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The AKC Community Achievement Award
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Our Information Booth !!!
Wilmington
Kennel Club, Newark, Delaware
In the mid 1990s, the Wilmington Kennel Club decided to focus their efforts on
public education and canine legislation to present their purebred dogs and their
sport in the best possible light. The club built a traveling six-table booth,
cultivated a strong relationship with the local media and appointed a
Legislative Liaison to keep an eye on lawmakers.
The result?
In the past five years, an amended law involving dangerous dogs, a puppy
warranty and an exemption for AKC-registered dogs for a spay and neuter law have
been added to the Wilmington law books. And the club has been asked to serve on
a task force for the City of Wilmington to create legislation to handle dog
control.
"We worked with officials to exempt breeders who produce less than 20
puppies per year from the puppy warranty, which is similar to a lemon law,"
said Martha Doerner, PEC and Legislative Liaison for the club.
When the city passed a law banning "pit bulls," the club asked for and
received an exemption for AKC-registerable bull breeds.
"It's gotten to the point where the state, county and local legislative
officials don't make a move without calling us first," said Doerner.
The Wilmington community is also more aware of the kennel club, thanks to its
six-table booth. The booth attends many civic and club events throughout the
area. A TV/VCR plays breed and responsible dog ownership videos, and club
members are on hand to speak with the public about everything from agility and
tracking to choosing the right breed and responsible dog ownership. Dogs usually
attend the booth functions as well, which allows the public to view different
breeds up close and personal.
Before the holiday season, the club collaborated with the Wilmington News
Journal. The newspaper wrote a story on the many reasons not to buy a dog as a
holiday present and helpful hints on winter care. The paper has also covered the
club's shows and their move into a new building.
Due to the newspaper's coverage, the club has seen a very positive response from
its community and its lawmakers.
"Our public education and the media coverage really gives us a leg to stand
on with our canine legislation efforts," said Doerner. "Lawmakers take
us seriously when they see our dedication."
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