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Editor's Note
April marks my first month as editor of Taking Command and as the Director of the Canine Legislation Department. Stephanie Lane's seven year tenure with the Department marked many improvements to assist AKC's support of dog fanciers' efforts at the local and state level to promulgate reasonable and effective canine legislation. The Department will continue to advocate for responsible dog ownership and covets the continued support of the dog community.
The April issue features an excellent article by Ann Lettis describing her successful efforts to introduce legislation to recognize the German Shepherd Dog as the official state dog for the State of New York. Ann's article is a testament for the ability of a single individual to impact the legislative process and serves as a model for effective relations between dog fanciers and legislator.
Walt Bebout
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The Year of the Dog
by Ann Lettis
Legislative Liaison, Responsible Dog Owners Association of New York
For those who may not know, 2006 is the Year of the Dog. That being
the case, I’d like to pass along a suggestion on how you
can do something that’s not only positive for your state,
but which will also help form a good relationship with your local
legislator, all thanks to our beloved canine companions.
Twenty years ago I discovered that among various state symbols,
some states, including Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, North
Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and
Wisconsin, included a breed of dog. While my own state, New
York, even had the ladybug as our state insect, sadly we had
no state dog. Although different breeds crossed my mind, it
wasn’t until after 9/11, when the AKC’s DOGNY statues
were created, that I realized the German Shepherd Dog was the
most appropriate breed to become the New York State Dog.
Read the full article. |
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 Around
the Nation: Legislation That Affects You
ALABAMA -- S82 passed the House Judiciary
Committee and now proceeds to the full House. The bill establishes
a procedure by which a dog can be declared dangerous, provides
an appeal process and requires that a dog found to be a significant
threat to public health and safety be humanely euthanized. Owners
of dangerous dogs may be fined up $300 for the first offense
and $600 for a second offense. The dog is also required to be
registered with the city or county for an unspecified fee.
CALIFORNIA -- The Los Angeles County Board
of Supervisors has given tentative approval to a new mandatory
spay/neuter ordinance for all dogs. Exceptions are made only
if the dog is a law enforcement dog, a service animal or qualifies
as a"competition dog." In addition, owners of intact
animals that qualify are required to purchase a $60 permit for
each dog. AKC is working with local fanciers and concerned dog
owners to oppose this measure. To find out more details about
this proposal and how you can help please read our Legislative
Alert.
See news from other states. |
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Walter R. Bebout Named Director of Canine Legislation
We are pleased to announce the promotion of Walter R. Bebout
to AKC Director of Canine Legislation.
Walt has been an AKC Conformation Field Representative since
1996. He has extensive experience in the sport of dogs as a
breeder, exhibitor, AKC-approved judge, member club president,
show chairman and AKC delegate.
Walt's dog-related experience is complemented by a Bachelor's
and Master's degree in political science and progress toward
a Ph.D. in the same field. In addition, he had significant experience
in the public and private sectors in various management positions
before coming to the AKC as a field representative.
As Director of Canine Legislation, Walt will be responsible
for all AKC legislative initiatives on the local and state level.
Also, he will work closely with the AKC Federal Government Relations
Consultant on all federal issues. Walt will report to Noreen
Baxter, AKC Vice President of Communications.
Walt and his wife will be relocating from Kansas City, MO to
the AKC operations center in Raleigh, NC.
Please join us in congratulating Walt on his new position.
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