During legislative sessions, there are many demands on a lawmaker’s time. Committee hearings, votes, and meetings fill their days.
Yet recently, scores of lawmakers and staff took a few minutes to visit the annual Canines at the Capitol event in Raleigh, where AKC staff and members of the North Carolina Federation of Dog Clubs brought over a dozen different dog breeds to the legislature. Quotes such as: “This is the best day of the year!” or “I have a committee meeting, but I HAD to make sure I came out to say hi to the dogs!” were commonly heard throughout the event.
Similarly, members of the Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs recently brought a few dogs to the capitol building in Denver as part of an Agriculture Day at the Capitol, and lawmakers were thrilled to come meet them.
In each case, while lawmakers and staff were petting the dogs, it proved a great opportunity to discuss AKC, responsible breeders, the importance of purebred dogs, and all that AKC and clubs do for dogs in local communities.
Often when lawmakers introduce legislation regarding dogs, it’s because they have been convinced they are “doing something” to help improve the lives of dogs. Yet too often, they are only hearing from animal rights “experts” who don’t actually know or understand what’s truly in the best interest of dogs.
Lawmakers need to realize that local clubs, fanciers, and exhibitors in their communities are dog experts—and a tremendous resource. You know your breeds and understand what is best for dogs, and shows generate a significant economic impact in local communities. And while these events at state capitols are important and valuable, local clubs also have the ability to make an impact by inviting lawmakers to local shows.
Inviting lawmakers to shows and club events is a great way to let lawmakers see first-hand that you—constituents in their district—are the dog experts and are making a difference for dogs in the community. And chances are they’ve never been to a dog show or been exposed to AKC events outside of national television coverage, and will be surprised and pleased to learn there are events that are happening right in their district.
In AKC’s Legislative Action Center, we have a sample letter that you can use to invite lawmakers to your local show.
Here are some additional tips:
Inviting lawmakers to shows is not just an invitation – it’s a call to action. By fostering discussion through education and advocacy, we can empower lawmakers to become allies in our mission to promote responsible dog ownership, ensure the well-being of dogs, and protect the right to own, breed, and show purebred dogs.
