Two bills are scheduled for hearings by the Senate Subcommittee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on January 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. If the bills are advanced by the subcommittee, they will be considered by the full Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday,  January 28. Dog owners with comments or concerns about the bills […]

A West Virginia House subcommittee has advanced two pieces of legislation regarding the care of dogs.  The first would provide increased protections for the welfare of domestic animals in the care of animal shelters and private individuals.  The second would specify minimum levels of care to be provided by commercial dog breeders and consumer protection […]

Yesterday, four dog-related amendments were filed to an omnibus economic development bill, H. 4789, that the Massachusetts House of Representatives is scheduled to debate and vote on Thursday, June 27, 2024. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Massachusetts residents to review amendment text below for any concerns and consider AKC’s recommendations. OPPOSE AMENDMENT #133, ELIMINATION […]

The 2021-2022 South Carolina legislative session and special sessions concluded with victories for dogs and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks club members, sportsmen, dog owners, allied organizations, and every individual who contacted their state lawmakers about legislation that affects dogs.  Highlights from the two-year legislative session:  House Bill […]

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 […]

At its upcoming hearing on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, from 1PM – 5PM, the Massachusetts Joint Judiciary Committee will consider multiple dog-related bills .  The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports two, requests amendments to four, and opposes three of the proposals.   The full agenda with links to bill text can be viewed here. AKC encourages […]

The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department has just become aware that TODAY the Santa Paula City Council will have a first reading and vote on an ordinance (p.104) that would establish mandatory spay/neuter of dogs and cats in the city unless the owner qualifies for an exemption. The listed exemptions are vague and problematic. […]

AKC Community Donates $14,250 to Secure Newtown's New K-9 Officer 'Saint Michael'   New German Shepherd Dog Sworn In At 'Baro' Tribute Ceremony   Newtown, CT — Newtown’s newest K-9 Officer ‘Saint Michael’, a two-year-old German Shepherd Dog, was sworn in today during a ceremony to pay tribute to the Newtown Police Department’s recently deceased […]

  -- Labrador Retriever Remains America’s Most Popular Dog as  German Shepherd Makes A Move For The Top Spot -- -- Breeds That Help Keep Us Safe Dominate the Top 5 -- Photos and Coverage For the 19th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, but could this be […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 AKC® Lifetime Achievement Awards: James (Jim) Crowley (Conformation), Linda Mecklenburg (Companion Events) and Pluis Davern (Performance). The Awards, created by AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung in 1999, are presented […]