Legislative Information

Our right of responsible ownership of dogs is constantly put in jeopardy by a well financed small group of activists who are working to create what they call "animal rights." The rights that they want to "give" to animals are to be taken away from animal owners.

The BCA (Bulldog Club of America) Legislative Committee seeks to promote the best interests of purebred Bulldogs by encouraging adoption laws, rules, ordinances and legislation favorable to these interests, and by discouraging adoption of all those that are not.

It is up to all of us to act to protect ourselves from unfair laws concerning dog ownership. Learn which state legislative committees are working on dog laws, arm yourself with knowledge and information about proposed legislation, and contact your legislators to let them know your position. In short, be active in protecting your rights as a dog owner!

Our Division III BCA Legislative Committee Member is BCNC member Jennifer Joseph.

Current Issues

AKC Political Action Committee

November 10, 2011

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has been protecting the interests of purebred dog owners for 126 years.

Today, as never before, our right to own and breed dogs responsibly is being threatened by the introduction of repressive canine legislation. This year AKC Government Relations tracked over 1,200 bills from across the United States that sought to impact the rights of dog owners and breeders. In addition to radical ownership limits, breeding restrictions, spay/neuter mandates, and breed-specific restrictions, some proposals have gone so far as to attempt to regulate all owners of multiple dogs as commercial breeders, regardless of breeding practices. The similarity of these measures from one state to another demonstrates the efforts of a national agenda aimed at taking away our rights to own and breed dogs in a manner consistent with our expertise.

Successfully defending our way of life requires that we all stand up to defend our rights. It also depends on ensuring that lawmakers in office understand our concerns, and are willing to fight for the future of our dogs, our sport, and our way of life. On behalf of the AKC Political Action Committee (AKC PAC), I'm asking for your assistance.

One of the easiest ways we can defend our rights is by supporting the election of candidates who share our interests. Through the AKC PAC, you have the opportunity to join with other purebred dog owners in support of elected officials and candidates who champion AKC's positions on responsible dog ownership, breeding, and showing, and who will defend dog sports and responsible breeders during these legislative battles. One hundred percent of your contributions go directly to supporting the campaigns of candidates who will help protect our rights.*

Click here to join the fight today.

The common bond between all dog fanciers is our love of the purebred dog. We have shared interests and a shared responsibility to preserve the right to own and breed dogs. The challenges ahead are daunting, but together with your help, we can ensure that these rights are protected for years to come.

Sincerely,

Carl C. Ashby, III
Chairman, AKC PAC Board

* Although the AKC PAC can only accept donations from individuals, clubs can help too by encouraging their members to donate or by supporting AKC legislation activities. For more information contact AKCPAC@akc.org or visit www.akc.org/PAC.

Contact Governor Jerry Brown
State Capitol Building, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-558-3160

What You Can Do

• Stay informed and write letters, make phone calls, and spread the word when action is needed!
• Find up-to-date information at AKC's Government Legislation site.
• Sign up for The National Animal Interest Alliance Trust (NAIA) alerts.