On May 22, AKC Government Relations joined a dozen other organizations for an event on the grounds of the North Carolina State Legislature to celebrate and promote the preservation of North Carolina’s sporting heritage. 

The event, hosted by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the Congressional Sportsmen Foundation, highlighted a broad range of sporting activities popular in the state, ranging from fishing to hunting. AKC’s booth, staffed by AKC Director of Legislative Outreach Jennifer Clark and Government Relations Administrator Nathan Makla, highlighted AKC’s commitment to promoting and protecting field trials, hunt tests, and other performance events with dogs.  The booth, which was visited by dozens of legislators and staff, included information on the economic impact of AKC events on the state and the positive impact that AKC and clubs have on the state.  Many legislators and staff stopped by to thank the AKC for participating, show off pictures of their dogs, and share stories of their own experiences breeding, training, and hunting with their purebred dogs.

 “This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate North Carolina’s sporting heritage, and AKC’s role in preserving and protecting dog sports,” said Jennifer Clark.  “It provided the opportunity to network with legislators, staff, and like-minded organizations to talk about how we can work together, and also to highlight the value of AKC as a resource in promoting responsible dog ownership, hunting and field trials in our state.”