Editorial: April 10, 2026

A stunning and welcomed decision in favor of the American Kennel Club in  a petition brought by PETA, the People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals. Below is the statement released by the American Kennel Club President and CEO Gina DiNardo to the Delegate Body. It is reprinted and posted online with her permission. All of us at Dog News thank the staff and board members of the American Kennel Club for their good and continued work in protecting our rights as breeders and owners of purebred dogs. 

Important Update - PETA v. AKC 

Dear Delegates,

 In July 2025, the American Kennel Club was served with a Petition filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in New York Supreme Court. The Petition asked the Court to require AKC to take action in response to PETA’s complaints under our Charter and Bylaws, and to rule that AKC acted improperly in choosing not to do so. It also sought to stop AKC from continuing to use the official breed standards for the Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug, Dachshund, and Chinese Shar-Pei.

 On September 5, 2025, AKC filed its Motion to Dismiss PETA’s Petition arguing, amongst other things, that Article 78 does not apply to the Petition’s claims and PETA does not have standing to bring the Petition. PETA opposed AKC’s Motion to Dismiss.

 We are pleased to report that today, AKC received an Order from the Court granting AKC’s Motion to Dismiss PETA’s Petition and accordingly, denying PETA’s Petition. The Court confirmed that AKC is a private, not-for-profit organization and that PETA, because it is not a member of AKC and is not governed by AKC, does not have standing to bring this case.

 We view this as a meaningful win for the organization, our breeds, and our Parent clubs, allowing us to stay focused on what matters most: advocating for purebred dogs and the people who care for them.

 

Gina M. DiNardo

President and Chief Executive Officer