Post by trinitydobes on Feb 15, 2012 9:51:32 GMT -5
Crossposted with permission. Dana Johnson
This is a very good recap of this Conference - and I am glad that AKC is getting some good press for a change - this organization does do alot for purebred dogs - without AKC Legislative arm HSUS and PETA would have dealt a death blow to pure bred dog breeders years ago - We need to back AKC and get involved to take the leadership role to fight for our dog owning rights- and take a stand against the onerous canine legislation that wants to take away our rights as dog owner. Education is key and that is something we all need to be active in
What are your thoughts?.
The American Kennel Club’s Inaugural Conference on Canine Legislation
by Jay Kitchener on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 10:41am ·
The American Kennel Club’s Inaugural Conference on Canine Legislation brought together an elite group of 48 state federation delegates and legislative liaisons on January 28-29, 2012 in Raleigh, NC. It was my privilege to represent the Gordon Setter Club of America, the Tartan Gordon Setter Club of New England, and the Federation of Maine Dog Clubs at this landmark conference.
AKC “gets it” "Glad someone does"
I was very impressed by the Government Relations staff. These folks completely understand the important differences between reasonable animal welfare and radical animal rights. They understand that “animal rights” is not a partisan issue, but an issue that impacts lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. They understand that education is the key to defeating the legislation backed by national animal rights groups and their supporters, and toward that end, the Government Relations staff put together a world-class conference that exceeded all of my expectations.
Active dog exhibitors and breeders themselves, the depth of professional experience of the Government Relations staff is as impressive as their hands-on dog experience. With backgrounds in law, legislation, lobbying, and advocacy at both the state and federal levels, this young staff has come together under the Government Relations banner in the last few years. It’s clear to me that the AKC “gets it” when it comes to fighting the threat posed by the animal rights movement to our traditions of owning and breeding dogs because this Government Relations team truly is the best and the brightest. We’re fortunate to have them working for us.
Above the fray
Director of Government Relations Sheila Goffe set the appropriate tone for the conference by reminding us that the AKC has been America’s expert on dogs for 127 years. There are a lot of expectations and responsibilities that come with that position. After all, we are ladies and gentlemen showing our dogs to ladies and gentlemen in the nation’s second oldest organized sport. While the animal rights movement seeks to inflame discussion with emotional rhetoric and misinformation, Sheila stressed that her staff will always “remain above the fray.” This does not mean, however, that Sheila and her staff are not ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. These experienced professionals are ready to help at a moment’s notice.
If you call them, they will come
Regressive canine legislation has increased ten-fold in the first decade of the 21stcentury from about 100 state and municipal-level bills in the year 2000 to over 1200 state and municipal-level bills last year. Most of the legislation is almost identical in its wording and it’s backed by the same controversial national groups. "Pay attention to this - this is where the majority of money donated to HSUS goes - lobbying and getting these bills to be sponsored and brought to the legislature"
Not knowing where these proposed laws will appear next, the Government Relations staff can’t possibly keep track of all of the legislation, especially at the local or municipal level. That’s where the role of state federations, legislative liaisons, and individual dog owners becomes very important. It’s up to each of us to pay attention to what’s happening in our communities, and to communicate with each other and with the Government Relations staff.
While not knowing where these laws will appear next is a disadvantage, the fact that these laws are often identical in their language from place to place means that the Government Relations staff is practiced at mounting a response to them and--most importantly—they are practiced at empowering local dog owners to respond effectively in their communities.
The importance of empowering local dog owners and clubs at the grassroots level was a clear theme at this conference. The Government Relations staff can’t do the work for us in our communities, but they’ll help us with increasingly sophisticated resources ranging from an online “tool box” to a professional political action committee.
That’s not to say that the Government Relations staff won’t come to your state if necessary. They will. A delegate from Illinois told me privately that director Sheila Goffe, a Siberian Husky breeder and exhibitor, forfeited her entry at the Siberian Husky National in order to fly to Springfield to testify before the legislature on a crucial bill. Legislative Analyst Sarah Sprouse traveled to California to meet with legislators in Sacramento. She’s hosted educational “lobby days” in California, Pennsylvania and Texas. Senior Policy Analyst Phil Guidry was to fly to Maine until a winter storm cancelled the event.
Speakers stress grassroots involvement
An impressive slate of speakers stressed the importance of grassroots involvement in educating, inspiring and empowering concerned dog owners in our clubs and communities.
Patti Strand of the National Animal Interest Alliance was the first speaker at the conference, and it’s significant that she was given this lead-off spot. The AKC and the NAIA work closely together and complement each other. These two organizations are the leaders in the fight against regressive legislation. Patti talked about the danger of ballot initiatives in states that permit them, and then she addressed the growing practice of “humane relocation” where shelter and rescue dogs are moved about the country in an unregulated manner. This fast-growing practice of “humane relocation” is controversial and supports the myth of “pet overpopulation” in our country.
