Assembly Bill 485'which seeks to prohibit pet retailers from selling pets (including dogs, cats and rabbits) unless the animals were obtained from a public animal control agency or shelter, a shelter maintained by a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, a humane society shelter, or a nonprofit rescue or adoption organization'is scheduled for […]

The Maryland Legislature has announced that it will go into an extended recess (and possible adjournment) on Wednesday in response to public health concerns. As a result, the House and Senate are expediting their work, and moving numerous bills very quickly, including the following: Senate Bill 625 – As introduced, this bill sought to regulate […]

Delaware: Senate Committee to Consider Bill Banning Pet Sales on Wednesday On Wednesday, March 25, the Delaware Senate Health & Social Services Committee will consider legislation prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats in retail pet stores. The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes HB 131 and encourages all concerned Delaware residents to share their opposition […]

Minnesota Senate File 1943, which seeks to prohibit pet shops from selling dogs and cats, is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee on Friday, March 20, 2026.  Pet shops that have been open for at least one year would be grandfathered.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes SF 1943 […]

The Council of the District of Columbia’s Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety will conduct a public hearing on Monday, February 28, 2022, at 1:30 pm, regarding proposed amendments to the Animal Care and Control Act. Among other provisions, B24-0560 addresses the issue of animals that are seized and the costs of their care during […]

AKC asks all dog owners and breeders in New Jersey to contact their Assembly member and Assembly Speaker Prieto and respectfully urge opposition to A.2338 until the concerns outlined below are addressed.

UPDATE: Committee Hearing Scheduled for SB 945 Please contact the author and members of the Senate Business and Professions Committee if you have concerns about SB 945. Details of the legislation are available below the list of committee members. Senator Bill Monning, Author Email: Senator.Monning@senate.ca.gov Phone: 916-651-4017 Senate Business and Professions Committee Hearing Date: Monday, […]

The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (JCMRG) has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 1pm to 5pm, and will accept comments until October 3, on multiple animal bills, including two opposed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). TO INCREASE KENNEL SAFETY, AKA “OLLIE’S LAW” In the wake of […]

  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 […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 25th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025. The 2025 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]