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 states, and the District of Columbia. 

Legislation refers to bills being considered by legislatures at the federal, state, and local level. Then regulations may be issued by federal and state government agencies to carry out and enforce legislation passed by Congress or state legislatures.  Governmental agencies—for example, the United States Department of Agriculture—perform different functions, including rulemaking.  The rules, called regulations, are designed to guide those who are subject to policy oversight by the agency.  Administrative regulations also help ensure that laws are applied fairly and uniformly.  Many changes to rules impacting canine policy are also commonly made through an administrative or regulatory process.

Regulatory updates and changes monitored by AKC GR include the development of implementing regulations for recently-enacted legislation and changes to how an existing law may be enforced.  Such changes, though often perceived as technical or minor, can have a significant impact on dog owners and their rights.  Agencies typically provide notice to, and the opportunity for, the public to weigh in on proposed changes to rules before the changes are finalized.   

AKC GR is pleased to cover regulatory changes as part of our commitment to educating dog owners and helping them to protect their rights.  AKC GR is currently tracking approximately 700 regulatory proposals at the federal and states level.  The majority these proposals concern land use/hunting regulations and those governing the practice of veterinary medicine.  Click the link below to read highlights from this past month. 

AKC GR’s Regulatory Resource Center provides regular updates on our federal and state regulatory work that may impact dog owners.  Check it out at https://cqrcengage.com/akc/regcenter.