In response to an ever-increasing number of restrictive canine legislation bills on local and state levels, purebred dog owners across the country are banding together to lobby for reasonable animal control laws. As fanciers are called on more and more frequently to reach out to their legislators, many AKC-affiliated clubs and federations are taking the proactive step of holding legislative workshops for their members. These workshops focus on a variety of topics including briefings on hot legislative issues, tips on how to lobby effectively and the importance of working together.

In the August edition of Taking Command we reported that purebred dog owners in New Jersey met over the summer to discuss ways they can work together to oppose restrictive bills and animal rights activists in their state. We are pleased to report that other clubs and federations have recently followed suit by hosting their own legislative workshops. On July 11th, 36 clubs were represented at the Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and Breeders’ Legislative Forum held in conjunction with the federation’s annual meeting. The forum was partially prompted by the introduction of SJR37, a measure that not only directed the state veterinarian to study Virginia’s population and euthanasia concerns, but also suggested the development of mandatory spay/neuter and breeder licensing provisions. Following the defeat of that measure, Virginia Federation President Marge McClung said she recognized the importance of coordinating legislative efforts in order to prepare fanciers to fight similar proposals in the future. With this in mind, she and Legislative Liaison Kathy Ashley began planning the federation’s legislative forum and were pleased when state legislators accepted the invitation to attend. State Senator Creigh Deeds (District 25) spoke to forum attendees about how a bill becomes a law and how constituents can make the most of their contact with their legislators. Senator Deeds was followed by Delegate Robert Orrock (District 54). Delegate Orrock, who serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, discussed how committees and sub-committees work and how they relate in particular to animal laws. Jim Holt, AKC’s Federal Government Relations Consultant, was also on hand to conduct an information session on effective lobbying strategies. McClung feels that the forum was a great success and that members left the event with a renewed enthusiasm for legislative work. “We are well on the road after this event,” she said. “This has set us on the right path for legislation because we are dealing with some serious stuff ahead.”

On the other side of the country, southwestern fanciers were equally concerned about preparing for future legislation. On Saturday, September 18, fanciers and dog owners from across New Mexico met in Albuquerque for the first-ever Lobby Day New Mexico. The intensive training and education session on legislative activism and the animal rights agenda was hosted by the Rio Grande Kennel Club in conjunction with the newly formed New Mexico Animal Owners Alliance. Discussing the need for such an event, Rio Grande Kennel Club Legislative Liaison Patte Klecan said, “ New Mexico has recently become the target of animal rightists and their restrictive animal control proposals. It is our responsibility as responsible animal owners and breeders to educate our legislators about fair and enforceable animal control laws.” In her presentation on the animal rights agenda and the threat it poses to animal ownership, Patti Strand, AKC board member and president of the National Animal Interest Alliance, reiterated Klecan’s thoughts and encouraged attendees to be proactive and get involved in protecting their interests. Luncheon speaker state Senator Steve Komadina (District 9) provided information on the legislative process and gave tips on how to gain access to lawmakers. He advised that to be effective, fanciers must build relationships with their legislators by volunteering or contributing to political campaigns. Senator Komadina also encouraged the group to be proactive and speak with one voice. He pointed out that it is easier to ask for a bill that you support rather than work against legislation you oppose. Jim Holt wrapped up the day by conducting a training session on grassroots lobbying efforts. The group followed their training session with a legislative reception on September 19th held in honor of AKC’s Responsible Dog Ownership Day. The relaxed setting provided a wonderful opportunity for fanciers to network with elected officials, candidates running for election and animal control agents from across the state. Patte Klecan believes the two-day event left attendees feeling empowered and better informed about the legislative process, and she looks forward to future lobbying events.

It is clear that fanciers across the nation are recognizing the importance of holding legislative seminars, and AKC’s staff couldn’t agree more. “Both the Virginia and New Mexico events were extremely successful in that fanciers took away valuable legislative information and confidence in their lobbying skills. They also demonstrated to legislators that there is a strong and active dog-owning constituency in their states,” said Jim Holt. He added that he looks forward to seeing more events like these in other states and communities across the country. Seminars such as these are a wonderful way to make new connections, share ideas and show legislators that the AKC and the purebred dog fancy are invaluable resources when it comes to canine legislation and animal welfare issues. The Canine Legislation department is excited by these recent efforts and we urge other groups to hold similar events in their own states. If the AKC may be of any assistance as your club or federation plans a legislative workshop or session, please feel free to call 919-816-3720 or email doglaw@akc.org.