Wednesday, May 1, 2024 will be Purebred Dog Day in West Virginia, thanks to a simple resolution passed by the West Virginia Senate in March 2024. AKC encourages those who reside or participate in AKC events in West Virginia to contact sponsor Senator Mike Caputo and his cosponsors Senator Robert Plymale and Senator Mike Woelfel […]

Two dog-related bills garner continued consideration in the Massachusetts General Court. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Massachusetts residents to: Review and identify any concerns with the re-drafted and favorably released bills known as “Ollie’s Law;” and Contact your legislators in opposition to 826, banning new pet retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits. TO […]

Two dog-related bills continue to advance in the Vermont General Assembly. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Vermont residents to contact legislators on the following issues. HOUSE BILL 626 – ESTABLISHES DIVISION OF ANIMAL WELFARE Amended H. 626 would establish a Division of Animal Welfare at the Department of Public Safety, which will be charged […]

With your help, two Connecticut Senate bills supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC) that seek to further protect police and working K9s can advance. SB 339 requires restitution by anyone that injures or kills a police K-9 or volunteer search and rescue dog.  Current law makes anyone intentionally injuring one of these dogs while […]

The California legislative session is in full swing and AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) continues to track many bills of interest to dog owners. In addition, we will continue to watch for any amendments or other actions that could affect responsible dog ownership. The following are current statuses of bills that AKC GR is following, […]

On Thursday, April 18, the Vermont House voted favorably on an amended H. 626 relating to animal welfare protections. The American Kennel Club (AKC) first reported on this omnibus bill in February.  The simplified bill lays the groundwork fundamental to achieving H. 626’s initial goals: Establishes a Division of Animal Welfare at the Department of […]

On Tuesday, April 16, the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee held a hearing for AB 2425, a bill seeking to address concerns in animal shelters and change the definition of a dog breeder in California code to encompass hobbyists. No vote was taken during the hearing and at this time AKC believes the Business […]

On Tuesday, April 16, a California Assembly committee will be considering a bill seeking to address concerns in animal shelters and change the definition of breeder in California code to encompass hobbyists. The proposal, as currently written, insinuates that people who breed as few as ONE litter are contributing to animal shelter population concerns. California […]

On Tuesday, April 9, the Los Angeles City Council voted to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits until city animal shelters are below 75 percent of capacity. AKC continues to strenuously oppose this measure as responsible dog breeders are not the reason why city animal shelters are in distress. AKC will continue to advocate […]

On Tuesday, April 9, the Los Angeles City Council voted to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits until city animal shelters are below 75 percent of capacity. AKC continues to strenuously oppose this measure as responsible dog breeders are not the reason why city animal shelters are in distress. AKC will continue to advocate […]