The Honorable David C. Merriam will receive the 9th annual Skarda award at the Pedigree banquet tomorrow night, February 8th, in the Grand Ballroom of New Yorks famed Plaza Hotel. Making the presentation, at the black tie affair that honors the years top dog in each breed, will be Merriams nominator, longtime friend and editor […]

California Assemblyman Lloyd Levine introduced the "California Healthy Pets Act" (AB 1634) on Friday, February 23rd. This proposed legislation will require that all cats and dogs over the age of four months must be spayed or neutered unless the owner acquires an intact animal permit. Failure to comply with the provisions of the bill carries […]

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently expressed support for 2026 legislation that will seek to “crack down on abusive ‘puppy mills’ and strengthen animal welfare standards” in Florida.  The governor made the announcement from the grounds of a well-funded animal rescue, which championed extreme anti-breeder legislation filed in the Florida legislature earlier in 2025. The Governor’s […]

On February 27, the Abilene City Council is holding its second hearing on an animal ordinance that would significantly impact pet owners in the city. The ordinance includes two key problematic provisions: Mandatory spay/neuter for all dogs and cats over six months old. An exemption only for those who obtain a commercial breeder permit – even […]

Today, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) published a notice seeking to reinstate a previously approved information collection request under its enforcement of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).  Interested parties are invited to provide comment to DOT through Monday, March 25, 2024. BACKGROUND Since 2005, federal regulations have required air carriers to file […]

Summary: On Tuesday and Wednesday this week (September 26 and 27), two Los Angeles city committees will consider a proposal that could lead to a suspension of new breeder permits for city residents. Under current city law, breeder permits are required for all breeding in the city, as well as for anyone wishing to own […]

AKC Government Relations learned this afternoon that two bills that would require licensure and regulation of dog breeders are on the agenda for the Tennessee House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee tomorrow, February 21, 2018, at 10:30 a.m.  Dog and cat breeders are encouraged to immediately contact committee members to express their concerns.  Send emails […]

The Pinellas County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider changes to the county animal ordinance at its October 11 meeting.  Among other provisions of concern, the proposed ordinance would define a person who sells one litter of cats or dogs per year as “pet dealer” and require compliance with […]

In light of overwhelming opposition from purebred dog fanciers and other concerned animal owners, Sen. Sam Helton has withdrawn his support from SB1130. Staff members for the Senator have confirmed that the bill, which would have required mandatory spay/neuter for all animals unless one purchased an expensive license, will not be introduced next week when […]

Senate Bill 460, a bill that seeks to unnecessarily regulate the operations of dog breeders in North Carolina remains under consideration in the state Senate. The AKC believes the bill is likely to be scheduled for consideration by the full Senate as early as next Tuesday. With your help and participation over the next several […]