American Kennel Club - The Dog's Champion

Legislative Information and Updates from the AKC

A Publication of the AKC Government Relations Department

March 2017

What’s New from AKC Government Relations

Legislative sessions are in full swing across the country, with 46 state legislatures currently in session and more than 1,700 dog-related proposals already being tracked by AKC GR. With so many dog issues currently in front of legislators, now is a good time to reach out to your local representatives to share the many ways you and your dog club benefit dogs and the local community.

New in the GR Toolbox: 2016 State Economic Impact of Dog Show Statistics

AKC Government Relations now has information available on the economic impact of dog shows in each state in 2016. This information, downloadable by state, helps demonstrate to legislators a tangible reason to support dog shows, fanciers and breeders.

To view this information, visit the Government Relations Toolbox and scroll down to “Economic Impact of Dog Shows”, or go to the AKC Legislative Action Center and check out the home page or click on the “GR Toolbox” tab. While there, be sure to check out the many tools and resources available to help you be effective advocates!

Perspectives: Understanding the Difference between Animal Rights and Animal Welfare

In last November’s election, we saw a fair amount of misuse of the term “animal rights” and even outright support for “animal rights” by candidates that otherwise seemed to support the human-animal connection, kindness to animals, and proper care of animals based on sound science.

Update on APHIS Review of Licensee Privacy Protections for Online Documents

In early February, the U.S Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which oversees implementation of federal Animal Welfare Act regulations and pet breeder/dealer licensing announced it was removing certain documents from its online databases for review appending litigation and to ensure full compliance with privacy requirements.

Almost immediately, the statement created confusion and the removal of the documents created a furor.

Latest In Session Legislative Policy Newsletter Now Online

The latest issue of AKC’s In Session newsletter is now available. In this issue, we highlight the difference between animal welfare and animal rights. We also highlight the good works being done by AKC Reunite and the AKC Canine Health Foundation and provide an article on a day in the life of Oliver, a Cocker Spaniel who spends his days in the Capitol Hill office of Congressman Jim Bridenstine of Oklahoma.

You may view the issue here. We also encourage you to consider printing it out and sharing with your legislators.

Read In Session

Attacks that Doomed ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ Portend Trouble for Pet Lovers

A recent decision by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to shutter “the Greatest Show on Earth” is a cautionary tale for responsible dog breeders and those who enjoy the love and companionship of purebred dogs.

Legislative Information and Updates

Forty-six states, Congress, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico are in session. Wyoming, Virginia, and Utah have already adjourned for the year, and Louisiana is accepting pre-filed bills for its upcoming legislative session. AKC Government Relations is currently tracking more than 1,700 bills on the federal, state, and local levels.

Visit the 2017 Legislation Tracking page for the most up-to-date information on state and federal legislation. This site, updated each weekday, provides the latest bill text, status, and links to legislative alerts posted by the AKC. Click on the links below to view highlights of issues that are being tracked by AKC Government Relations:

Federal — issues that may affect all dog owners in the U.S.
State — issues specific to your state
Local/Other — issues at the city, county, and metropolitan levels, and in U.S. territories

Please contact AKC GR at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org for more information or to let us know what’s happening in your local community.

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