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November 2009
Director’s Letter This has been a challenging year for dog fanciers and breeders. More than ever before, it seems our rights to own and breed dogs are under attack. Yet in spite of these challenges, we have much to be thankful for, as this year we have also had a significant number of legislative victories.
I encourage you to take a few minutes to review our ever-growing list of legislative successes http://links.mkt2242.com/ctt?kn=23&m=2765492&r=MTUyMzYxMzgxOTQS1&b=2&j=NzkxNzE2MzES1&mt=1&rt=0 posted on our web site. On the state and local level, thousands of fanciers and breeders have worked tirelessly to protect our rights with great success. The AKC has worked in collaboration with them to defeat local and state-level mandatory spay/neuter proposals, numerous breed-specific bills, ownership limits, and also to defeat or significantly amend over 90 percent of the “breeder bills” introduced so far this year.
As we pause a moment to count our blessings, it’s also important to remember that our work continues. As you will see throughout this issue, numerous states and municipalities still need your help. Whether or not your state or community is currently considering canine legislation, please continue to contact your legislators, invite them to dog shows, and let them know the good works you are doing in your community. All of these are simple ways you can educate public officials about who we are and the work we do on behalf of dogs and their owners. This issue also includes some helpful tips on how to communicate with legislators, so you can be sure you are being an effective advocate.
This edition highlights three examples of how we as dog owners, fanciers, and breeders can make a difference in our community. We thank these three Community Achievement Award recipients, our state federations, clubs, and the thousands of people who have worked so hard this year to protect our rights as dog owners. We also extend a special word of thanks to the legislators and public officials who have voted in favor of protecting responsible dog ownership.
Thank you for partnering with us, and we look forward to continue working together to stand up for responsible dog ownership.
All the best,
Sheila Goffe Director of Government Relations