National Purebred Dog Day resolution submitted to Congress

Eric Isselee/Shutterstock.comEarlier this month, United States Congressmen and veterinarians Ted Yoho (R-FL), Ralph Abraham (R-LA) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) introduced a Congressional Resolution (H. CON. RES. 46) in support of designating a “National Purebred Dog Day,” according to a release from the American Kennel Club.

National Purebred Dog Day, which is currently celebrated on May 1, was originally created in 2013 by writer and puli fancier Susi Szeremy as a way to highlight the past and present contributions of purebred dogs, the AKC release states. The resolution comes at a time when purebred breeds are receiving more scrutiny based on congenital health problems (see dvm360.com/brachy and dvm360.com/toymalformations for recent examples).

According to the resolution, these contributions include “serving as guide dogs, service dogs, conservation dogs, livestock guardians, search and rescue dogs, earth dogs, police dogs, canine soldiers serving by the sides of our military men and women, and ultimately guardians of family, home, and hearth.” The resolution also points to the many ways in which purebred dogs have helped advance human medicine.

Though the Congressmen say they recognize the value of all dogs, regardless of ancestry, they state that the predictability of purpose-bred dogs deserves special recognition.

“As a farmer, veterinarian and military veteran, I can personally attest to the many ways purebred dogs have made a difference in the lives of Americans,” Abraham says in the release. “Each purebred breed was developed for a specific purpose. From search and rescue and working dogs to service animals and loyal companions, purebred dogs continue to play a critical role, and I am proud to sponsor this legislation that recognizes their contributions to our country.”

The resolution was referred to the House Committee on Government Oversight and Reform on April 4, 2017, and will need to be adopted by the House before moving on to the Senate.