American Kennel Club - The Dog's Champion

Legislative Information and Updates from the AKC

A Publication of the AKC Government Relations Department

September 2016

What’s New from AKC Government Relations

This month’s Taking Command focuses on issues and policy that impact canine health. A recent article by Sheila Goffe, AKC Vice President Government Relations, discussed serious challenges that result from foreign dogs that enter rescue distribution channels from countries that are not subject to the health and welfare laws of the U.S. These imported dogs may arrive carrying infectious diseases that are a threat to the health and safety of our dogs, other animals, and humans. This article was originally published on Foxnews.com.

Foreign Rescue Dogs Breed Health Concerns, Undermine Adoptions

While the zika virus poses worrisome human health concerns, another potential health problem is brewing that threatens both humans and domesticated animals—the importing of foreign dogs for adoption.

Many people are unaware that the U.S. has become something of a favored nation for countries looking to export their rescue dogs due to several reasons.

First, Americans are big-hearted, and when seeking dogs many chose animals made available through rescues. Second, there’s a readymade market here – Americans love canines and own an estimated 80 million dogs. Lastly, import rules on dogs can be easily flouted, allowing foreign exporters to send us their sick animals.

Senator Phil Pavlov Honored with AKC Legislator of the Year Award

On behalf of dog owners from across the state of Michigan, members of the St. Clair Kennel Club presented Senator Phil Pavlov with the AKC Legislator of the Year Award in recognition of his dedication to the well-being of dogs. Senator Pavlov represents Michigan’s 25th State Senate District, which includes Huron, Sanilac, and St. Clair counties as well as Armada, Memphis, New Baltimore and Richmond in Macomb County.

Senator Phil Pavlov (left) is honored with the AKC Legislator of the Year Award, presented by Richard Lawless, President, St. Clair Kennel Club, and Bonnie Mitchener, Show Chair.

USDA/APHIS Explains Terminology Used in Inspection Reports

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently published definitions of terminology that will be used to better categorize information that appears in USDA inspection reports.

New Resource Helps Veterinarians Re-Examine Risks and Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently published definitions of terminology that will be used to better categorize information that appears in USDA inspection reports.

Honor Your Dog-Friendly Lawmaker with a 2016 Legislator of the Year Award

Has your elected state official or member of Congress taken a stand to protect the well-being of dogs and the rights of dog owners, exhibitors and breeders? You can demonstrate appreciate for his or her good work by nominating your legislator for the James S. Holt Memorial Award for the Promotion of Responsible Dog Ownership in Legislation.

Also known as the AKC Legislator of the Year Award, this handsome framed rosette is an excellent way for you, as constituents, to honor the legislators you work with and build on your existing relationships. AKC Government Relations relies on individual dog owners, AKC clubs, and AKC-affiliated federations to identify, nominate, and present Legislator of the Year awards to deserving elected officials.

The AKC selects honorees from among the nominations received and provides official AKC Legislator of the Year awards for you to present to your representative at the capitol, a dog show/trial, public education event, Responsible Dog Ownership Day, or a location of their choice. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.

2016 Legislative Successes

The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to partner with state federations, dog clubs and concerned owners to protect the rights of dog owners. The tireless response of responsible breeders, owners and fanciers across the country truly makes a difference! Visit the 2016 Legislative Successes page to view examples of recent results of their good work.

Legislative Information and Updates

Each year, thousands of dog-related laws and regulations are proposed at the federal, state, and local levels. So far this year, AKC GR has been monitoring more than 2,100 measures that could impact dog owners. U.S. Congress and five state legislatures are currently in regular session, bills have been prefiled for 2017 in a number of states.

Visit the 2016 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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