Please share this information with animal owners in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Knoxville City Council is scheduled to hold a second vote to enact overreaching changes to the city animal ordinance, which includes provisions that would criminalize the actions of many responsible dog owners. Concerned dog owners are urged to immediately contact city council members and […]

The Virginia House could soon vote on a bill to ban “debarking” – a standard veterinary practice also known as bark softening – except when such procedure is necessary to treat or relieve any injury, disease, or congenital defect that is causing or may cause the dog physical pain or harm. Senate Bill 707 banning […]

On Monday, a Missouri Senate Committee is considering a bill that protects dogs and the rights of dog owners when animals are seized on suspicion of neglect or abuse.  The purpose of the bill is to protect the rights of the accused and ensure they are treated as innocent until proven guilty, and to protect […]

A bill has been introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives that would ban ear cropping, tail docking, and "debarking." No individual may perform these procedures, and veterinarians may only do so if relieving an injury, illness, infection, etc. House Bill 6009 has been assigned to the House Agriculture Committee and is not currently scheduled […]

The Missouri House could soon consider a bill that would make several changes to protect dogs and the rights of dog owners when animals are seized on suspicion of neglect or abuse.  The purpose of the bill is to protect the rights of the accused and ensure they are treated as innocent until proven guilty, […]

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 On Tuesday, September 17 at 1pm, the Massachusetts General Court’s Joint Committee on Judiciary will consider HB 3657 regarding the misrepresentation of service animals.  The bill ensures that individuals and businesses will be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, by making the misrepresentation of a pet dog as a service […]

The Virginia Senate has approved a bill to ban “debarking” – a standard veterinary practice also known as bark softening – except when such procedure is necessary to treat or relieve any injury, disease, or congenital defect that is causing or may cause the dog physical pain or harm. Senate Bill 707 banning “debarking” now […]

The Missouri Agriculture Policy Committee is considering a bill on Tuesday, February 11, that would make several changes to protect dogs and the rights of dog owners when animals are seized on suspicion of neglect or abuse.  The purpose of the bill is to protect the rights of the accused and ensure they are treated […]

    Take the Lead Poised to Help Human Victims The American Kennel Club and AKC Companion Animal Recovery have reached out to AKC affiliated dog clubs as well as local disaster officials to offer assistance in the wake of the California wildfires. AKC is also working closely with Take the Lead - an organization […]

  Updated Information — 2:00 PM, 9.24.04 New York, NY – The American Kennel Club (AKC) and AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC/CAR) continue to work closely with the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs (FAKC) to assist animals affected by Hurricane Ivan. With Hurricane Jeanne expected to hit the Florida coast some time this weekend, animals […]