On Monday, June 8, 2026, Kentucky State Senator Robin Webb will host a ceremonial bill signing to celebrate the designation of the Treeing Walker Coonhound as Kentucky’s State Dog. Kentucky’s purebred dog community is invited to join lawmakers, sportsmen, and stakeholders at this memorable event.
State Senator Webb, a 2016 recipient of the AKC Legislator of the Year Award, has long been a champion of Kentucky’s responsible dog breeders and advocate for responsible animal ownership practices. Earlier this year, she sponsored Senate Bill 37, which not only designates the Treeing Walker Coonhound as Kentucky’s official state dog, but also recognizes shelter pets across the Commonwealth and raises awareness of Kentucky’s native animal species.
The Ceremonial Signing and Celebration of Senate Bill 37 is scheduled to begin at 3PM Eastern on Monday, June 8, at the Salato Wildlife Education Center, 1 Sportsman Way, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. The Salato Center is located on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife main campus, and is the one-story building located at the end of drive. The main entrance to the main campus is located off US 60, approximately 1.5 miles west of U.S. 127.
To RSVP or for more information, contact Miles Huff at Miles.Huff@kylegislature.gov or (502) 681-3780. For more information, contact the American Kennel Club’s Brandon Johnson, Southeast U.S. Legislative Analyst/Community Outreach Coordinator at Brandon.Johnson@akc.org or (919) 816-3689.