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New York, NY — Mrs. Patricia Craige Trotter of Carmel, California, will judge Best in Show at the 145th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in February 2021. Mrs. Trotter brings extensive experience as an exhibitor and all-breed judge to the most prestigious judging assignment in the sport of purebred dogs. She [...]

The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced that it has adopted updates to the regulations it uses to enforce the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The updates, which were officially published on May 13, reflect public comments and finalized changes to a proposed rule that was published in [...]

The Peach Blossom Cluster committee is not a whining group of people. Within hours of the Governor’s announcement that the Georgia National Fairgrounds, host venue for the Peach Blossom Cluster, would be closed through the end of June

The following letter was sent to all AKC Conformation Judges regarding updates for the Judges Approval Process: The AKC continues to examine options in the short and long term to assist judges impacted directly by the mass cancellation of AKC conformation dog shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From these ongoing efforts, the Judging Operations [...]

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF)—the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)—today announced the launch of a COVID-19 Disaster Relief Grant program for veterinary technicians/nurses and veterinary assistants funded by donations totaling $200,000 from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Zoetis and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). Many working in the [...]

The judges for the 2021 Westminster Kennel Club Terrier Group and Terrier Breeds are as follows: Terrier Group Judge: Mr. William Potter of St. Louis MO Terrier Breed Judges: Mr. Dan Ericsson of Enkoping, Sweden: Airedale Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers (both Varieties), Smooth Fox Terriers, Wire Fox Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, Rat Terriers, Russell Terriers, Scottish [...]

The AKC supports each club’s informed decision to reschedule, postpone or cancel their respective events, as well as supporting clubs ready to hold events in locations that are open and permit gatherings. As events resume across the country, people need to feel safe while enjoying their dog activities. The AKC urges clubs to take appropriate [...]

The judges for the 2021 Westminster Kennel Club Working Group and Working Breeds are as follows: Working Group Judge: Ms. Judy A. Harrington of Monson, MA Working Breed Judges: Mr. Johan Becerra-Hernandez of San Juan, Puerto Rico: Bernese Mountain Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, Dogo Argentinos, Newfoundlands, Samoyeds. Mr. Dana P. Cline of Hodges, SC: Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, [...]

As mentioned in a previous alert, the House of Representatives had added language to a large omnibus bill that would prohibit breed-specific laws and protect the rights of dog owners and the health and safety of dogs when an owner is accused (but not convicted) of cruelty or neglect. The language for both these provisions are based on bills supported by the AKC and the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners.