Recently, Charley Hall, AKC Government Relations Mid-Atlantic Region Manager, attended the annual Pennsylvania Animal Welfare & Safety (PAWS) Pet Breeders Expo at the Solanco Fairgrounds in Quarryville, PA. 

The event was attended by nearly 2000 people including breeders, prospective breeders, dog owners, and the general public.  In addition to general business and dog care vendors, USDA and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog Law enforcement were on hand to answer questions and provide information to attendees.  Hall joined staff from AKC Breeder Relations and Compliance Departments in staffing an educational and information booth to educate attendees about the many resources AKC provides – including the work of the AKC Government Relations Department (AKC GR). 

“As the only dog registry with a dedicated Government Relations department, events like the expo gives AKC an opportunity show responsible breeders and dog owners that they have a voice advocating for them and fighting harmful legislation at the federal, state, or local level,” said Hall.  “Working with colleagues from other AKC departments at such an event provides an added benefit of showing the importance of working together for animal welfare,” Hall added. 

PAWS is an organization of professional pet breeders dedicated to advancing animal safety, welfare and respect.  The organization hosts this annual event to further encourage those who breed dogs to understand the necessary requirements and responsibility required. 

AKC GR is pleased to work with groups like PAWS to share knowledge, advance the wellbeing of dogs, and protect the rights of responsible breeders. 

We encourage you to visit AKC’s Legislative Action Center at www.akcgr.org  to view AKC Government Relations’ latest resources and information, including talking points on key legislative issues and advocacy tools you can share with fellow breeders, owners, and club members.   

If you would like a member of the AKC GR team to speak to your club or attend an event to share resources and discuss how we can work together to be effective advocates for dogs, please contact us at doglaw@akc.org.