Ann Lettis, President of the Responsible Dog Owners Association of New York (RDOA), and Delegate for the Grand River Kennel Club (OH) was presented last week with the Walter Bebout Memorial Award for Leadership in Canine Legislation at the AKC Delegates meeting held in New Jersey. Ms. Lettis, a long-time owner, breeder, and exhibitor of […]

North Carolina Representative Jimmy Dixon has been honored with the 2015 AKC Legislator of the Year award in recognition of his strong advocacy for responsible dog ownership. Sheila Goffe, AKC Vice President, Government Relations, presented a framed red, white and blue rosette to Rep. Dixon at the annual AKC Canines at the Capitol event held May […]

In a ceremony held at their New York headquarters, the American Kennel Club presented Dr. Arnold L. Goldman, DVM, MPH and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners with the 2015 Bebout Memorial Award for Leadership in Canine Legislation. Named for Walter Bebout, the late Director of the AKC Government Relations Department, […]

In late June, the AKC Government Relations team joined members of the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs (NJFDC) for their annual lobby day at the state capitol in Trenton.   A new video provides a glimpse into the message, hard work and accomplishments of that day. Federation members brought several dogs to help meet and […]

Dog lovers all over the US have reason to celebrate news from the NAIA, which reported recently that the number of dogs entering US shelters has dropped significantly over the past few decades to new lows. Digging deeper into the matter, NAIA also learned that only about three percent of dogs in our country’s shelters are purebreds. NAIA’s […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) honored New Jersey Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney with the AKC Legislator of the Year award in recognition of his strong advocacy for responsible dog ownership. Sheila Goffe, AKC Vice President, Government Relations; Jeffrey Ball, President of the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs; and representatives of area AKC dog […]

By Jennifer Clark, Manager, Canine Legislation The images are enough to break anyone’s heart – stray dogs roaming the street without proper food, water and basic needs; shelters overflowing with unwanted animals.  There is no question that something needs to be done.  The dogs – and the people of Puerto Rico – deserve better. But […]

North Carolina legislators and staff were thrilled to once again welcome the American Kennel Club to the state capitol for the annual AKC Canines at the Capitol event.  The AKC invited them to “come hug a dog on your lunch break” and they did just that – posing for pictures with the dogs and cheering […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to announce that Whittier, California has been awarded the AKC’s Dog Friendly City Award in recognition of their support of responsible dog owners and breeders in the city. The California Federation of Dog Clubs was able to formally present this award to Mayor Vinatieri as well as Councilmembers […]

For over 130 years, the American Kennel Club has been dedicated to protecting and promoting the health and well-being of dogs.  This is reflected in AKC events, public education initiatives, inspections, and many programs that celebrate and encourage responsible dog breeding and the preservation of purebred dogs. At its April meeting, the AKC Board of […]