One of the most memorable speakers was a young woman from the National Rifle Association. Suzanne Anglewicz holds a law degree and works for the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. Her duties require her to speak to groups of college students around the country. Suzanne shared that her recent appearance at Harvard University was standing room only, but not one student was there to protest her organization. Instead, many students stated that while they may not own a gun, they support the second amendment and wanted to learn more. Suzanne said, “College students want to learn about the issues, and they turn out in droves when I go to speak to them on campus.”
North Carolina state senator David Rouzer offered a legislator’s perspective to the group. Senator Rouzer stressed that for the most part, elected officials are ordinary people who are very approachable and they want to hear from constituents. Senator Rouzer said, “Nothing is more effective to an elected official than a personal e-mail from a constituent on any topic at any time.” Of course, there’s a right way and a wrong way to write an e-mail to a legislator, and Senator Rouzer shared examples of both.
AKC in the mainstream media
AKC Director of Communications Lisa Peterson came to Raleigh from her offices in New York City to speak to the group and conduct hands-on media training. Lisa is an experienced media professional and she shared many tips with us. One of Lisa’s memorable stories was about appearing on Fox News’ controversial Bill O’Reilly Show. Known for his aggressive interview techniques, Bill O’Reilly skewered Lisa with questions on national television. Lisa was prepared for this and she was able to answer his questions while remaining calm, cool and collected. Lisa’s professionalism and knowledge of the issues impressed Bill O’Reilly very much, and an interview that began as a hostile interview ended with mutual respect and friendship between them.
Saving the best for last
Government Relations Director Sheila Goffe had a surprise for us and saved it for the end of this intensive two-day conference. The lights went dim in the conference room, and we watched a short video produced by AKC on the giant screen. Only 90 seconds in length, what we saw was so powerful that when it ended we sat in stunned silence, some of us in tears, for a few seconds. Then, so much spontaneous cheering erupted in the conference room that the hotel security staff stopped in to make sure everything was okay. This short and powerfully moving video brilliantly summarizes the threat to dog ownership from regressive legislation and the controversial national groups that support it. This unforgettable video makes the case and issues a call to action that no one will be able to ignore. This video will be released to national media markets very soon, and it is the most powerful and effective thing the AKC could do for us. It is so powerful and effective, that it will change the debate at the national level when it is released later this year. Be sure to watch for it in your area.
Thank the “big dogs”
As often happens at conferences, some of the best ideas are not part of the program. One idea that came from conversations over lunch was the idea of thanking the “big dogs” at AKC for devoting resources to the important issue of canine legislation. Please consider having your club write a short thank-you note or e-mail to the president, chairman and board of the AKC. Please thank them for devoting their time, attention and resources to this critically important issue of canine legislation. They clearly “get it” and we need to thank them for it.
This is a very good recap of this Conference - and I am glad that AKC is getting some good press for a change - this organization does do alot for purebred dogs - without AKC Legislative arm HSUS and PETA would have dealt a death blow to pure bred dog breeders years ago - We need to back AKC and get involved to take the leadership role to fight for our dog owning rights- and take a stand against the onerous canine legislation that wants to take away our rights as dog owner. Education is key and that is something we all need to be active in
What are your thoughts?.
The American Kennel Club’s Inaugural Conference on Canine Legislation
by Jay Kitchener on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 10:41am ·
The American Kennel Club’s Inaugural Conference on Canine Legislation brought together an elite group of 48 state federation delegates and legislative liaisons on January 28-29, 2012 in Raleigh, NC. It was my privilege to represent the Gordon Setter Club of America, the Tartan Gordon Setter Club of New England, and the Federation of Maine Dog Clubs at this landmark conference.
AKC “gets it” "Glad someone does"
I was very impressed by the Government Relations staff. These folks completely understand the important differences between reasonable animal welfare and radical animal rights. They understand that “animal rights” is not a partisan issue, but an issue that impacts lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. They understand that education is the key to defeating the legislation backed by national animal rights groups and their supporters, and toward that end, the Government Relations staff put together a world-class conference that exceeded all of my expectations.
Active dog exhibitors and breeders themselves, the depth of professional experience of the Government Relations staff is as impressive as their hands-on dog experience. With backgrounds in law, legislation, lobbying, and advocacy at both the state and federal levels, this young staff has come together under the Government Relations banner in the last few years. It’s clear to me that the AKC “gets it” when it comes to fighting the threat posed by the animal rights movement to our traditions of owning and breeding dogs because this Government Relations team truly is the best and the brightest. We’re fortunate to have them working for us.
Above the fray
Director of Government Relations Sheila Goffe set the appropriate tone for the conference by reminding us that the AKC has been America’s expert on dogs for 127 years. There are a lot of expectations and responsibilities that come with that position. After all, we are ladies and gentlemen showing our dogs to ladies and gentlemen in the nation’s second oldest organized sport. While the animal rights movement seeks to inflame discussion with emotional rhetoric and misinformation, Sheila stressed that her staff will always “remain above the fray.” This does not mean, however, that Sheila and her staff are not ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. These experienced professionals are ready to help at a moment’s notice.
