Hello! We are back with some exciting updates and important reminders. As always, we are honored to continue to share this information with our core constituency. Your consistent commitment, dedication, continual contributions, and volunteerism to AKC are vital and appreciated.
First, I would like to share that the AKC lauds the draft language released by the U.S. House Agriculture Committee for the 2024 Farm Bill—the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024. This bill reauthorizes U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs for five years and serves as a vehicle to address federal priorities in the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 was marked up by the House Agriculture Committee on May 23rd. AKC and its million constituents urge the U.S. House Agriculture Committee to advance these positive initiatives without amendment.
Additionally, we were excited to honor the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) K-9 Unit with the AKC Canine Officer Program Award. The AKC Canine Officer program was designed to recognize the extraordinary work that dogs in a public service role for government agencies perform daily to keep our nation safe. For more than 50 years, the USCP K-9 Unit has put in work around the clock to help protect the Congress, the President of the United States during State of the Union Addresses and Inaugurations, as well as heads of state from around the world. The teams help to secure the Capitol Grounds during the concerts on July 4th, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. To this day, the United States Capitol Police K-9 Unit is still one of the lead Federal agencies for explosive detection. The AKC is proud to acknowledge the skill and dedication of these dedicated four-legged officers and their handlers.
Lastly, I am pleased to announce the acquisition of the Professional Grooming Credential (PGC) from the World Pet Association (WPA). WPA founded this program in 2020 and we are thrilled to be a part of it. The PGC measures foundational knowledge, safety, and technical skills of groomers, and is the only nationwide grooming industry credential. Passing the PGC exam indicates a groomer has core competency knowledge and skills to offer professional and safe grooming services.
Learn more about AKC’s grooming certifications at: https://www.akc.org/groomer-hub/. To learn more about the PGC, visit: https://www.akc.org/akc-professional-grooming-credential/.
Once again, I am appreciative of your contributions as responsible breeders, delegates, exhibitors, handlers, owners, and judges. You are truly what makes us great.
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