The Maryland House of Representatives Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear a strict breeders bill on Thursday, February 12. Maryland Delegate Michael Smigiel has introduced House Bill 495, which, like Senate Bill 318, aims to strictly regulate dog breeders in Maryland by imposing ownership limits, strict enclosure and exercise requirements, and other requirements. The American […]

Two Florida Senate bills that are of great concern to the American Kennel Club (AKC) are scheduled for consideration by Senate committees on Monday, April 6th. The AKC and the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs urge all Floridians to take action on these bills. Senate Bill 2002 Florida Senate Bill 2002, sponsored by Senator Lee […]

Yesterday, the California State Senate passed Assembly Bill 1901, the dog trainer disclosure bill.  As reported on August 17, previous amendments require trainers to provide a written disclosure with the following information: The trainer’s name and address (this is from the original bill and could include the address where the training is held) Any civil […]

On Thursday, May 12, the Township Committee of East Amwell Twp., New Jersey, will consider extensive changes to the Township’s animal ordinances.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is concerned that several elements of the draft raise issues of vagueness, are overbroad, or violate due process.  All concerned residents are strongly encouraged to contact Township officials […]

On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at 6:00pm, the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and possible vote on a proposed Dog Kennel Ordinance that could impact local hobby kennels. The original version of the proposed ordinance was first presented and tabled by the Planning Commission on July 6, 2022 (See previous […]

The Roswell, GA, City Council is scheduled to vote Monday on an ordinance that would make it an animal cruelty violation to allow an animal to be outdoors when the temperature is below 32 degrees or above 85 degrees.  Violator would be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or […]

A bill has been introduced in the Arkansas Senate that requires owners of 12 or more dogs of any age to purchase an annual license for the right to maintain ownership of the dogs, regardless of whether the animals are on your property.  "Owner" is defined as someone who meets any of the following criteria: […]

Attempts are once again being made in the Michigan Senate to pass regulations on dog breeders before the end of session this week.  These bills could be considered as soon as tonight, so it is imperative that Michigan residents contact the Senate immediately (scroll down for contact information). At this point, it is believed that […]

-- AKC's 125th Anniversary Celebration in 2009 -- Next month when we ring in the New Year, we will also kick off the celebration of our 125th Anniversary. We will mark not only our growth over the last century-and-a-quarter but celebrate the wonderful experiences, friendships and traditions that the sport of purebred dogs has given generations of […]

In the fall of 2004, the Board embarked on a strategic planning initiative designed to establish a roadmap for accomplishing the very important mission of the AKC. Given the challenges we face from anti-dog legislation, animal rights extremists, and competing registries, we believe it is essential to develop a clear plan for the future.  To […]