Kennel Club. The former President of the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs returned to New England to share her experiences and tips for getting involved in canine advo- cacy and urged others to follow in her footsteps. • “Animal Welfare and Importation in New England—The Cognitive Disso- nance of Dog Trafficking and Anti- Breeder Policy” by Dr. Arnold Gold- man, DVM, Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs. Dr. Arnold Goldman spoke about concerns regarding the impact of irresponsible rescues and dog trafficking on canine and gener- al public health in New England. He noted that domestic, purpose-bred pets do not present the same chal- lenges to public health. However, anti-breeder sentiment and policies have exacerbated current public health concerns. • “A Path to Community Involvement, Engagement and Club Enhancement” by Christopher Sweetwood, AKC Delegate, Trap Falls Kennel Club. This presentation focused on build- ing strong community relations using resources such as “canine carnival” public education days and AKC Reunite’s K9 programs. • “Building Relations” by Jeffrey Ball, AKC Delegate, Ramapo Ken- nel Club; President, New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs. Jeffrey Ball highlighted how the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs has built relationships in their communities and credibility with legislators by engaging and welcoming all dog lovers to participate in educational days, lobby days and community outreach events that range from microchip clinics to publicity for AKC Reunite Disaster Trailers. • “A Legislator’s Perspective: Why Legislators Need to Hear from You” by the Hon. Janice Gardner, AKC Delegate, Rockingham County Ken- nel Club. Former New Hampshire State representative, lobbyist and dog fancier Janice Gardner spoke candidly about the importance of educating and interacting with legis- lators on canine issues and the need for more dog owners and breeders to get actively involved in attending hearings and contacting legislators. She noted that dog owners must get
involved and communicate directly with their legislators if they want to preserve their rights to own and breed dogs. • “Regional Legislative Overview and Group Work Sessions” led by AKC staff. This program outlined legislation that had been recently introduced in New England and compared it with similar legislation from around the country. Legisla- tive language, trends, tactics and approaches were discussed. Phil Guidry, AKC Government Rela- tions Senior Policy Analyst commented, “We got down to the nitty-gritty on pol- icy issues that often divide fanciers and other groups. It was great to see advo- cates from diverse backgrounds pledge to work together to defend against radi- cal animal legislation that’s plaguing New England, and starting to afflict the whole country.” “Our dedicated attendees engaged in inspired discussion. We look forward to seeing all that these advocates will achieve legislatively in their communi- ties,” Goffe added. The Government Relations team will host additional regional legislative con- ferences throughout the country this year and in coming years. In a recent blog, Sheila Goffe com- mented, “The loss of the circus repre- sents the damage that hatred, extrem- ism and bullying can cause to science, the public good and the human-animal bond. The [extremist] groups that fraudulently attacked Ringling Broth- ers continue to attack dog breeders as ‘cruel puppy mills.’ For the sake of our animals and the future of the human- animal bond, let’s learn from this trag- edy, take time to ask tough questions about bullying attacks on animal enter- prises and ensure this situation never happens again.” To see Sheila Goffe’s full blog article, please visit http://www.akc.org/con- tent/news/articles/ringling-brothers- circus-call-dog-lovers/. Fair warning—it’s up to us! Befriend your local politicians and remind yourself over and over that they want your vote to represent you. Hold them accountable! The Greatest Shows on Earth are in our hands! Powerful, well-funded orga- nizations are working against us. Be informed. Success begins with you!
Phil Guidry, AKC Government Relations Senior Policy Analyst and Vice President Sheila Goffe responding to questions at the New England Legislative Conference.
The Honorable Janice Gardner, AKC Delegate and former New Hampshire Legislator and lobbyist, at the New England Legislative Conference sharing first hand knowledge from a legislator’s perspective.
AKC Government Team Members Melissa Ferrell and Jennifer Clark.
by Phil Guidry, AKC Government Relations Sr. Policy Analyst. This presentation provided an overview of successful methods for engag- ing club members in grassroots advocacy, as well as numerous tips on getting involved in the political process for the first time. • “My Road to Advocacy” by Nancy Fisk, AKC Delegate, Hockamock
48 • S how S ight M agazine , M arch 2017
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