California legislators are once again attempting to regulate hobby breeders. Introduced by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, AB2513 establishes the "Humane Control of Dog and Cat Overpopulation Act of 2004."   The bill will: Prohibit the sale of unaltered dogs and cats unless the seller has obtained a permit. Create two types of permits. The first will […]

-- Click here for more information about PAWS -- --Monday June, 13 AKC Delegate Meeting, Chicago IL Remarks from Dr. James Holt, AKC's Legislative Liaison Regarding the Pet Animal Welfare Statute of 2005-- The Chair now calls on Dr. James Holt, AKC's Legislative Liaison to address this body. Dr. Holt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and […]

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners is expected to vote on an amended Animals ordinance that will negatively impact responsible dog breeders.  It is imperative that DeKalb County residents contact county commissioners immediately to request the ordinance be deferred to allow for further amendments prior to its final consideration. WHAT […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has strong concerns about numerous provisions in the current version of SB 1640. As currently written, the bill mischaracterizes "cruel" and bans even temporary tethering in a variety of humane circumstances, including the use of a grooming table for grooming or exhibition or tethering by disabled owners of service dogs […]

The Caddo Parish Commission recently voted 10-1 in favor of an ordinance requiring dogs to be spayed or neutered, despite concerns raised by the AKC and local residents. The Ordinance will go into effect on July 1, 2022 for a period of two years. The parish will evaluate the ordinance's effects after two years. Unless […]

On Tuesday, September 26, the Los Angeles Board of Animal Services Commissioners discussed a proposal to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits. This would impact all who breed in the city, as well as all owners of intact dogs even if they are not currently breeding (view AKC’s previous alert for additional information). No […]

A Maryland Senate Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on February 11 that will provide further protections for owners of service animals.  Senate Bill 264 creates two new provisions that would protect service dogs and their owners.  It amends the crime of aggravated cruelty to state that a person may not intentionally inflict bodily […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2020 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees. “We are proud to honor these esteemed breeders,” said Dennis Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “Each of them has made important contributions to the […]

New York, NY – A Q&A between AKC Chairman of the Board Alan Kalter and Dog News’ Matthew H. Stander originally appeared in the April 11, 2014 issue of Dog News. The contents of the interview about the future direction of the AKC are reprinted here with permission of the publisher.   What steps do […]

New York, NY –The American Kennel Club® and Cat Fanciers’ Association® are pleased to announce the results of the Meet the Breeds™ Art Contest. "Best in Show – Overall" and "Best in Show – Dog" were awarded to Alyssa, a 16-year– old 9th grader from Trumbull High School in Trumbull, CT. Alyssa’s portrait of a […]