The California Legislature returned this week from their summer break, and immediately went back to work in anticipation of ending their session at the end of August. The following is the latest information on highlights of bills AKC is monitoring, along with information on how to contact the appropriate lawmakers.  AKC GR will continue to […]

A proposed amendment to Tennessee House Bill 852 seeks to significantly change the nature and scope of the bill as it was originally filed. HB 852, and amendments thereto, are on the agenda of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee tomorrow, May 27.  Due to COVID-19 disruptions, it is unclear if this bill actually will be […]

On Wednesday, February 13 Virginia House Bill 538 was assigned to the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee. It is expected to have a hearing on Monday, February 18. The bill seeks to: Define commercial breeders as persons who maintain 30 or more unsterilized adult females for commercial breeding; Limit commercial breeders to maintaining […]

The Washington State House Consumer Protection and Business Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Wednesday, February 10, that would further restrict dog ownership limits in the state and regulate the sourcing of pet stores. AKC encourages State of Washington residents to contact the committee prior to the hearing to comment on this legislation […]

In early December 2024, the DeKalb County, Georgia, Board of Commissioners deferred consideration of changes to its animal ordinance that AKC views as problematic for responsible dog breeders and owners.  As currently worded, it seeks to impose restrictions on breeders and anyone who transfers, gives away, or sells pets.  County staff have reported that the […]

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 […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report that the Connecticut legislative session adjourned on May 4, 2022. The outcome of bills impacting dog owners is as follows: HB 5295 – Concerning Agriculture Development and Innovation (with a working group on establishing a state-wide online dog licensing portal and updates to kennel/dog licenses.) Status: […]

In response to public health concerns associated with COVID-19, the Maryland Legislature has ended the 2020 session and will not reconvene until January 13, 2021. As a result of the House and Senate working hurriedly to move numerous bills and pass a budget, many bills did not make it to final passage.  Three of those […]

  AKC Board Chairman Ron Menaker today commented on the seizure of several hundred dogs from a kennel in Chester County, PA, citing it as an example of the need for more comprehensive legislation to protect pets. "This very sad case is an example of why we support the Pet Animal Welfare Statute (PAWS)," said […]

More Canine Victims of the Hurricanes Airlifted Out of Ravaged Area Continuing its efforts to aid the canine victims of the hurricane affected areas, the American Kennel Club (AKC®), along with its affiliate AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR), airlifted 4,000 pounds of furry passengers to Illinois and Wisconsin. This is the sixth airlift of […]