Rep. Jerry Mitchell has introduced HB1128, a bill to allow Illinois municipalities to enact breed-specific laws. (A statewide dangerous dog law passed only two years ago prohibits such legislation.) The bill is scheduled to be heard by the House Committee on Agriculture and Conservation on Wednesday, February 23rd at 2 p.m. The American Kennel Club […]

As reported previously, the Jefferson Parish Council has delayed their consideration of changes to the Parish’s animal cruelty ordinances. Instead, officials with the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter and Animal Shelter Advisory Board will first hold a public meeting to discuss the proposed changes. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at 6:30PM […]

The Connecticut Joint Committee on General Law has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, February 10, 2025, that includes HB 5112, which would impose a statewide ban on the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits, beginning October 1, 2025. (This is in addition to another bill heard last week that seeks to allow individual […]

AKC has just learned that the city council of Corpus Christi, Texas, is scheduled to consider extensive changes to the city’s animal ordinances on Tuesday, May 18.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) has concerns with the proposal’s  requirement that all dogs be spay/neutered on a first redemption from the city’s animal shelter; and believes that […]

House Bill 570 seeks to establish licensing, inspections, regulations, fees, and penalties for dog and cat breeders.

Thanks to the overwhelming number of calls received by concerned North Carolinians, the House Finance Committee has delayed its hearing on Senate Bill 460. It is possible the bill may be heard in committee next week instead. We will be sure to keep you informed as we learn more.   The AKC thanks all the […]

The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department reports the following developments regarding the breeder oversight bills currently under consideration by the Minnesota Legislature.  Minnesota’s concerned responsible dog breeders and owners are strongly encouraged to take action today! SF 7 On March 24, the Minnesota Senate Agriculture Committee voted not to take Senate File 7 "off […]

City Councilor Sally Mayer is again proposing sweeping changes that would drastically limit fanciers' ability to breed and own dogs, while doing little to address the city's problems with irresponsible ownership. The proposal is currently set for a vote at the May 1st city council meeting. Fanciers are encouraged to attend the meeting, which will […]

At last week’s meeting of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, a problematic amendment was filed to House Bill 2034.  This bill seeks to create requirements and penalties for tethering/restraining dogs. Because the amendment removed practical exemptions for hunting and working dogs, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has changed its position on HB 2034 from “neutral” […]

Good morning, everybody. It certainly is the dawn of a new day when our meeting of the AKC Delegate Body takes place over the Internet via Zoom. Although it’s a depressing set of circumstances that has brought us together in this way, I'm grateful that we have been able to convene safely and efficiently. I'd […]