AKC GR had a record 120+ New York, New Jersey and Connecticut lawmakers sign on as Honorary Chairs for the 2015 AKC Meet the Breeds event, held in conjunction with “Westminster Weekend”.
AKC Government Relations reached out to federal, state, and local lawmakers in the tri-state area with invitations to be listed as Honorary Chairs and to attend the event. Participating legislators’ names were featured on signage at the event and in a press release sent to local media. AKC GR also invited them to provide photos—with their dogs—that were posted on the AKC Facebook page.
Suffolk County Legislator Francis X. Becker, who has served as an Honorary Chair for several Meet the Breeds events, said, “As always, I am delighted to be asked and to accept the opportunity to be an Honorary Chair… Let me take this opportunity to commend all you and your organization does in supporting responsible dog ownership. As a dog owner all my life, these gifts from God are so special in the joy they bring to our lives and it is imperative that in both the breeding of dogs and ownership, they are afforded and given and returned to them all the graces they give us.”
Many of the Honorary Chairs, their staff, and families attended this year’s event where AKC GR staff offered them the opportunity to sign the AKC Pet Promise, meet dogs of their favorite breeds, and learn about the importance of supporting responsible dog owners and breeders. They received information about canine legislation, AKC issue analyses on conformation shows and responsible dog breeders, and other materials.
AKC Meet the Breeds was a great opportunity for legislators to directly interact with dog breeders and owners in a fun, family-friendly environment. The enormous crowds of dog lovers indicated there is high interest in purebred dogs and AKC activities.