Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) announced that it will update the Animal Welfare Inspection Guide to ensure consistency and align with congressional directives. In its announcement, APHIS noted that it will continue to use courtesy visits for facilities that are (1) considering seeking licensure or […]

Minnesota Senate File 1029, which is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee on Friday, March 21, 2025, seeks to eliminate longstanding privacy and data protections for commercial breeders, which the state defines as those with more than 10 intact dogs and 5 litters a year.  The American […]

Tomorrow, Thursday, February 23, 2023, the South Carolina House Judiciary Committee’s Criminal Laws Subcommittee is scheduled to consider a troubling bill that would trample the due process rights of animal owners. House Bill 3682, the companion bill to Senate Bill 456, addresses disposition of animals seized due to alleged cruelty or neglect. As the bill […]

The Township Committee of Shamong, New Jersey, is expected to consider significant changes to its animal ordinances at its Tuesday, September 4, meeting.  As currently worded, the proposal contains many concerning and controversial provisions, including future prohibitions on kennels and breeders with 5 or more intact females.  The proposal also includes breeding and ownership restrictions, […]

Last night, the New York Senate passed a bill 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. Senate Bill 4234 now goes to the Assembly Agriculture Committee.  Session could be wrapping up […]

New Jersey Assemblyman Neil Cohen has announced that he will not move the controversial A. 3401 in its current form. However, he is committed to sponsoring a breeder regulation bill when the legislature returns for general session. Asm. Cohen has asked that concerned fanciers contact him via email at asmcohen@njleg.org with comments and suggestions about […]

On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the South Carolina Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee is scheduled to again vote on Senate Bill 456, a bill that would trample the due process rights of animal owners. Under this bill, an innocent owner would permanently forfeit their animals based on an accusation—including an accusation against another person—if […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the winners of the AKC Agility League’s third season. The AKC Agility League is brought to you by Purina Pro Plan, the Official Dog Food of Agility League, Official Sponsor YuMOVE and […]

New York, NY – The AKC® Humane Fund has announced the winners of the 16th annual AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). These awards commemorate five loyal, hard-working dogs that have significantly impacted the lives of their owners and people in their communities. One award is presented in each of the following five […]

  – A True Gentleman in the Sport of Purebred Dogs – New York, NY — The American Kennel Club's Board of Directors is deeply saddened by the loss of their associate Asa Mays, DVM. "The sport of purebred dogs lost a highly respected life-long fancier, esteemed judge and three-term AKC Board member with his passing," […]