The Nevada Senate Natural Resources Committee advanced Assembly Bill 487 that would ban pet stores from selling dogs and cats, in a hearing on April 9. Currently, the bill also prohibits the sale or transfer of dogs or cats in public places and at swap meets, with certain exceptions for animal shelters and rescue organizations. […]

Today, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee released draft language for the 2024 Farm Bill. This must-pass bill reauthorizes USDA programs for five years and also seeks to address federal animal welfare and breeder oversight programs. As introduced, the bill supports important priorities for dog enthusiasts and responsible breeders, including canine health, welfare and the rights […]

Summary: On Wednesday, April 3, the Los Angeles Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee is expected to discuss a 2023 proposal to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits. This would impact all who breed in the city, and as currently enforced it could also impact all owners of intact dogs even if they are not […]

The Texas House Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development Committee Joint Committee scheduled a public hearing for House Bill 3458 on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, which would impose a statewide ban on the retail sale of dogs and cat, beginning September 1, 2025. The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes HB 3458 and encourages all concerned Texas residents to share […]

Congratulations to Ann Arbor fanciers on successfully opposing an ordinance that would have restricted breeding rights and limited pet ownership. The measure, which was rejected by the City Council on December 15th, would have required mandatory spay/neuter of dogs unless owners purchased a breeder's permit. Among other onerous provisions, the proposal would additionally have prohibited […]

The Maryland Senate is expected to consider a bill any day that contains some very troubling legislative findings (including implying that breeders are the reason dogs end up in shelters). The purpose of the bill is to ensure that pet stores and dealers in Maryland only obtain dogs from reputable breeders, and many positive amendments […]

This Wednesday, May 14, the Delaware House Health and Human Development Committee will be considering House Bill 131 which seeks to ban the sale of dogs and cats at retail pet stores, unless the dogs are sourced from a breeder. The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes HB 131 and encourages all concerned Delaware residents to […]

The Tacoma City Council will meet December 12th to discuss a proposal to require all dogs to be spayed or neutered unless their owner purchases a $55 intact animal license and a breeder’s license. The fee for the breeder’s license has not yet been established and it will be required even if an owner does […]

What’s New from AKC Government Relations The AKC Government Relations team is off to a busy start for 2021. Currently, 47 state legislatures are in session and many dog-related bills have already been introduced. Congress has been busy with organizing with new leadership, the impeachment, COVID and budgetary issues.  So far this year, AKC GR […]

Labrador Retriever puppy. Courtesy Barra Labradors Bringing a dog into your life is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. It is a serious commitment to care for an individual who will rely on you completely—for food, shelter, health, and happiness—for a decade or more. In exchange, this puppy or adult dog […]