As of this writing, Congress and 44 state legislatures are in session. Hundreds of local and municipal councils are also in session. To see the latest bill highlights visit our legislative tracking links below or visit the American Kennel Club legislative action center at www.akcgr.org. Many legislatures are front loading their sessions with activity to give lawmakers more time to prepare for upcoming elections. To help you prepare for upcoming elections, the new 2024 AKC GR Election Guide, is now available. This guide provides you with tips and tools to make the most of elections season to advocate for dogs and to identify candidates that share our love of purpose bred dogs. It also provides easy steps to mobilize individuals and clubs.
Over the past month, the AKC GR team has not just focused on legislation, but on lawmaker education too. Staff participated in the recent AKC Meet the Breeds event in New York City, where over 25,000 dog lovers gathered to revel in the diversity and affection for over 130 different breeds and 70 lawmakers signed on as Honorary Chairs. Similarly, the Pennsylvania Farm Show saw thousands of attendees, including state dignitaries, delightedly engaging with over 65 breeds, highlighting the importance of responsible dog ownership. And at the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s annual meeting, AKC GR showcased its commitment to promoting responsible dog ownership, offering expertise to municipal leaders on dog-related policies and laws. As the election season looms, AKC GR’s initiatives stand as a beacon for advocacy and education to protect the rights of responsible dog owners and the wellbeing of dogs.
To learn more about the work AKC GR is doing or legislation impacting your area, please reach out to us at doglaw@akc.org, or visit us at www.akcgr.org.