Kentucky has joined the growing list of states that have passed AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC™) resolutions. The resolution endorses the CGC program and acknowledges that problems related to dogs are really problems about the need for responsible dog ownership.

Rep. Charles Miller, a long time supporter of canine educational programs, sponsored HR139, Kentucky's CGC resolution. AKC dog fancier Connie Morris and John Fowler, President of the Greater Louisville Training Club, worked closely with Rep. Miller on the resolution.

"Kentucky's CGC resolution is important because it stresses the importance of responsible dog ownership," said CGC Director Mary Burch. "If dog owners would adhere to the CGC Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge, there would be no need for restrictive legislation anywhere."

"The American Kennel Club applauds Rep. Miller for thinking about dogs and their owners," said AKC Vice President of Communications Noreen Baxter. "We are extremely proud that Rep. Miller recognized the potential of the AKC Canine Good Citizen program to promote responsible dog ownership in our communities. Reasonable ordinances that respect the rights of responsible dog owners and dog owner education programs are the combination that ensures we can all live happily with our dogs."

CGC™ is a 10-step certification program that rewards dogs with good manners at home and in the community. Additionally, police and animal control agencies use CGC™ for dealing with dog problems in communities; therapy dog groups use CGC™ as a partial screening tool; and, some 4-H groups around the country have been using the CGC™ as a beginning dog training program for children.

With the addition of Kentucky, in total 23 states have adopted CGC™ resolutions, including North Carolina, Massachusetts, Maine, Florida, Kansas, Alaska, Utah, Illinois, Louisiana, Georgia, New York, Alabama, Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Michigan, Washington, New Hampshire, Delaware, Colorado, Texas and the U.S. Senate.

AKC encourages Legislative Liaisons to talk to their representative about sponsoring a CGC resolution. This positive, proactive issue provides a terrific way to introduce fanciers to politics. Working with legislators in support of a CGC™ resolution helps establish relationships that can be very effective when future canine legislation is introduced and fanciers need someone to help with amendments or to make arguments against a bill. It also provides the fancy with a way to show the public that they are interested in responsible dog ownership and making communities a better place for dogs, their owners and all citizens. Please contact the Canine Good Citizenship® Department at cgc@akc.org if you would like to work to get a CGC™ resolution passed in your state.