In August, AKC’s Government Relations Department returned to the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) Annual Meeting to represent the policy interests of the AKC and of its breeders and owners.  Dedicated to the principles of limited government, free markets, and federalism, the non-partisan ALEC provides attendees and exhibitors at its Annual Meeting numerous opportunities to engage in thoughtful policy discussions. 

Phil Guidry, AKC GR’s Director of Policy Analysis, returned to ALEC as the department’s representative this year, and found that attendees demonstrated awareness of current animal welfare policy issues.  “During my three days at ALEC, many legislators and staffers spoke with me about canine population issues. Our discussions included multi-government regulation of dog breeding and ownership, supply and demand for pets, public health impacts of interstate and international rescue pet trafficking, and even the need to increase the number of responsible breeders in the U.S.” 

Guidry noted “Quite a few legislators and staffers commented on having read AKC’s policy commentary before coming to the conference and were pleasantly surprised by the depth of AKC’s policy analysis and engagement.  Specifically mentioned were AKC’s positions on protecting consumer freedom, promoting the domestic production of detection dogs, and the potential public health threats that can come from importing animals without ensuring their health status is appropriately verified.  It’s great to know these people are looking to AKC not only as ‘the dog show people’ but also as a canine policy authority.” 

AKC GR has participated at four other similar lawmaker conferences  this year, and will  be participating in several more throughout the remainder of 2019.