby breeders, pet shops and adoption agencies would be have to be sterilized and microchipped. Sponsored by Sen. W. Roscoe Reynolds, S55 defines a "dealer" as any person who sells or transfers companion animals (with the exception of rescue groups). The […]

Albuquerque City Councilwoman Sally Mayer has proposed sweeping changes to the city's animal control ordinance that would drastically impact fanciers' rights to breed their dogs. To view the proposed changes click here: http://www.cabq.gov/council/animalord.pdf. The measure's restrictive provisions include: An annual $150 permit for each unaltered dog or cat over six months old.   A $150 […]

UPDATE: The proposed mandatory spay/neuter ordinance has been removed from today’s agenda and tentatively rescheduled for March 10th. AKC will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates. If you have not yet written a letter or email, please do so. On Tuesday, March 3rd, the Long Beach City Council will hear and vote on […]

The Missouri Senate Local Government Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Wednesday, February 24, that would prohibit any county or municipality (including those under home rule) from controlling or regulating specific breeds of dogs.  Senate Bill 107 would also make any existing breed-specific law in the state null and void. Counties and municipalities […]

-- Seventeen Vet Tech Students Honored -- The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) and Bayer’s K9 Advantix®, along with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), are pleased to announce the recipients of the AKC/Bayer’s K9 Advantix® Veterinary Technician Scholarships. Two scholarships in the amount of $2,500 and 15 scholarships in the amount of […]

  The Baton Has Passed! Denny Kodner, former Skarda Chairperson, writes: "Since its inception nine years ago, I have served as chairperson, chief cook and bottle washer of the SKARDA AWARD. During that time, the committee, with the help of you, the fancy, has presented this one of a kind award to nine diverse and […]

The American Kennel Club’s Chief Operating Officer John Lyons is pleased to introduce AKC’s new Director of Agility Carrie DeYoung. Formerly the Senior Agility Field Representative, she was promoted on November 2 after 11 years in the department. In her new role she will enhance AKC’s Agility program as well as develop numerous new initiatives. […]