A bill has been passed by the Illinois Legislature that would increase the instances in which an animal is seized on suspicion of cruelty. This may result in more Illinois dog owners losing their animals even if they are ultimately found not guilty or charges are dropped. The bill is being transmitted to the governor […]

The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has recently learned that the Dunn (NC) City Council will discuss whether to proceed with a proposal to ban "pit bulls" when it meets for its annual budget retreat this weekend (Friday, March 2-Saturday, March 3). While this retreat is not open to the public, it […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has learned that the City of Waco, Texas, may soon consider a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance. The idea is currently under development by the Waco Animal Welfare Advisory Board, and would have to appear before the City Council before it becomes law. The American Kennel Club strongly supports and actively promotes […]

Friday, June 14, 2019 The American Kennel Club (AKC) is seriously concerned that the New Hampshire Legislature, through procedural maneuvers avoiding the full legislative process, may be on the verge of eliminating the state’s recognition of “breeders” and instead labeling them as newly-defined “pet vendors”.   Because this proposal is problematic for multiple reasons, it is […]

A problematic proposed dog ordinance in DeKalb County, Georgia—which includes litter permits for all breeders in the county, litter limits, sales restrictions, and incomplete consumer protections—has been added to the Board of Commissioners agenda for Tuesday, May 6, 2025.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes that the current version of the proposed ordinance will negatively […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) Government Relations (GR) team is continuing to monitor legislation in Oklahoma that could significantly impact responsible dog owners and breeders. Two measures, House Bill 4055 (HB 4055) and House Bill 3393 (HB 3393), seek to impose new licensing, fees, and inspection requirements on those who own intact dogs for breeding purposes. Below are […]

Responsible Dog Owners Vindicated in Buckeye State New York, NY – The American Kennel Club applauds the Sixth District Court of Appeals in Ohio for handing responsible dog owners a monumental victory earlier this month, when it ruled that local and state breed-specific "vicious" dog laws were unconstitutional on equal protection and due process grounds, […]

  - Annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days Comprised of Hundreds of Events - Each year, the American Kennel Club® calls on its nearly 5,000 affiliated dog clubs and all other pet-related organizations from around the country to participate in AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days. The nationwide initiative educates the public about the importance of […]

-- 450 Events Nationwide Celebrate Man's Best Friend and Bring Attention to Responsibilities of Dog Ownership -- The American Kennel Club has declared Friday, September 17, "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day," and announced hundreds of events to be held nationwide throughout the month of September. The goal of the initiative - being held for the […]

Purebred dogs are poetry in motion. We love to watch them play, sleep, and perform the tasks for which they were bred. Over the centuries man continues to capture this beauty in various art mediums.  If we should find ourselves without our companions we therefore have something to feast our eyes on to rekindle that […]