The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the regulations for hunting contests. In Washington, permits are issued to non-profit organizations to hold a hunting contest, whereby a monetary prize of up to $2,000 may be offered to the contest participant who harvests the most animals.  WDFW […]

The California Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, March 24, that ostensibly bans the use of dogs for deer hunting.  This is a follow-up to a bill passed in 2019 that banned bobcat hunting in the state. Supporters of Senate Bill 1041 characterize hunting with dogs […]

On January 25, 2024, the Delaware House of Representatives passed legislation that removes an existing prohibition on the hunting of game birds on Sundays in Delaware.  The bill now moves to the Senate where it has been assigned to the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee. AKC is not taking an official position on this […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes that, as early as January, New Hampshire House Bill 1308 will have a legislative hearing, during which lawmakers will decide whether beagle clubs should continue to be allowed to host field trials and capture 20 wild hare annually for purposes of training their scent hounds.  If adopted, the bill […]

Earlier this week, the Delaware Senate approved legislation that would allow for the Sunday hunting of Gamebirds (See previous alert for more information). Previously passed by the House of Representatives, House Bill 271, which would eliminate the current prohibition against hunting game birds on Sundays, now goes to Governor Carney for his signature. Those wishing […]

A bill passed this week by the New York Assembly makes certain hunting competitions illegal.  As written, however, Senate Bill 4099 and Assembly Bill 2917 contains important amendments requested by the AKC to protect training and performance events. Summary: Senate Bill 4099 and its companion Assembly Bill 2917  make it unlawful to organize, sponsor, or […]

This week, two New Hampshire House Committees voted down HB 1308 and HB 1310, bills negatively impacting hunting dogs that the American Kennel Club (AKC) actively opposed.  The near unanimous rejection of these bills sends a strong message of continued support for training hunting dogs, hosting field trials, and engaging in canine sporting activities in […]

May 24, 2019 The New York Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee will consider a bill on Wednesday, May 29, that would prohibit any contest, competition, or tournament where the objective is taking or hunting wildlife for prizes or entertainment. Assembly Bill 722 exempts certain field trials including field trials in dog training areas, so long as […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the recipients of the Junior Scholarships awarded to those who compete in Performance Events. "The 2025 AKC Performance Events Junior Scholarship winners have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence—both in their academic […]

Annual Benefit for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Has Raised Nearly $3 Million to Date New York, NY — The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced today that it will sanction the renowned Decatur County – St. Jude World's Largest Coon Hunt. The event, which has been raising funds for the St. Jude's Children's Hospital for […]