AKC’s Canine Legislation department offers congratulations to the 2004 third quarter Community Achievement Award recipients: the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs, the Long Island Coalition of Dog Fanciers, and the Siberian Husky Club of Greater Cleveland, Inc. The Community Achievement Awards support and recognize outstanding public education and legislation efforts of AKC-affiliated clubs, AKC-recognized federations, and their members. Recipients receive a certificate of recognition and a $1000 to support public education and canine legislation efforts.

The Florida Association of Kennel Clubs was recognized for its dedication to helping animals suffering from the devastation caused by recent hurricanes in Florida as well as its local legislative lobbying efforts. After Hurricane Charley hit Florida in August, the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs received hundreds of calls from shelters needing supplies for the thousands of animals displaced by the storm. The organization responded by sending in truckloads of food, crates, microchips, water, feed for livestock, leashes, collars, and medical supplies. Donations of money, supplies and other support were solicited and received from kennel clubs all over the country. The association then organized and distributed the supplies to the areas that needed them most. “All of this happens because of the dog people,” said Diane Albers, president of the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs. “We are one big family. No matter who you call, they all come together in a time of need.”

In addition to the association’s disaster-relief work, it also works on the legislative front to fight breed-specific legislation at the local level. Coordinating efforts with other clubs and federations, the association alerted dog enthusiasts to a recent bill that would have expanded the puppy lemon law to include onerous requirements on hobby breeders including installation of sprinklers and fire alarms. Gathering support by way of sending letters and email to dog fanciers thoughout their state, the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs helped defeat the bill.

The Long Island Coalition of Dog Fanciers was recognized for its work in canine legislation and public education. Formed in 1991, the coalition is active in local, state, and federal legislation, working to protect the rights of dog owners by fighting anti-dog legislation.

“Every year, our state legislators introduce some type of breed-specific, dangerous-dog legislation," said Sue Weiss, president of the coalition. “We needed to do something to stop this year’s bill, so we sent a cover letter and petition to every club in NY state asking for help. We urged them to sign and return the petitions, which we then submitted to the committee members who were considering the bill. There are more than 300 clubs in the state, and we were able to obtain more than 2,000 names on the petitions. The bill was consequently pulled.”

The coalition also helped defeat an insurance bill that discriminated against homeowners based on the breeds of dog they own. To keep members and fanciers informed of legislative issues, the coalition publishes a newsletter at least four times a year on current legislative issues and the coalition’s efforts to fight bad legislation. The coalition sponsors a match show each year as a fundraiser to help support its legislative efforts. The event features health clinics, Canine Good Citizen tests, Therapy Dog International demonstrations, and fun activities that appeal to pet owners and children, such as Meet the Breeds. The coalition features a large educational tent where they distribute AKC materials on responsible dog ownership and show AKC videos about dog shows and the AKC-recognized breeds. Coalition members also participate in purebred rescue efforts by coordinating a breed rescue contact list of people available to help with displaced dogs by getting them to homes or shelters where they will be cared for. Members visit schools and libraries with their dogs to teach children about responsible dog ownership and safety around dogs.

Finally, The Siberian Husky Club of Greater Cleveland (SHCGC) was recognized for it efforts to educate the public about the Siberian Husky and responsible dog ownership. By sponsoring wellness clinics, specialty shows, seminars and more, the club is an example of its dedication to educating the public about purebred dogs. SHCGC offers seminars to educate people about the breed as well as handling and obedience classes, programs on breeding, whelping, raising puppies, nutrition, and various health issues. The club also offers evaluation clinics, specialty shows, and school demonstrations.

Congratulations to this quarter’s Community Achievement Award recipients!

Interested in nominating someone for the Community Achievement Award? Contact the Public Education department (919-816-3718 or publiced@akc.org).