Georgia Canine Coalition

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Greater Atlanta supports the efforts of the Georgia Canine Coalition, Inc. (http://www.georgiacaninecoalition.org).

GCC President Gail LaBerge and GCC attorney Frank Mulcahy continue to work to protect your rights to own and enjoy your dogs. Memberships and contributions are needed and welcomed. For more information contact Gail LaBerge at outland@laberge.org

AKC Government Relations Info

The AKC also has several legistative efforts which can be found on the AKC website.  This includes brochures, toolbox full of information, and how to communicate effectively with legislators.

Click on this link to view all the resources the AKC has to offer. http://www.akc.org/clubs/government_relations    
 


Six Things You Need to Know About the AKC PAC

1. What is the AKC PAC?

The American Kennel Club Political Action Committee (AKC PAC) helps elect dog-friendly candidates. The purpose behind the fund is to protect your rights as a breeder, dog owner and fancier by helping elect leaders who share that commitment.

2. What makes the AKC PAC different from other AKC funds such as the Canine Legislative Support Fund?

Canine Legislative Support Fund (CLSF) contributions are used to educate officials on a federal, state and local level to ensure that your rights as a responsible owner and breeder are protected. Without dog-friendly officials in office; however, the CLSF cannot do its job. AKC PAC funds are used to help elect dog-friendly leadership in Congress and state houses across the country. PAC funds can only be used as campaign donations and not to lobby or educate an official on a particular position.

3. Who can contribute to the AKC PAC?

Any individual may contribute to the AKC PAC. Although clubs may not contribute, they may hold fundraisers for the PAC or provide opportunities for their members to contribute. For example, a club may allow members to include a PAC contribution when paying their regular dues. The club may then forward the contribution to the AKC PAC. Clubs may also choose instead to contribute to the Canine Legislation Support Fund. Contributions to the AKC PAC and Canine Legislation Support Fund are not tax deductible.

4. How does the AKC PAC benefit dog owners?

The PAC allows the AKC to support dog friendly candidates and elected officials. The more dog-friendly officials in office, the more assured you can be that your rights will be protected.

5. May I recommend candidates for AKC PAC contributions?

You may advise the PAC about officials who have assisted in either promoting dog-friendly legislation or opposing anti-dog measures. You may also suggest new candidates who you believe will support dog owners. Names of those you feel are deserving of PAC funds may be submitted to the AKC PAC Board through the AKC Government Relations Department. Contributions may not be given on behalf of a specific candidate.

6. How can I help the AKC PAC acquire donations?

You can make a personal donation or encourage club members to each contribute to the PAC. You may also ask clubs to hold a fundraiser for the AKC PAC or allow members to include a PAC donation in their dues. Remember- without donations to the AKC PAC, we cannot support the campaigns of dog friendly candidates! For more information, and to contribute online, visit www.akc.org/pac.
 

GEORGIA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

 

April 14, 2022
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/georgias-2021-2022-legislative-session-ends-wins-dogs-dog-owners/

The two-year Georgia legislative session ended last week with wins for dogs and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks the Georgia Canine Coalition (GCC), AKC club members, and every individual who contacted lawmakers and spread the word to fellow owners about legislation that affects dogs. Special thanks go out to Gail LaBerge and Michael Houchard for their hard work and advocacy on behalf of all dogs.

PASSED:  Purebred Dog Day in Georgia.  Senate Resolution 868 recognizes May 1, 2022, as Purebred Dog Day in Georgia. This legislation was supported by AKC, the GCC, and AKC clubs. Click here to view the text, its affirmations of the value of purebred dogs, and how to thank the sponsors. Advocates continue their work to make Purebred Dog Day an annual day of recognition in Georgia. Contact doglaw@akc.org for information on how you can help.

DID NOT PASS:  Senate Bill 303 was an onerous, overreaching dog breeder bill that was opposed by AKC, the GCC, AKC clubs, and veterinarians throughout the state. Advocates communicated their grave concerns with the bill and offered positive amendments intended to protect both dogs and individuals who obtain dogs in Georgia.

DID NOT PASS:  House Bill 1450 sought to require good practices when tethering dogs. However, the bill also included unnecessary limitations on safely tethering a dog outdoors when weather conditions are pleasant and do not present a threat to the dog’s health or well-being.

DID NOT PASS:  Senate Resolution 803 was introduced late in the second year of session. This legislation contained incorrect statements denigrating dog breeders and sought to establish a Senate study committee based on those false claims.

Other Issues:  Over the two-year session, AKC GR issued communication in support of legislation to enable emergency transport of injured police dogs and monitored bills addressing vicious animals, dog events, locations on which animals may be displayed for sale, and other measures.

Onward and Upward! In just a few short months, Georgia legislators will begin pre-filing bills for the 2023-2024 legislative session. Take time now to meet with your state senator and representative in their home districts. Let them know that you, your AKC club, the GCC, and the AKC Government Relations department are knowledgeable resources on dog issues.

If your club is not already a member of the Georgia Canine Coalition, join now! By working together, we can help preserve and protect our rights to own, exhibit, breed, and enjoy the dogs we love.

2022 is an election year. Encourage dog owners to register to vote. Get to know candidates for office and their positions on animal issues, and support dog-friendly candidates for seats in the state legislature.

Stay Informed. If you are not directly receiving AKC’s legislative alerts by email, click here to sign up. View AKC’s online advocacy resources that you can download and share:

Key Issues
Toolbox (with downloadable materials)
Recent Legislative & Informational Alerts 
Recent Blogs & Articles
State & Federal Legislation Tracking Map

For additional information, please contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org or 919-816-3720.