If you call them, they will come
Regressive canine legislation has increased ten-fold in the first decade of the 21stcentury from about 100 state and municipal-level bills in the year 2000 to over 1200 state and municipal-level bills last year. Most of the legislation is almost identical in its wording and it’s backed by the same controversial national groups. "Pay attention to this - this is where the majority of money donated to HSUS goes - lobbying and getting these bills to be sponsored and brought to the legislature"
Not knowing where these proposed laws will appear next, the Government Relations staff can’t possibly keep track of all of the legislation, especially at the local or municipal level. That’s where the role of state federations, legislative liaisons, and individual dog owners becomes very important. It’s up to each of us to pay attention to what’s happening in our communities, and to communicate with each other and with the Government Relations staff.
While not knowing where these laws will appear next is a disadvantage, the fact that these laws are often identical in their language from place to place means that the Government Relations staff is practiced at mounting a response to them and--most importantly—they are practiced at empowering local dog owners to respond effectively in their communities.
The importance of empowering local dog owners and clubs at the grassroots level was a clear theme at this conference. The Government Relations staff can’t do the work for us in our communities, but they’ll help us with increasingly sophisticated resources ranging from an online “tool box” to a professional political action committee.
That’s not to say that the Government Relations staff won’t come to your state if necessary. They will. A delegate from Illinois told me privately that director Sheila Goffe, a Siberian Husky breeder and exhibitor, forfeited her entry at the Siberian Husky National in order to fly to Springfield to testify before the legislature on a crucial bill. Legislative Analyst Sarah Sprouse traveled to California to meet with legislators in Sacramento. She’s hosted educational “lobby days” in California, Pennsylvania and Texas. Senior Policy Analyst Phil Guidry was to fly to Maine until a winter storm cancelled the event.
Speakers stress grassroots involvement
An impressive slate of speakers stressed the importance of grassroots involvement in educating, inspiring and empowering concerned dog owners in our clubs and communities.
Patti Strand of the National Animal Interest Alliance was the first speaker at the conference, and it’s significant that she was given this lead-off spot. The AKC and the NAIA work closely together and complement each other. These two organizations are the leaders in the fight against regressive legislation. Patti talked about the danger of ballot initiatives in states that permit them, and then she addressed the growing practice of “humane relocation” where shelter and rescue dogs are moved about the country in an unregulated manner. This fast-growing practice of “humane relocation” is controversial and supports the myth of “pet overpopulation” in our country.
One of the most memorable speakers was a young woman from the National Rifle Association. Suzanne Anglewicz holds a law degree and works for the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. Her duties require her to speak to groups of college students around the country. Suzanne shared that her recent appearance at Harvard University was standing room only, but not one student was there to protest her organization. Instead, many students stated that while they may not own a gun, they support the second amendment and wanted to learn more. Suzanne said, “College students want to learn about the issues, and they turn out in droves when I go to speak to them on campus.”
North Carolina state senator David Rouzer offered a legislator’s perspective to the group. Senator Rouzer stressed that for the most part, elected officials are ordinary people who are very approachable and they want to hear from constituents. Senator Rouzer said, “Nothing is more effective to an elected official than a personal e-mail from a constituent on any topic at any time.” Of course, there’s a right way and a wrong way to write an e-mail to a legislator, and Senator Rouzer shared examples of both.
AKC in the mainstream media
AKC Director of Communications Lisa Peterson came to Raleigh from her offices in New York City to speak to the group and conduct hands-on media training. Lisa is an experienced media professional and she shared many tips with us. One of Lisa’s memorable stories was about appearing on Fox News’ controversial Bill O’Reilly Show. Known for his aggressive interview techniques, Bill O’Reilly skewered Lisa with questions on national television. Lisa was prepared for this and she was able to answer his questions while remaining calm, cool and collected. Lisa’s professionalism and knowledge of the issues impressed Bill O’Reilly very much, and an interview that began as a hostile interview ended with mutual respect and friendship between them.
Saving the best for last
Government Relations Director Sheila Goffe had a surprise for us and saved it for the end of this intensive two-day conference. The lights went dim in the conference room, and we watched a short video produced by AKC on the giant screen. Only 90 seconds in length, what we saw was so powerful that when it ended we sat in stunned silence, some of us in tears, for a few seconds. Then, so much spontaneous cheering erupted in the conference room that the hotel security staff stopped in to make sure everything was okay. This short and powerfully moving video brilliantly summarizes the threat to dog ownership from regressive legislation and the controversial national groups that support it. This unforgettable video makes the case and issues a call to action that no one will be able to ignore. This video will be released to national media markets very soon, and it is the most powerful and effective thing the AKC could do for us. It is so powerful and effective, that it will change the debate at the national level when it is released later this year. Be sure to watch for it in your area.
Thank the “big dogs”
As often happens at conferences, some of the best ideas are not part of the program. One idea that came from conversations over lunch was the idea of thanking the “big dogs” at AKC for devoting resources to the important issue of canine legislation. Please consider having your club write a short thank-you note or e-mail to the president, chairman and board of the AKC. Please thank them for devoting their time, attention and resources to this critically important issue of canine legislation. They clearly “get it” and we need to thank them for it.