through the AKC GR department, rec- ognizes that some clubs or federation of clubs are not in a financial position to undertake the community and legisla- tive educational outreach they’d like to conduct. This program provides small grant to clubs to hold a legislative or educational day or similar activity that advances responsible dog ownership, purebred dogs and related activities in the community. The newest of these awards, the AKC Award for Outstanding Leader- ship in Canine Policy, was developed in late 2016. This award honors excep- tional commitment and leadership that positively impacts canine policy, public understanding of canine policy, respon- sible dog ownership and the future of purebred dogs. Winners of this award may, but do not have to be affiliated with an AKC club or federation. The first recipients of this award, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Lucas were presented with their award at the 2016 AKC National Championship in recognition for their feature film, The Dog Lover , which rais- es awareness about animal-rights fueled bias and misinformation that harms responsible dog owners and breeders. AKC also sponsors awards to help dog clubs expand their community out- reach through AKC awards that clubs nominate and present to dog-friendly leaders in their community to show appreciation for their support and bring attention to the good things they do. These awards include: AKC Legislator of the Year Awards, AKC Dog Friendly Community Awards and AKC Canine Officer (K9 COPS) program. For information about any of these awards, contact the AKC GR team at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org. WHAT’S NEW FOR 2017 Starting this year, the AKC GR team is emphasizing and expanding regional outreach activities. Already this year, AKC’s first regional legislative/outreach representative has been deployed in the field to directly help constituents in the Southeastern Region of the US. Patty Van Sicklen is a veteran leg- islative analyst for the AKC GR team, based out of Birmingham, Alabama. Patty oversees legislation in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennes- see, Kentucky, Georgia and South Caro- lina. Patty works directly with individu- als, clubs, federations and legislative
liaisons in this area to facilitate legisla- tive, public policy or other policy-based community outreach and education. She can be reached at pvs@akc.org or via doglaw@akc.org. The team plans to train and place additional reps in key field positions elsewhere in the future. Based on the success of previous national conferences, the GR team is also developing series of regional con- ferences around the country to bring together key players, focus on region- specific policy issues and provide resources, strategies and tools for com- munity and legislative involvement. The GR team took the show on the road in January with an inaugural regional leg- islative conference in New England. “The new regional conference is designed to bring together club mem- bers, dog fanciers and other allied groups in a specific region to provide them with information and resources about legislative trends and proposals specifically impacting them, said Sheila Goffe. “It’s an opportunity for partici- pants to access new information and insights about national and regional trends, and to discuss how we can work together to protect our rights and the future of responsible dog ownership and breeding in the region.” Approximately 80 people partici- pated in AKC’s New England Legislative Conference in Boxborough, Massachu- setts on January 22, 2017. Participants included dog club members, dog fanci- ers, sportsmen, representatives from regulatory agencies, animal control officers, a representative from the pet industry and a pet store owner. Lively discussion about personal experiences and specific policy con- cerns followed each of the presenta- tions, which included: • “Working Together to Fight Anti- Dog/Anti-Breeder Legislation” by Sheila Goffe, AKC GR Vice Presi- dent. This presentation outlined current canine policy status, as well as trends, strategies and tactics being used by anti-breeder groups and appropriate ways to respond to the challenges. It also provided an overview of AKC tools and resourc- es and how clubs and individuals can leverage the good things they do to build rapport and good canine policy in their communities. • “Engaging Members in Effective Advocacy and Networking”
Forrest and Charlotte Lucas receiving the inaugural AKC Excellence in Canine Policy Award from AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung and AKC Vice President of Government Relations Sheila Goffe at the AKC National Championship Show.
Georgia Senator Bill Heath receiving the AKC Legislator of the Year Award from Sheila Goffe, AKC Vice President of Government Relations.
Whittier California residents celebrate their AKC Dog Friendly Community Award.
Patty Van Sicklen, Government Relations new SE Regional Representative.
46 • S how S ight M agazine , M arch 2017
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