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With autumn at our doorstep, attention is turning to the critical elections scheduled for November. While the presidential race and congressional control capture headlines, it’s essential for responsible dog owners to recognize the importance of local and state elections on legislation directly affecting them. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has launched a 2024 Election Center to guide clubs, breeders, and exhibitors in supporting dog-friendly candidates and navigating critical issues such as ownership limits, breeding regulations, leash laws, and more.

The Election Center includes various resources like our 2024 Election Guide, handouts on supporting dog-friendly candidates, a candidate survey, and information on the AKC Political Action Committee (PAC). As local laws often dictate the rules that impact the daily lives of dog owners, staying informed and involved is a vital part of protecting your rights.

In parallel, ongoing concerns around national security emphasize the need for quality working dogs in detecting explosives, particularly given the current heightened threats during election season. A recent report highlights a chronic shortage of domestically bred working dogs, with only 7% sourced from within the United States. Experts underscore that this reliance on foreign markets poses significant security risks. Efforts are intensifying to bolster the domestic supply of capable dogs through specialized programs for breeders and improved federal purchasing processes.

On a brighter note, the state of Connecticut has embraced the Siberian Husky as its official state dog, celebrating with a school event attended by Governor Ned Lamont. This designation not only symbolizes local pride but also aligns with the growing recognition and importance of dog breeds within state identities, making Connecticut the 18th state to adopt such a measure.

As we look forward to the November elections and their potential impact, it’s crucial for dog owners to engage with their communities and prioritize the protection of their interests through informed voting and advocacy efforts. For more detailed information and resources, visit the AKC Election Center at www.akcgr.org/electionguide.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact AKC GR with any questions or concerns at doglaw@akc.org