The American Kennel Club (AKC) has just learned that the Minnesota House Commerce Finance Policy Committee will consider House File 2627, which seeks to prohibit pet shops from selling dogs and cats, tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10, 2026.  Pet shops that have been open for at least one year, and under the same ownership, would be […]

Congress is back in Washington for the lame-duck session and working to quickly move major legislation, such as the Farm Bill, not completed before the election. Yesterday, the Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Stabenow (D-MI) released the Senate version of the federal farm bill, The Rural Prosperity and Security Act of 2024, for immediate consideration. Unlike […]

A set of arbitrary and harmful federal breeder bills (H.R. 2840 /S. 1385) that would mandate new requirements for certain hobby and professional dog breeders are gaining support in Congress.  We urge all responsible dog owners, breeders and enthusiasts to contact their lawmakers about the harmful consequences of the bills. While certain aspects of this […]

The Louisville Metro Public Health Committee is scheduled to consider changes to the city/county animal control ordinance during a special meeting tomorrow, June 2, 2021. While it features some reasonable and appropriate provisions, the proposed ordinance also includes certain vague and problematic dog care requirements. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Louisville/Jefferson County residents to […]

HB 198 was pulled from the agenda on February 10th, but is now scheduled for a hearing on February 19th at 2pm. The AKC Government Relations department will provide an update after the hearing on our website and will have an alert available at our booth at the International Kennel Club show.   Illinois Alert! […]

March 5, 2019 A bill slated to move quickly in the Iowa House of Representatives would make significant changes to the state’s breeder laws. While some changes are a positive advancement, there are many concerning provisions that could unnecessarily harm dogs and responsible dog owners and breeders. A subcommittee discussed House Study Bill 227 today, […]

A public hearing is scheduled for October 22, 2018 at the Athens, AL City Hall to discuss proposed changes to the city animal ordinance.  Animal owners in Athens are urged to attend, ask questions, express concerns, and offer suggestions.  Click here to view an outline of the proposed changes. Among other provisions, the proposals seek […]

As previously reported, Florida Senate Bill 1830 and House Bill 1481 seek to require state licensing and regulation of anyone in Florida who owns or possess an intact female dog that is six months old or older, and who offers puppies from its breeding for sale.  Under the bill, any intact female more than six […]

AKC Government Relations has learned that New Jersey Senate Bill 63, which seeks to repeal consumer protection laws for New Jersey pet purchasers and restrict individuals’ choice of a purpose-bred dog, will likely be considered by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on Monday, June 20.  While a committee substitute may be introduced at Monday’s […]

-- Changing the Future -- New York, NY – Last Thursday we posted a charming photograph of three Golden Retriever puppies on the American Kennel Club Facebook page. The caption was “I love my breeder” with a request to “share your love for your dog’s breeder.”  The image was shared 2,500 times, received 11,000 likes and […]