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September 6, 2023 by AKC Government Relations
The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) recently participated in the Virginia Association of County Officials’ Leadership Summit held in Richmond, Virginia. This exclusive...
August 22, 2023 by AKC Government Relations
On August 12, 2023, following Best in Show judging on the grounds of the Razorback Weekend Dog Show in Little Rock, the Arkansas Kennel Club hosted a dinner seminar on current issues in canine...
July 18, 2023 by AKC Government Relations
Laurie Maulucci, President of Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners presenting AKC’s Legislator of the Year Award to Connecticut State Representative Doug Dubitsky.There are...
July 14, 2023 by AKC Government Relations
For the second year, the American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) participated in the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) and the Pennsylvania State...
June 22, 2023 by AKC Government Relations
Summer is here and the AKC Detection Dog Bulletin is out and has exciting news to share! The first hands-on training seminar for Patriotic Puppy Program (PPP) participants is scheduled for July...
June 16, 2023 by AKC Government Relations
The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to introduce newly updated AKC economic and community impact figures for all 50 states. The AKC Impact By State packet provides valuable...
June 15, 2023 by AKC Government Relations
The American Kennel Club’s (AKC) West Coast Legislative Analyst/ Community Outreach Coordinator, Bob Rilling-Smith, was in attendance for one of the biggest dog shows on the West Coast on Friday,...
April 20, 2023 by AKC Government Relations
This article was originally published in the DC Jounral on April 20, 2023. The French bulldog recently toppled the mighty Labrador retriever as the most popular dog breed in the United States...
March 21, 2023 by AKC Government Relations
*This article was originally published in the October 2022 Issue of ShowSight Magazine. It is reprinted with permission.To err is human. But in just about any endeavor, minor errors or the...
February 22, 2023 by AKC Government Relations
AKC Government Relations VP, Sheila Goffe, addressing the attendees on the first day of the conference.In January, AKC Government Relations held its first in-person legislative conference since the...
February 22, 2023 by AKC Government Relations
The American Kennel Club Government Relations department is pleased to welcome our newest staff member, Bob Rilling-Smith. Bob is the new Legislative Analyst/Community Outreach Coordinator for U.S...
January 19, 2023 by AKC Government Relations
Chart: Federal Bills 2022, by Category2022 was another busy year for the AKC Government Relations Department (GR). The team monitored approximately 2,400 pieces of canine legislation and some 680...
December 20, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
AKC PAC Board Vice Chair, Mr. Christopher Sweetwood, drawing the winning ticket.From June until Sunday, December 19, 2022, donors to the AKC Political Action Committee (AKC PAC) were entered in...
December 8, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
*This article was originally published in the August 2022 issue of ShowSight Magazine. It is reprinted with permission.Good laws protect dogs and uphold the rights of responsible owners. But...
December 6, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently issued a national terrorism advisory, warning of heightened holiday season threats — at the same time as federal agencies are experiencing a shortage...
December 6, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
*This article was originally published in the July 2022 issue of ShowSight Magazine. It is reprinted with permission. Any regular reader of these pages, or member of a dog club that has a...
November 30, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
For the second consecutive year, the American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) participated in the Virginia Associations of Counties (VACo) Annual Conference as one of the nearly...
October 28, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
Last week, the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung published an op-ed by AKC Government Relations Central States Analyst Jacob Hupp. The article clarified AKC’s position on pet choice due to a previous...
October 10, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
Last week, the Mobile Kennel Club (MKC) hosted guests from the Gulf Coast area for a program on current issues in canine legislation. Representatives of clubs in Florida and Mississippi joined MKC...
July 20, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
The first six months of 2022 were incredibly busy for Government Relations, with over 2,000 bills being tracked in 46 states (four states did not meet in 2022).  AKC GR was pleased to partner...
July 7, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
Recently, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the World Cat Federation (WCF) announced their agreement to work together “to jointly represent the well-understood interests of dog and...
April 29, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
“He held my hand!” giggled six-year-old Jalen after he received a “pawshake” from a dog just his height. Jalen and his family met dogs from 70 different breeds, spoke with canine experts, and...
April 22, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
The American Kennel Club Political Action Committee (AKC PAC), which is legally separate from the AKC, plays an important role in protecting the rights of responsible dog owners and purebred...
