May 8 UPDATE: Tuesday, May 6 the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors decided to table the mandatory spay/neuter proposals and instead form a task force to examine the issue of shelter population.  Thank you every one who attended the meeting and a special thank you to those who spoke in opposition to the mandatory […]

Bills are moving in both the Iowa House and Senate that would further regulate those who maintain four or more intact dogs and receive any kind of consideration for breeding or transferring even one dog.  The bills have now passed subcommittee and could be considered by the full committees any time.  It is essential that […]

With yesterday, March 16, being considered the committee reporting courtesy date (the deadline to move bills out of their original committee), it appears that the Maryland House Economic Matters Committee will likely not be voting on House Bill 1551.  This is a bill that includes provisions to require annual registration for all dog breeders, and […]

The Indianapolis City-County Council proposal to require all owners of intact dogs to register and comply with certain requirements for care and breeding is scheduled to be considered by the Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee on Monday, July 15. Those who wish to comment may do so by contacting the committee members listed below, or […]

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 AKC urges all responsible dog owners and breeders to call or email your state legislators TODAY regarding two important pieces of legislation that are scheduled for consideration on Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12, 2009. It is crucial that constituents communicate their opposition to these measures immediately. Although we are awaiting amendments for […]

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 […]

Monday, August 12, 2019 The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) is pleased to announce that amended New Jersey Assembly Bill 4552 was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on Friday, August 9. See AKC’s position statement on Protection for Puppy Purchasers. As introduced, A.4552 sought to prohibit predatory pet leasing schemes […]

On Friday, Ohio Governor John Kasich signed a law that will have a significant positive impact on dogs, dog owners, breeders, and sportsmen throughout Ohio. House Bill 506, which contains numerous amendments requested by the AKC, is a compromise bill developed with a broad range of stakeholders concerned about animal welfare in the state.  The […]

American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) staff have met with staff of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as key members of Congress to discuss the CDC’s recently finalized rule on the importation of dogs.  AKC continues to be concerned with the disproportionate impact the new rule will […]