Happy New Year from all of us at the American Kennel Club!
A new year means new bills and ordinances introduced at the federal, state, and local level that will affect responsible dog owners, breeders, and exhibitors. Twenty states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, are already in session. This means the AKC Government Relations (GR) Department is also already busy at work. But we can’t do this alone. There are several ways you can help us ensure your rights are protected.
- Do you know who your Legislative Liaison is? Legislative Liaisons (LLs) are dog club members who are specially appointed by their clubs to follow local and state-level dog issues. LLs provide an important communications link between their clubs and the AKC Government Relations Department. Their involvement is one of the single most important factors we have ensuring that AKC GR and your community is up to date on potential changes in dog laws that impact you. LLs ensure the GR team is aware of and can assist you in any potential changes in dog law, while also ensuring that important information from AKC GR such as legislative alerts, updates and talking points are distributed to you and your club members. Please use the new year to be sure that your LL’s contact information is up to date with AKC GR. New LLs are always welcome! Please contact us if you would like be a LL for your club.
- Legislative Action Center- The Legislative Action Center (AKCGR.ORG) provides access to a wide variety of AKC Government Relations resources available to help you be effective advocates for responsible dog ownership and breeding! Be sure to check back often, as we are continuously adding new items. Please familiarize yourself with all of the resources we offer, such as the GR Toolbox, Educational Presentations and Videos, State Economic Impact Statistics, Legislatives Alerts, and much more!
- Legislative Alerts- Legislative Alerts allow you see what the AKC GR team is working on in your area and around the country, provide you with information and talking points, and offer ways to take action on bills that could impact responsible dog ownership, canine wellbeing, and your right to own a dog.
We anticipate 2018 will be a busy year. There are many laws that are being implemented and we expect a plethora of new bills to be filed. Please make sure you read our “New Year-New Laws” [Link to article] article to ensure you know what is going into effect in your area. Additionally, please review our Federal, State, and Local Updates [link to updates] to see what is currently being considered for this year.
As always, we want to know if you hear of legislation or proposed public policy that could impact responsible dog ownership where you live. Reach out to the GR team at our main number 929-816-3720 or via doglaw@akc.org. We’re here to be a resource for you. We look forward to working with you!