March 10, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
Download this Blog's One Pager Here! It’s no secret that across the country, at all levels of government, anti-breeder and animal rights groups are pushing legislation that undermines ownership...
February 1, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
Legislatures are in full swing across the country and AKC Government Relations (GR) staff, clubs, breeders, and federations are walking the halls in capitols across the country to advocate on behalf...
January 20, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
View the latest edition of Taking Command, AKC GR’s monthly advocacy newsletter.To sign up for this newsletter direct, visit www.akc.org/subscribe 
January 19, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
In the last quarter of 2021, donors to the AKC Political Action Committee (PAC)   were entered in a drawing, with the grand prize being an Impact Crate. The AKC PAC is pleased to...
January 14, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
With the beginning of a new year, and for many states, new legislative sessions, the American Kennel Club Government Relations (GR) team is pleased to announce 2021 legislative successes.  AKC...
January 12, 2022 by AKC Government Relations
2021 was another busy year for AKC Government Relations (GR). The team monitored approximately 3,000 legislative and regulatory proposals on the federal, state and local levels in all 50 states...
November 23, 2021 by AKC Government Relations
The United States isn’t the only country reviewing its rules for importing dogs. Changes in Canadian dog import laws were also implemented earlier this year at the height of the pandemic. Now, as...
November 16, 2021 by AKC Government Relations
During the month of November, American citizens pause to honor veterans who have served our country and defended our democracy.  Our system isn’t perfect, but our experience continues to...
November 10, 2021 by AKC Government Relations
The American Kennel Club Government Relations department would like to welcome our newest staff member, Jacob Hupp. Jacob will serve as the Legislative Analyst/Community Outreach Coordinator for US...
October 22, 2021 by AKC Government Relations
Whether you are competing in a show or taking a vacation with your pet, sometimes flying is the most efficient option. But did you know that depending on which airline you take, the policies you must...
September 29, 2021 by AKC Government Relations
 The Patriotic Puppy Program (PPP) under the purview of AKC’s Detection Dog Task Force (DDTF), would like to introduce two newly developed flyers/handouts to increase awareness of the...
August 30, 2021 by AKC Government Relations
The American Kennel Club® (AKC), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the launch of the fifth annual Companion Animal Law Writing...
August 19, 2021 by Jennifer Clark, Director, Legislative Outreach, American Kennel Club
Originally published on InsideSources.comIt’s heartbreaking when a person is seriously injured or killed by a dog, and it’s natural to want to do something to make sure it never happens again...
August 19, 2021 by AKC Government Relations
In response to a high-profile animal cruelty case two years earlier, in 2019 New Hampshire lawmakers eliminated “commercial kennels” from state law, and instead categorized anyone who transferred...
August 13, 2021 by AKC Government Relations
Late last week, the U.S. Senate passed the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers Veterans Therapy (PAWS for Veterans Therapy) Act.  HR 1448/S 613 is a ground-breaking measure that recognizes...
June 21, 2021 by AKC Government Relations
Last week, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the temporary suspension of the importation of dogs from countries classified as high risk for canine rabies,...
April 1, 2021 by AKC Government Relations
Throughout the first quarter of 2021, AKC Government Relations has been proud to partner with federations, legislative liaisons, and clubs across the country on behalf of purebred dogs and...
March 17, 2021 by AKC Government Relations
Did you know the AKC has several grant opportunities and awards that are given throughout the year to various AKC clubs, federations, and other exceptional community leaders who work to advance...
January 28, 2021 by AKC Government Relations
The AKC Government Relations Department mourns the passing of Julian Prager, an extraordinary legislative leader, Bulldog breeder, and passionate advocate for dogs.  Mr. Prager was active in...
November 11, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
As part of AKC Government Relations’ continued effort to empower and equip dog owners and advocates, we are continuing to provide new and updated resources to the AKC Legislative Action Center...
October 13, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
With the winter shows around the corner, masks have become a necessary element of dog shows. Make sure your mask is sending the right message by supporting the American Kennel Club Political Action...
September 16, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
Beautiful border collie in front of a USA flag with sunglasses Election Day 2020 is Tuesday, November 3. This year, the U.S. President, all 435 seats in the United States House of...
August 31, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
Working dogs are a cornerstone that enrich our society by performing essential services. They keep us safe, aid those with disabilities, assist farmers, and so much more. Some of the most important...
