(…Continued from above.)

An uptick in local canine proposals has been particularly noticeable in states where there has been success in pushing back on such proposals at the state level. As breeders, AKC, and other allies work together to protect dog owners’ rights at the state capitols, animal rights activists advocating for “animal protection” have increasingly turned their attention to local governments – which are much more challenging to monitor, and often only require a small number of votes for passage. This has resulted in efforts to adopt new zoning, kennel standards, and breeder and intact dog licensing laws in several localities across the country.

This includes Sangamon County and the City of Springfield, Illinois, where activists recently sought to impose an annual permit for anyone breeding and selling dogs, and it was expected that new requirements for breeders would accompany the permit. Fortunately, these proposals have been tabled at least for now. Similarly, in states from Pennsylvania to Colorado, where state-level efforts to ban the retail sale of pets at pet stores have failed, we’ve seen attempts to pass similar laws at the local level.

Although these ordinances are concerning, they also offer valuable opportunities for breeders to introduce themselves to local elected officials and educate them about the importance of responsible breeders and dog owners. Unless individuals and organizations whose members are directly impacted take a stand, lawmakers may assume there’s no community opposition and pass bad legislation – or they could think that that animal rights activists are the only “experts” in the community.

What Breeders Can Do to Make a Local Impact:

• Introduce yourself and your breeder organization (if applicable) – Always be on the lookout for opportunities to meet lawmakers at community events and office hours designed to foster dialogue between lawmakers and their constituents. Consider reaching out to local offices to introduce yourself and offer to be an expert resource for them. If you are a member of a breeder organization, mention that as well and tell them a bit about the organization and how it benefits dogs and dog owners. 

• Contact lawmakers via phone or email at their office and see if you can schedule an appointment or arrange a telephone call to introduce yourself and explain your willingness to serve as a resource for any issues related to responsible dog ownership, breeding and issues related to zoning.

• When introducing yourself, let them know you are a business owner in the community and what you do to ensure the health of your animals. Talk about your kennels, health testing, contracts, and other key items that show your care for animals and commitment to breeding and selling high quality, healthy dogs and placing them in good homes.

• Invite them for a tour of your kennel – This is a great way to introduce lawmakers the importance of supporting responsible breeders. Consider giving them a tour of your kennel and show the many tangible ways you ensure the health and welfare of your animals. AKC GR can help you with inviting the lawmakers and providing appropriate resources and written for them to learn more about how responsible dog owners and breeders benefit the community.

• Monitor local news – Keep an eye out for animal incidents in your community. These incidents are often the catalyst for changes to the law. Also, some communities still use newspapers and other publications to post hearings and other notices.

When you learn of an issue, contact AKC Government Relations. We can help you with analysis, talking points, and spreading the word to other local breeders and clubs.

• Consider helping your local shelter – Consider donating time or resources to your local shelter. Not only is this a great community service, but it shows your local animal control officers that you care about these dogs and want to be a part of the solution. Often, too, local proposals are brought forward by local animal control directors and officers. By having a relationship and working with them, you may be able to better learn about these concerns and offer your expertise before a negative proposal is introduced.

• Contact AKC Government Relations – If you hear of an issue, or would like assistance in reaching out to lawmakers, contact us. We can provide legislative analysis, sample letters, policy materials and talking points, and much more. We also provide letters to lawmakers on specific policy issues.

In addition, we have regional legislative analysts throughout the country who are experts on your state and can work directly with you to help in your community. Our department is ready to help you in communicating with lawmakers and developing policy solutions. 

You can also always contact AKC GR at  919-816-3720 or [email protected]. We are pleased to work with you to be effective advocates in your community on behalf of dogs and your breeding programs.