The Washington State Legislature has adjourned for the year, as originally scheduled. Before adjournment, a significantly amended version of Senate Bill 6300 was passed.  This bill’s original version contained language that attempted to define animal pain to establish grounds for criminal charges for animal abuse and neglect. However, this terminology was broad and open to […]

Two new Maryland laws that could impact dog owners are now in effect. The first requires that dogs left unattended in extreme weather have suitable shelter.  The other addresses “Cost of Animal Care” and requires individuals whose animals have been seized due to charges of cruelty or severe neglect to pay the cost of caring […]

Bills regulating leaving dogs outdoors and allowing localities to arbitrarily pass laws regulating the care of dogs continue to move in Virginia.  Virginia residents are strongly encouraged to contact their State Delegate and Senator TODAY and express concerns on these bills (Scroll down for contact information). Summary: The Virginia Senate ACNR Committee recently passed Senate […]

Yesterday, the West Virginia Senate passed an amended version of Senate Bill 437. This newly amended version of the bill addressed many of the issues with the bill; however, the AKC remains concerned about the definition of commercial breeder. This is now defined vaguely as one who owns 11 or more intact dogs (male or […]

Senator Van Drew has introduced Senate Bill 971, a bill which threatens the rights of responsible dog owners in New Jersey. This bill is a reintroduction of 2006's AB 3542. Fanciers, concerned dog owners, and responsible breeders should immediately contact their representatives in the New Jersey State Legislature, and the members of the Senate Economic […]

The Los Angeles County Supervisors will take a final vote on the proposed mandatory spay/neuter ordinance at their meeting this Tuesday, May 2nd. Dog owners wishing to breed or simply maintain an intact dog will have to pay a $60 per dog fee and meet a host of restrictive criteria. It is urgent that fanciers […]

This Wednesday, May 3, the Delaware House Health and Human Development Committee will be considering bills seeking to regulate barking dogs and granting immunity for animal cruelty reporting. Delaware residents are encouraged to contact the committee and express your concerns with House Bill 124 regulating barking dogs and express comments and concerns you may have […]

Next week, two Connecticut General Assembly Joint Committees will accept public testimony on the following bills impacting dog owners: SUPPORT ACCESS TO SERVICE DOGS: SB 976, “Concerning health insurance coverage for individual and group health insurance policies,” would, among other provisions, mandate  health insurance coverage for the cost to purchase a trained service animal that […]

National Champion is First Toy Group Winner in the History of the Show GCH CH Pequest Wasabi, a Pekingese known as “Wasabi” triumphed over more than 5,200 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 14-15, 2019 in […]

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 […]