Dear AKC Club Member:
The challenges of the pandemic have demonstrated how much our dogs do for us. Our bond to our dogs and our commitment to preserving their future has only grown stronger over recent years.
Your support of the AKC PAC enables us to assure their future by providing non-partisan support to help elect lawmakers who share this commitment and will work with us to protect our dogs, our breeds, and our sport.
With your support, we will always find ways to fight for you, your dogs, and your rights. Your dog. Your rights. Protect them both. |
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Campaigns Supported in 2021 |
Campaign contributions were limited in 2021 due to the decision to withhold campaign giving to all federal candidates for the first six months of the year. This was due to the events that unfolded on January 6 at our nation’s capital. In total, the AKC PAC supported fifteen lawmakers for the year. A full summary of those supported can be found here.
One federal candidate that received AKC PAC support was Congressman John Katko. He’s a fan and owner of America’s most popular dog, the Labrador Retriever, and is committed to all dogs. Check out his story here, in AKC GR’s most recent issue of In Session. |
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How does the AKC PAC defend your rights as a dog owner? Watch this brief explainer video to see! |
If some of your club members have heard of the AKC PAC but are unsure of how the AKC PAC would benefit them, Chairman Gail LaBerge wants you to know that representatives from the AKC PAC are available to provide virtual presentations, and potentially in-person presentations, to clubs about the AKC PAC. Contact us at akcpac@akc.org for more information. |
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Summary of 2021 Sweepstakes |
In the last quarter of 2021, donors to the AKC Political Action Committee (PAC) were entered in a drawing, with the grand prize being an Impact Crate. The winners included: Impact Crate – LeeAnn Martin
2 Westminster Kennel Club Show tickets – Peter Piusz
Full Ad in Showsight Magazine – Prudence Hlatky
2 tickets to the 2022 AKC National Championship and hotel stay – Mary Yoders
Ad in Retriever News magazine – Marcy Wright.
Contributions to the AKC PAC from members of AKC clubs play an important role in supporting lawmakers who support reasonable, non-discriminatory laws for dog ownership and protect the rights of responsible dog owners.
Keep your eyes peeled for information about our 2022 raffle. The theme of this raffle will be Everyone Wants To Go Somewhere. Details will be announced in June. |
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The AKC PAC’s efforts would be impossible without generous donors who continue to value the importance of protecting dog owners’ rights. We’d like to give a special thank you to our 2021 Diamond Level donors:
Dominic Carota William Christensen Gail LaBerge
Karolynne McAteer Christopher Sweetwood We would also like to thank our top 2022 Q1 donors below:
Charles & Lynn Garvin – Diamond Level Gail LaBerge – Platinum Level |
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National Purebred Dog Day |
May 1 has long been known as “May Day” and marks a variety of different causes. However, most dog enthusiasts know this day marks National Purebred Dog Day® (NPDD) – a day to celebrate the pride, predictability and purpose of purebred dogs and promote the preservation of our amazing dog breeds. NPDD was created by Colorado resident and Puli fancier Susi Szeremy to celebrate the remarkable diversity and heritage of the breeds we love. In 2015, the Colorado General Assembly became the first state to pass a resolution designating a National Purebred Dog Day. Since then, similar resolutions have been introduced or passed in other states and U.S. Congress.
Throughout history, purebred dogs have been depicted in paintings, sculptures, books, and more, demonstrating the unique bond between humans and canines, and the vital role that purpose-bred dogs have played in our lives for thousands of years. Each breed is a representation of the culture that developed it. AKC is proud to advocate for purebred dogs, breeding for type and function, the sport of purebred dogs, and for breeders who are dedicated to the protection, health, and wellbeing of dogs.
The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) and the AKC Political Action Committee (AKC PAC) are pleased to be annual sponsors. By incorporating "Happy National Purebred Dog Day" or "I ❤️ My Purebred Dog" signs, the contest underscores how much people love their purebreds and how excited they are to show them off.
AKC GR has created this one-pager to easily identify why purebred dogs are valuable. |
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Here’s an example of how supportive lawmakers helped protect dog owners in 2021:
In March, AB 702 was introduced in California. Along with the requirement for all breeders to obtain permits, other stringent regulations would have made it practically impossible for many hobby breeders to breed and raise dogs in their own homes. AKC worked with the Assembly Businesses and Professions Committee Chairman Evan Low and Vice Chairman Heath Flora*, who were very receptive to AKC’s concerns, holding the bill back to allow ample time for all concerns to be properly addressed.
*received support from the AKC PAC in 2021
This example happened in California, but there are many more examples of legislators working throughout the country on behalf of responsible dog owners and breeders. Your financial donation to the AKC PAC helps us support lawmakers who will support our right to own, breed, and exhibit our beloved dogs. |
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The AKC PAC is a single-issue, non-partisan organization dedicated to supporting the election of legislators who will protect the rights of responsible dog owners. Learn more about the AKC PAC. |
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