It's finally happened!  Our Legislative Website is "up and running" thanks to the input and work from all who have given their time and ideas.   We look forward to this website being a tool to assist you in communicating your views on proposed legislation.  Updates will be posted as they become available.  So, be watching as it may be your city/state next! 

The Legislative Committee has now grown to include volunteers from many states and we look forward to more coming onboard.    Shirley got the "ball rolling" with her request for representatives from all states!  We are so excited and pleased with the response from all of you that have volunteered to be a part of this Committee.  A Very Big Thank You! 

I cannot emphasize enough how important EDUCATION is now.  Engage your elected officials and their staff, pet owners, vet clinic employees, friends and neighbors and EDUCATE them about good legislation, bad legislation, and responsible dog ownership.   Ongoing projects will include developing written materials/hand-outs for this purpose.  Any ideas?  Please come forward! 

Lastly, this is your Club and your Committee. Let's come together and protect our rights as responsible breeders and stewards of our beloved Yorkies.

Regards,

Janice I. Watt
Chair
 

Your Board has approved a change in the structure of the Legislative Committee to include volunteers from each State.  A committee of few cannot begin to cover the legislation that is cropping up in a multitude of cities and states.  Therefore, it’s time for all members to take ownership of what is happening in their own state.  Remember, your elected officials are going to pay more attention to their constituents – that’s where they get the votes!  We all can follow suit and help when needed.

Be brief and courteous, but make your point.  State your issue in the subject line or first sentence, state why you oppose or support the issue, and address the issue again in closing. 

The example letters provided below include “talking points” that address Breed Specific Legislation, Limit Laws and Mandatory Spay/Neuter.   These examples can be modified to make your letter more personal and not appear to be another form letter that will most likely be ignored.

You may also find the following resources helpful:

National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) website under Legislative and Legal Resources.  NAIA recently provided a “Dallas, Texas, Action Alert!” that included an overview of the proposed ordinance, Talking Points, and the names of the Dallas city officials with their phone and fax numbers and email addresses. 

                 Link to NAIA:    http://www.naiaonline.org/resources/legislative.htm

The American Kennel Club (AKC) website under Government Relations for additional information on current legislative issues, including who to contact about your concerns.  AKC’s Taking Command publication, which is soon to become the Taking Command Blog, is also a good source of legislative information. 

                         Link to AKC:    http://www.akc.org/canine_legislation/