August 20, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
In today’s world, masks have become the newest accessory! The AKC PAC is excited to provide you with the opportunity to show you care about the future of our breeds, protecting the health...
August 19, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
We are looking forward to launching our new Anti-Breeder Harassment & Retaliation Task Force website later this week.Here is one of the resources created by the task force to help protect...
August 12, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
*Originally published by Inside Sources on August 12, 2020 As cities debate police funding in the wake of coast-to-coast protests, municipalities should take great care to protect the one public...
August 10, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
The American Kennel Club® (AKC), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the fourth annual Companion Animal Law Writing Contest. The...
August 7, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
The American Kennel Club is pleased to share with you the latest issue of the AKC’s In Session newsletter. Did you know that nearly 1 million dogs are imported into the U.S. each...
July 22, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
Six years ago, the City of Chicago passed a law restricting pet stores to only sourcing dogs from shelters and rescues.  At the time, supporters claimed this was a guaranteed way to shut down...
July 15, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
*Originally published July 13, 2020 in the Milford Daily News This legislative session, some lawmakers in Boston, expressing concerns about conditions where professionally raised pets are bred and...
June 18, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
In addition to tracking and responding to legislative proposals, AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) addresses dog-related regulatory proposals from the U.S. federal government, all 50...
April 28, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
This year’s National Purebred Dog Day (NPDD) may look a little different. NPDD is traditionally celebrated on May 1 and originally created by Colorado dog enthusiast Susi Szeremy in 2013 as a way...
April 16, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
In recently updated guidance, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reiterated that there is no evidence that animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19 to people or that pets...
March 26, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
The COVID-19 outbreak and rapidly evolving policy responses are having a significant impact on the lives of dog owners around the country. The AKC Government Relations Department remains committed to...
March 23, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
There is no question that dogs have a positive impact on our lives. Participating or attending a dog show is a great way to learn about the right breed of dog for your family and the joys and...
March 16, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
The COVID-19 outbreak and preventative public health measures are impacting legislative schedules and hearings in a number of states. In some states such as New Jersey and Hawaii, in-person visits...
February 26, 2020 by AKC Government Relations
Meet the AKC Government Relations Team    The AKC is pleased to introduce the newest member of the AKC Legislative team, Charley Hall. Charley was appointed Legislative Analyst/Community...
December 17, 2019 by AKC Government Relations
The American Kennel Club® (AKC), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the winners of its 2019 Companion Animal Law Writing Contest...
December 17, 2019 by AKC Government Relations
“Stolen Shih Tzu Rocky Still Missing.” “French Bulldog Stolen From Dallas Pet Store.” “Nearly 20 puppies dognapped from local breeder.” Search “pet theft” on the internet and you will get thousands...
November 21, 2019 by AKC Government Relations
On October 24, the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service released a notice of proposed modifications to its Animal Care Inspection Service database,...
November 19, 2019 by AKC Government Relations
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, with characteristics that make them unique.  From furry arctic breeds with dense undercoats to sleek single-coated breeds and even hairless breeds, each breed...
November 11, 2019 by AKC Government Relations
A California Superior Court ruling has tossed a lawsuit brought by a group of animal rights organizations against the use of GPS collars and treeing switches on hunting dogs. The Sacramento Superior...
September 27, 2019 by AKC Government Relations
This time of year, much focus is placed in the media on hurricanes and other natural disasters, and soon winter weather will be arriving for much of the country.  As such, many communities are...
September 20, 2019 by AKC Government Relation
This month, the American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department joined thousands of attendees in Hershey, Pennsylvania for one of the largest grooming shows in the world, Groom Expo. AKC...
July 24, 2019 by AKC Government Relations
On a very hot Saturday in July, the Silver State Kennel Club, an all-breed club in Las Vegas, Nevada, graciously hosted a meeting with Robert Miller, AKC Legislative Analyst and Community Outreach...
July 2, 2019 by AKC Government Relations
On June 3, 2019, the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs (NJFDC) held their quarterly delegates meeting. At the meeting, the guest speaker was Dr. Peter Guzzo, President of TTP Government Relation,...
February 27, 2019 by AKC Government Relations
For most dog breeders and owners, few things are as fear-inducing and stressful as when a police officer or an animal control officer unexpectedly knocks at your door.  The American Kennel Club...