On April 22nd, the North Carolina House Interim Committee on the Prevention and Disposition of Unwanted and Abandoned Companion Animals gave final approval to this legislation (see link below). The bill will next be introduced in the House of Representatives when it convenes on May 10th, where the measure will be assigned to a committee. […]

A Utah House committee has just scheduled a hearing for tomorrow (Thursday, February 9) on a bill that would seek to develop regulations for virtually all dog breeders in Utah. AKC understands that amendments will be offered, but it is unclear what impact the amendments will have on breeders – particularly those who breed and […]

Alabama House Bill 149 seeks to require certain methods be used for tethering or providing outdoor confinement for a dog, with exceptions for dog sports and other legal activities.  HB149 will be heard by the Alabama House Agriculture and Forestry Committee tomorrow, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 3PM.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is urging […]

On Tuesday (February 21), an Illinois committee is considering a bill that would prohibit homeowner’s and renter’s insurance providers from refusing or cancelling coverage or increasing premiums based solely on the breed of dog owned by the policy holder. All responsible dog owners and breeders in Illinois are encouraged to contact the House Insurance Committee […]

Texas House Bill 543 seeks to restrict political subdivisions in the state, including counties and municipalities, from imposing requirements that ban the use of working animals. The bill is scheduled to be considered by the House Agriculture and Livestock Committee on Thursday, March 18, at 8AM.  Texas residents are encouraged to contact the committee today […]

Maine LD 1192, sponsored by Representative Justin Chenette, will be considered by the Joint Committee on Insurance and Financial Services on April 25.  The bill seeks to prohibit insurance companies from cancelling, refusing to issue, or charging an increased premium for a property insurance policy solely on the basis of a policyholder's ownership of a […]

A bill has once again been introduced in the North Carolina House of Representatives that would define a “commercial breeder” based solely on the number of intact female dogs someone owns. The measure also would transfer state animal welfare regulation and oversight from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Public Safety. The AKC […]

Two dog-related bills will be considered by Rhode Island legislative committees tomorrow, Wednesday, February 11, 2026.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes House Bill 7545, which seeks to allow the awarding of non-economic damages to owners whose pets have been negligently injured or killed.  AKC takes no position on House Bill 7562, which seeks to […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce that Connecticut State Representative Doug Dubitsky will be presented with the 2018 AKC Legislator of the Year Award. During the 2018 legislative session, Representative Dubitsky established a diverse legislative working group to study various dog-related […]

  The American Kennel Club has announced that effective May 1, 2004, the Black Russian Terrier and the Neapolitan Mastiff have been granted regular status as AKC-recognized breeds and are eligible for competition in the Working Group, effective July 1, 2004. In addition, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is approved for AKC registration as of […]