Legislatures are in full swing across the country and AKC Government Relations (GR) staff, clubs, breeders, and federations are walking the halls in capitols across the country to advocate on behalf of our dogs, breeding programs, and sport.  

AKC GR appreciates the opportunity to join with you and help you and members of allied groups plan or participate in educational or advocacy days at state houses across the country. Educational/advocacy days provide a great opportunity for lawmakers to learn more about the AKC and their own constituent dog enthusiasts and responsible breeders face-to face, and to discuss dog issues and specific bills of concern to AKC and constituents.  

Just last week, Jacob Hupp, AKC Legislative Analyst/Community Outreach Coordinator for Central States joined the Kansas Pet Professionals for an educational day at the state capitol in Topeka where comfort food was served to those in attendance, and AKC GR set up a booth and distributed information on the benefits of purebred dog breeders, the economic impact of dog events, and the good things AKC and its clubs do for the communities. In addition to one-on-one pre-event meetings with Hupp, many lawmakers stopped by the AKC booth to learn more about AKC’s educational and policy efforts. 

“It’s encouraging to see so many lawmakers and advocates excited to work together to protect dog ownership in Kansas” said Hupp. “I look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers to craft common-sense policies that address the unique challenges facing dogs, dog owners and dog breeders in the state.”

Jacob also plans to visit Oklahoma City in February to meet with lawmakers in the Sooner State. 

The AKC thanks KPP who invited us to join them for advocacy day at their state capitol, and the many other federations, legislative liaisons, and breeders across the country who are working tirelessly to speak out on behalf of dogs in their states.  Be sure to visit the AKC Legislative Action Center at www.akcgr.org for the latest information on legislative issues in your state.