American Kennel Club working to create a legislative-focused committee

Washington - 8/21/2007 - The American Kennel Club (AKC) filed a request with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to form a political action committee focused on canine legislative issues.

"[The Aug. 10] filing with the FEC is the first and arguably most significant step toward giving the AKC and the dog fancy a crucial tool for positively affecting dog legislation at the federal and state level," says Ron Menaker, AKC's chairman of the board. "Many people think that all an organization has to do to form a political action committee (PAC) is to start soliciting money. In fact, the process can be very complicated, particularly given the unusual membership structure of the AKC and its member and affiliate clubs. It is essential that we proceed in a deliberate and legal manner."

The FEC opinion will determine whom the AKC can solicit money from to support the PAC.

The filing of the FEC request was called a "watershed event in the history of the AKC," by President Dennis B. Sprung. "We have been very aggressive in advocating for the rights and interests of purebred dog owners and breeders through our Canine Legislation Department, our federal legislative consultant, our state federations of dog clubs and our individual member and licensed clubs, but without a PAC, the dog fancy has been fighting with one hand tied behind their backs. A PAC will enable us to be infinitely more effective in representing our interests."