Tomorrow (March 11), Maryland House Economic Matters Committee is holding a public hearing on a bill that, among other provisions, would require annual registration for all dog breeders, and $50 birth certificates for every puppy whelped.  The costs would be put into account to support shelters and spay/neuter programs, along with supporting administration and enforcement […]

On Wednesday, June 21, the Kern County Animal Services Commission will reconsider a proposed ordinance concerning dog licensing for dog owners in Kern County which could lead to mandatory spay/neuter for violations of animal control laws. If advanced, the proposal would go to the Kern County Board of Supervisors for review and possible passage into […]

-- Click here for more information about PAWS -- To help dog owners better understand the recently introduced PAWS legislation, please see the bill analysis below as prepared by Dr. James Holt, AKC's federal government relations consultant. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS OF S. 1139/H.R. 2669, THE "PET ANIMAL WELFARE STATUTE" (PAWS) INTRODUCED MAY 26, 2005. […]

The Spartanburg County (SC) Council will again consider extensive proposed amendments to the county’s Animals ordinance at its meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025.  The proposal would create new licenses for dog breeders, require inspections of their facilities, establish care and conditions standards for all dogs, and impose ownership limits.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) […]

This week, animal rights/ “protection” groups are actively lobbying Congress to restrict and limit the activities of dog breeders. They are making unsupported claims that there are “tens of thousands of puppy mills” in the United States, and asking members of Congress to advance arbitrary, one-size-fits-all mandates that could require small hobby breeders to place […]

Consideration of an overreaching proposed animal ordinance in DeKalb County that seeks to place restrictions on pet breeders and on individuals who transfer/give away/sell pets has been rescheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The County Operations Committee (OPS Committee) will meet to discuss the proposed ordinance at 1:00pm at 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA 30030.  […]

Yesterday, the Massachusetts Senate suspended its rules and hastily approved Senate Bill 2994 (formerly Senate Bill 1322), an anti-breeder “puppies and kittens” bill that was amended late last week by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.  S. 2994 is a significant departure from its predecessor, as it would significantly alter the state’s current protections for […]

West Highland White Terrier takes ‘Best in Show’ The American Kennel Club is happy to announce the winner of the third AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge. The event garnered 217 entries. CH Wildwoods I Can't Drive 55 RI CGCA TKP a West Highland White Terrier known as “Hemi,” was awarded Best in Show by AKC […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to honor the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) K-9 Unit with the AKC Canine Officer Program Award. The AKC Canine Officer program was designed to recognize the extraordinary work that dogs in a public service […]

'Dog-Napping' a Serious Crime   AKC Appearance on ABC's Good Morning America Highlights Prevalence of Trend and Reminds Owners to Keep Pets Safe The American Kennel Club® continues to remind pet owners to heed warnings about an alarming rise in "dog–nappings." State houses across America have taken notice and are proposing laws to toughen penalties […]