Fall is a busy time with many shows, national specialties, and other events scheduled around the country. It’s important to remember that all those expenses – from facility rentals to last-minute Wal-Mart runs – can translate to a significant economic impact for those local communities.
Reminding community leaders about the local benefits of dog events and AKC clubs is one of the easiest and most important ways we as clubs and exhibitors can educate about the value that purebred dogs and their owners bring to a community. This month, AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) provides information on how to communicate this impact to local lawmakers – and tips and guidelines for inviting them to your shows and events so they can experience them first-hand.
AKC GR staff focused on education and outreach this past month to help local breeders and dog owners make an impact in their communities. This includes a virtual presentation to a national breed club on the tools and resources we offer to help clubs be effective advocates in defending the tradition and heritage of purebred dogs, and attending a large breeder expo in Pennsylvania along with breeders, AKC Breeder Relations and Compliance staff members, and representatives from state and federal enforcement bodies to support the humane care of animals and providing healthy, well-bred dogs to families. In addition, the AKC Patriotic Puppy Program welcomed new participants at a workshop in Connecticut to continue educating and advocating for breeders who provide detection dogs to ensure national security and public safety.
Earlier this summer, Kevin Priddle, Chairman of the Doberman Pinscher Club of America Legislative Committee, President of the Doberman Pinscher Club of the Indian Nation, and former Mayor of McAllester, Oklahoma, gave a dynamic presentation at the AKC Government Relations conference in Missouri to emphasize the importance of establishing relationships with local lawmakers and being involved in your community. AKC joins these clubs and many others in the fancy who mourn the sudden loss this past month of this passionate, staunch advocate for purebred dogs and our sport.
We recognize and thank all of you who join AKC Government Relations in speaking out on behalf of purebred dogs and making a difference for dogs and dog owners in your community. If you would like a member of the AKC GR team to speak to your club or federation about being effective advocates, contact us at doglaw@akc.org.