Although it seems like there’s been never-ending chaos in the federal government recently, it doesn’t mean that anti-breeder and other legislation impacting dogs and the sport is slowing down.
Confusion can mask threats that would be more apparent in ordinary times. In fact, the AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) team experienced a record-breaking number of new dog-related bills introduced in the first six weeks of 2025. Thanks to swift advocacy and outreach to lawmakers by fanciers and dog lovers, we’ve already experienced some important successes this year. These early successes and swift action are impressive, but they weren’t achieved overnight. They were built on a foundation of pre-existing relationships that aren’t difficult to build, but require some care and maintenance to pay off when it becomes crucial to protecting the future of our dogs.
A few weeks ago in New Jersey, a Senate committee considered a bill that would have required anyone who trains a dog for any type of compensation to be licensed and participate in continuing education courses developed by the state. The bill also stated that only one training philosophy would be permitted. This would have impacted handling classes, CGC, Obedience, and Agility, among many others. Thanks to a tremendous response from trainers responding to alerts from AKC Government Relations, and coordination with other national training groups, the bill was tabled.
In Illinois, HB 1902 would have required all breeders to “have their dogs genetically tested for diseases that cause early death or physical impairments.” If such a “genetic defect or mutation” were found, it would require that the dog be sterilized immediately. AKC and dog fanciers reached out to lawmakers to educate them that the test proposed in the bill simply isn’t possible or effective. There are no reliable tests for every possible genetic mutation, as required by the bill. Additionally, just because a dog may possess a certain genetic marker does not guarantee the dog will later become ill or have an early death. Thanks to this outreach, the sponsor reached out to AKC GR and canceled the hearing on the bill as introduced.
AKC Government Relations works on your behalf to protect your rights to own, breed, and show dogs, but we can’t do it alone! In the cases above, it was the voice of local constituents reaching out to their lawmakers, fanciers responding to GR alerts, and relationships developed with lawmakers before the bad bill came up for a hearing that ensured our collective voices were heard.
1. Introduce yourself, your kennel and/or your club – There are many new lawmakers this spring who were elected in November—not just in Congress but also at the state, county, and municipal levels. And even if your state holds legislative elections in 2025, all 50 states are in session this year. It’s important that lawmakers know they have constituents who own, breed, and show dogs in their community—and are experts on dogs. In the AKC Legislative Action Center (www.akcgr.org), you can use our sample introductory letters for dog owners and local clubs to personalize and send. Be sure to share AKC GR’s fact sheet with information about the economic benefits of AKC clubs and dog events in your state (www.akcgr.org/toolbox). Check out this blog (https://www.akcgr.org/blogpostBelleCityKC/?) where the Belle-City Kennel Club in Illinois offers some additional suggestions that led to their successful introductory meeting with a state legislator.
2. Invite lawmakers to shows and club events – This is a great opportunity to meet your local officials and let them learn about responsible breeding and dog care—and the impact you have on the community. Here are some guidelines to consider and a sample letter you can use (https://www.akcgr.org/blogpost_lettertolawmakersclubevents/?) to invite lawmakers—and remember to consider not just state or federal lawmakers but also county commissioners, city councilors, and other local officials.
3. Don’t forget your local governments – In the past year, AKC GR has seen an increase in significant proposals impacting dog owners and breeders in local cities and counties. From mandatory spay/neuter to registries for owners of intact dogs, to bans on breeding dogs with certain characteristics, it is more important than ever to establish relationships with local officials and closely watch county and state meeting agendas.
View this article from AKC GR analysts (https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/22144026/All-Politics-is-Local-Easy-Ways-to-Make-a-Difference-for-Dogs-in-Your-Community.pdf) with some guidelines and tips for being effective advocates for dogs in your local area.
4. Let AKC GR know if you hear about an issue in your community – You aren’t alone! AKC GR is here to help you if you learn of a proposal impacting dog owners, but we need to hear from you. Reach out to us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org and give us as much information as possible—and be sure to include the state so that we can connect you with an analyst on our team specifically dedicated to your region to work with you on outreach, analysis, communication, and alerts to get other club members involved.
5. Make sure your club has a Legislative Liaison – AKC GR sends out alerts with information on hearings and how you can help. We rely on your club’s legislative liaison to share all the information we send to them with club members. While we try to give as much notice as possible, legislatures often move very quickly. It’s very important for your club to have an active Legislative Liaison willing to regularly check email and quickly forward alerts to club members. Often, an active legislative liaison can be the difference between preventing ownership and breeding restrictions, and the passage of harmful new laws. View this handout (https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/LL_flyer_2018.pdf) for more information. If you are a current Legislative Liaison, make sure we have your most updated contact information by emailing us at: doglaw@akc.org.
6. Contact your lawmakers when you hear about an issue – When we send you an alert or you learn about a proposal in your local area, it’s very important that you speak up. While AKC GR will help and provide comments, the most effective voice is yours as a local constituent who will be directly impacted. Lawmakers are much more likely to be influenced by those who live in the community—and are local dog experts.
7. Join your state federation – Many states have a federation of dog clubs to be an active local, united voice on legislative issues. You can see the current list here (https://www.akcgr.org/legliaisons-statefederations/). Encourage your club to join and/or reach out and find out about options for individual memberships.
8. Familiarize yourself with our Legislative Action Center – AKC GR has an online Legislative Action Center with a plethora of tools and resources to help you. This includes the latest legislative alerts, a legislative tracking page where you can see the latest updates on state and federal legislation, talking points and printable handouts on key legislative issues, sample letters and letters to the editor, and much more. Be sure to sign up for our Taking Command newsletter, which offers a monthly round-up of legislation around the country and articles on policy issues, the latest news from AKC GR, and new resources in the Legislative Action Center. If you aren’t receiving this newsletter in your email, you can subscribe here (https://www.akc.org/clubs-delegates/government-relations/newsletters/). To view all our available resources, visit: www.akcgr.org—and we are constantly adding new content, so be sure to check it often.
9. Support the AKC Political Action Committee (PAC) – Sadly, to stay in office these days, many lawmakers have to raise campaign funds almost continuously. One of the easiest ways to get access to lawmakers is by attending a fundraising event. Election laws prohibit incorporated entities like AKC and individual clubs to donate to political campaigns. However, political action committees, supported by individual donations, can. When you contribute to the AKC PAC, you’re participating in one of the single most effective steps to electing candidates who support our cause and help ensure that club members and AKC representatives will be heard by key decision makers. Learn more about the AKC PAC at: www.akc.org/PAC.
10. Support fellow breeders, club members, handlers, and exhibitors – We all have a shared goal of preserving our right to responsibly breed, raise, show, and participate in events with our purebred dogs. When contacting lawmakers, do not be negative towards other breeds, but focus solely on the bill itself and how it will impact you. In the same way, if you hear of a fellow dog owner who may need some help, reach out. By supporting each other, we can be a united voice for our dogs and provide a positive view of AKC dog clubs and breeders to lawmakers and the community at large.
And remember, again, AKC Government Relations is here to help you! Reach out to us at: doglaw@akc.org if you have any questions or concerns about legislation. We love to hear from you, and we look forward to working with you on behalf of our dogs and our sports!
