May 16, 2019 Four bills have been introduced in New York which will prohibit retail pet stores from selling any dogs or cats.  Instead, they would only be allowed to “showcase” animals available for adoption from a shelter, rescue, or adoption agency. Current law requires that pet dealers (defined in part as anyone who sells […]

The Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on Friday, January 15, 2021, on House Bill 81, and the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, on Senate Bill 122.  These identical bills place limitations on dogs being outdoors and unattended when […]

Thanks to the overwhelming number of calls received by concerned North Carolinians, the House Finance Committee has delayed its hearing on Senate Bill 460. It is possible the bill may be heard in committee next week instead. We will be sure to keep you informed as we learn more.   The AKC thanks all the […]

Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 12, two controversial bills in the Texas House of Representatives, HB 3180 and HB 2732, will be considered by the House Local and Consent Calendars Committee.  This committee schedules bills for a floor vote by the full House of Representatives when there is no opposition anticipated; however, if five or more Representatives […]

This week, Texas Governor Abbot took action on three additional bills of interest to AKC: House Bill 2063- Informed Consent for Kennel Facilities Status: Filed into law without the Governor’s Signature, effective date September 1, 2023 HB 2063 requires kennel facility operators (those who are providing boarding services for breeding, sheltering, training, hunting, “or similar […]

The California State Legislature has adjourned for the year, and the deadline has passed for the Governor to take action on legislation sent to his desk.   Overall, AKC is pleased with the outcome of the 2023 legislative session. AKC is proud to have supported a bill that will make Californians safer by providing access to […]

The American Kennel Club’s Chief Operating Officer John Lyons is pleased to introduce AKC’s new Director of Agility Carrie DeYoung. Formerly the Senior Agility Field Representative, she was promoted on November 2 after 11 years in the department. In her new role she will enhance AKC’s Agility program as well as develop numerous new initiatives. […]

Good morning, everybody. It certainly is the dawn of a new day when our meeting of the AKC Delegate Body takes place over the Internet via Zoom. Although it’s a depressing set of circumstances that has brought us together in this way, I'm grateful that we have been able to convene safely and efficiently. I'd […]

-- Happy 125th Birthday AKC -- New York, NY– This Thursday, September 17, 2009, marks AKC’s 125th anniversary. Since 1884, we have maintained the definitive registry of purebred dogs and governed thousands of annual canine competitions. We have always remained true to our original mission of promoting the sport and breeding for type and function […]

Recently, I was a guest on the History Channel's weekly series "History's Business" where I was asked to discuss AKC and the sport of purebred dogs.  In preparation, I did a great deal of reading about AKC’s 120-year history and the individuals who contributed to making the organization and the sport what it is today. […]