It’s June, which means it is officially summer! That means more events, club meetings, and opportunities to promote responsible dog ownership and the good things the American Kennel Club and affiliate clubs do. The American Kennel Club prides itself on being the champion for all dogs – and for dog-friendly communities too! That is why we are pleased to introduce newly updated AKC economic and community impact figures for all 50 states. The AKC Impact By State packet provides valuable information to share with lawmakers, local media, chambers of commerce and other community entities about the positive impact that AKC clubs, affiliates and events have in each and every state.
Easy-to-share one-page summaries have been updated to include a broad range of information including:
- Economic impact of AKC dog shows
- The number of AKC dog clubs and shows by state
- AKC Reunite disaster relief trailer and K-9 Officer donations by state
- AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF) Research grants and dollars by state
This newly revised resource utilizes survey data of expenditures in local communities by dog show exhibitors in 2022. The updated survey revealed that exhibitors spend approximately $982 in a local community during a dog show weekend. We urge you to take a few moments and see and share just a few highlights of what AKC is doing in your state.
Also, new in the Legislative Action Center, the AKC Government Relations has developed ‘Five Things To Do This Summer To Protect Your Dogs And Your Rights.’ AKC Government Relations thanks all those who have taken the time already to contact their lawmakers on issues impacting dog ownership. Your voice is making a difference for dogs. But it’s important to keep that momentum going! AKC GR is continuing to work hard on your behalf, but it is a team effort, and we need you to continue to be a voice in your state and community. This blog provides five easy “summer homework assignments” for you and your clubs to continue being effective advocates for your dogs, our sport, and your breeding programs – even if your legislature is already out of session.
AKC Government Relations has also been out and about at various dog shows. On June 3, the Ladies Dog Club of Massachusetts welcomed Massachusetts State Representative Danielle Gregoire to its all-breed dog show at the Wrentham Cracker Barrel Fairgrounds. Club President Linda Flynn and Assistant Show Chair Gail Golden personally guided the representative around the show and discussed the American Kennel Club (AKC), local affiliated dog clubs, dog sporting events, and the shared commitment to preserving purebred dogs. The AKC’s West Coast Legislative Analyst/ Community Outreach Coordinator, Bob Rilling-Smith, was in attendance for one of the biggest dog shows on the West Coast on Friday, June 9, at the Solano County Fairgrounds in the San Francisco Bay Area. Hosted by the Contra Costa County Kennel Club and the Yosemite Kennel Club, Woofstock is an annual event that features entries of close to 2,000 dogs over the four-day show cluster. AKC GR thanks both clubs for their efforts with the show and their community outreach throughout the event!
And lastly, ‘A Cautionary Tale: Animal Rights Laws Increase Pressure on European Dog Enthusiasts.’ The Kennel Club (England) recently asked for Scottish dog owners to respond to a consultation launched by Maurice Golden, a member of the Scottish Parliament for Northeast Scotland, to support the introduction of a specific criminal offense for dog theft. A consultation is an opportunity for the public to comment on an idea prior to it being filed as a bill in Parliament. The proposed Dog “Abduction” (Scotland) Bill would create a new statutory offense for dog theft and other situations where a dog is taken or kept without lawful authority.
We encourage you to check out our resources, including easy-to-use key-issues pages, 2-minute explainer videos, and newly updated economic benefits information, printable issue handouts, comprehensive policy briefs and model legislation, sample letters, blogs with news and advocacy information, and much more in our Legislative Action Center at www.akcgr.org. If you have questions or hear of an issue in your community, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at doglaw@akc.org. Thank you for your continued partnership.