Protecting Responsible Dog Ownership in a Competitive Political Environment

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Protecting Responsible Dog Ownership in a
Competitive Political Environment

• Presented by Walt Bebout
• Director of Canine Legislation
• American Kennel Club

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Discussion Focuses

• Challenges Threats to responsible dog ownership
  and their sources.
• Opportunities Understanding the motivations of
  elected officials and how to capitalize on those
  motivations for positive outcomes.
• AKC Resources The tools necessary to succeed in
  the political process.

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AKC Mission Statement

• The American Kennel Club is dedicated to
  upholding the integrity of its Registry,
  promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding
  for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKC
  and its affiliated organizations advocate for the
  purebred dog as a family companion, advance
  canine health and well-being, work to protect the
  rights of all dog owners and promote responsible
  dog ownership.

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Responsible Ownership Issues

• Breed specific laws (BSL) Dangerous Dog
  Ordinances
• Breeding restrictions (MSN) Breeding Permits
• Statewide Breeders bills
• Limit/zoning/nuisance ordinances
• Cruelty to Animals
• Guardianship versus Ownership
• Consumer Protection Animal Lemon Laws

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Challenges Inherent in the Political System

• Fifty State Legislatures
• 3141 Counties in the US (parishes in Louisiana,
  boroughs in Alaska)
• More than 30,000 incorporated cities in the
  United States.
• More than 33,141 local governmental entities in
  the US.

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Perceptions of problems produce demands for
public policy response

• Breed specific legislation proposals are almost
  always the result of an incident in a community
• Mandatory spay/neuter or breeder permits are
  forwarded as solutions to perceived pet
  overpopulation/shelter issues

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AKC Resources

• AKC Website www.akc.org
• Email doglaw_at_akc.org
• Canine Legislation Department Phone Number
  919.816.3721

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AKC Resources

• Taking Command (electronic newsletter addressing
  legislative issues)
• Legislative Alerts
• Bill/ordinance analysis
• Assistance/intervention in legislative process
• Outreach capability to AKC constituents via email
  and regular mail
• Seminars at dog events
• Brochures

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Brochures

• Make Your Contact Count
• Disagree Diplomatically
• Preparing for Action
• Preserve Your Rights as a Dog Owner
• Economic Impact of Dog Shows
• Public Relations Tips and Tools

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Information Packets

• Dangerous Dogs/BSL
• Preventing Breeding Restrictions
• Consumer Protection/Puppy Lemon Laws
• Dogs in Parks
• AKC Position Statements
• Organizing State Federations

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Canine Legislation Department Materials
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Partnering Resources

• State Federations
• National Parent Clubs
• Local Dog Clubs
• Legislative Liaisons

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Untapped Resources

• AKC Registrants and Event Participants
• Purebred dog owners
• Pet owners
• Coalition formation with animal interest groups

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Why We Fight for Responsible Dog Ownership