September marks the beginning of fall, and while summer and many legislative sessions are coming to an end, advocacy never stops. In this newsletter you will learn about the work of two clubs utilizing American Kennel Club (AKC) resources to improve their communities, as well as other programs launched by the Government Relations department.
For almost a decade, the Greater Lafayette Kennel Club in Indiana persistently implored the Lafayette City Council to repeal the city’s three dog ownership limit law. Their persistence paid off. This summer, the city rewrote the animal control laws – and removed all references to the ownership limit. Using AKC materials on limit laws, as well as other AKC resources on responsible breeders, the economic impact of dog shows, and other topics, the club was able to educate the Lafayette City Council on more effective ways to focus on the quality of care and responsible ownership of animals.
Are you familiar with AKC Reunite’ s Adopt a K-9 Cop matching grant program? If not, learn more from the South Shore Kennel Club (SSKC), who raised funds from club and community members to help the Braintree Police Department get a new K-9. Sponsoring or supporting the purchase of a police K-9 for your community is an exceptional way to build bridges with policymakers and develop strong relationships with community leaders Clubs such as SSKC not only further the sport of purebred dogs, but also strive to promote and protect dogs in their communities, share in educational programs, and sponsor training classes and health clinics.
With school starting this month, so is the fifth annual Companion Animal Law Writing Contest, which is open to all students currently enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school. This year’s topics, which include hypotheticals on the impact of “lawyers for dogs” laws on animal cruelty cases and the constitutionality of mandatory spay/neuter laws, offer students the unique opportunity to discuss real life examples facing animal owners at the forefront of animal law.
Hear from a panel about the desired qualities for puppies to become successful detection dogs. Experts agree that environmental stability, socialization and physical exercise all combined, from ages 3-6 months, create an independent, resilient future detection dog. The Detection Dog Task Force plans to continue this monthly webinar series with a future program covering puppies aged 6 – 9 months.
California passed a resolution this month honoring working, detection, and service dogs and the amazing roles and services they provide to Californians every day. Read more about this resolution proudly supported by the AKC, and the many programs and initiatives in which we are involved to support the essential work of these dogs.
We encourage you to visit the AKC Legislative Action Center at www.akcgr.org to learn more about these programs and also to view the many resources and tools we have available to help you be effective advocates in your community. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns at doglaw@akc.org.