What’s New from AKC Government Relations

As this edition of Taking Command goes to press, the AKC Government Relations Department is preparing for our biennial legislative conference this weekend in Raleigh, North Carolina. More than 80 participants representing clubs and federations from around the nation will participate in two days of networking, advocacy training and development. Stay tuned for reports on this exciting program in next month’s issue.

We are also excited to be working with Congress to pass a resolution establishing a National Purebred Dog Day to celebrate the importance and value of purebred dogs. You can learn more about Senate Resolution 447 in the federal legislative updates in this issue, as well as our Summer issue of In Session, AKC GR’s Congressional newsletter, which is now available online.

Everyone loves a happy ending. And some of the most heartwarming are those of lost dogs being reunited with their owners. Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico knows this personally through the incredible story of her Shih Tzu “Kiwi”—a story she described as “a sad experience that had the best ending ever.”

“[A few years ago], Kiwi got scared [over] some fireworks in the neighborhood and ran away,” she explained. “I was in the middle of my second campaign for Congress, and I dropped everything to look for her. She didn’t return and I was heartbroken.”

Thirteen months later, this story took an amazing turn.

On July 18, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service launched a new web site intended to help international travelers easily determine travel requirements for pets. The site, called APHIS Pet Travel, provides up-to-date information and import requirements for over 130 countries and territories, including required time frames for obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing, and administration of medications/treatments for those dogs traveling to other countries.

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 Fernando Dutra and Josue Alvarado at the city’s new dog park.

The Whittier City Council worked closely with the American Kennel Club’s federation, the California Federation of Dog Clubs (CFoDC), in 2015 to approve an ordinance which protects responsible dog owners.

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 greet legislators, set up information booths at the capitol building, met with their legislators throughout the day, and attended a hearing.

AKC Government Relations co-hosted a policy reception with the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) and the Kentucky Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus on July 11, 2016 at the annual meeting of the Council of State Governments’ Southern Legislative Conference in Lexington, KY.

Senator Robin Webb, NASC Executive Council President, urged legislators, state fish and wildlife agency agencies, and sportsmen’s organizations to work together to protect and advance sporting traditions.

Patty Van Sicklen, AKC Legislative Analyst, provided educational materials and discussed issues that impact owners and breeders of hunting and sporting dogs. Representatives of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation spoke with attendees about policy issues and provided sportsmen’s economic impact information.

The American Kennel Club is gearing up for the 14th annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days (AKC RDO Days) this summer and fall when hundreds of clubs and dog organizations around the country will host free events to educate the public about the responsibilities and unlimited joys of dog ownership.

“AKC RDO Day is a great way for current and would-be dog owners to share knowledge, have fun, and celebrate the unconditional love we receive from our canine companions,” said AKC President and CEO Dennis B. Sprung. “Each year, the AKC invites its more than 5,000 affiliated dog clubs – and all other pet-related organizations -- to educate the public in their community. We thank those who join us year after year and encourage organizations that have not yet held an event to step up to the challenge in 2016.”