AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) is pleased to announce the release of the first in a new series of public policy briefs. Why Breed-Specific Legislation Doesn’t Work: An Analysis of Dangerous Dog Policy is a comprehensive product that provides lawmakers, advocates, and the public with in-depth analysis, case studies, and model language in support of breed-neutral dangerous dog policies.  

The American Kennel Club’s (AKC) position on dangerous dog control legislation is well known:  AKC supports reasonable, enforceable, non-discriminatory laws to govern the ownership of dogs.  We support laws that: establish a fair process by which specific dogs are identified as “dangerous” based on stated, measurable actions; impose appropriate penalties on irresponsible owners; and establish a well-defined method for dealing with dogs proven to be dangerous.  The American Kennel Club strongly opposes any legislation that determines a dog to be “dangerous” based on specific breeds or phenotypic classes of dogs.

“The AKC GR team has been busy working to update and expand our policy resources to help lawmakers and the public understand key issues impacting dog ownership and to provide commonsense solutions that protect dogs and the rights of responsible dog owners,” said Sheila Goffe, Vice President, Government Relations. “Special thanks go to Phil Guidry and Emily Holmes for their great work on producing this comprehensive new guide – the first of many to come.”  

AKC GR is scheduled to release two more comprehensive policy briefs in 2020. 

Did you Know?  AKC GR’s Legislative Toolbox is chock full of resources to help you become more effective advocates for responsible dog ownership and breeding.  Check it out at https://www.akc.org/clubs-delegates/government-relations/toolbox/. 

For more information or assistance with a legislative or regulatory matter, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.