FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brandi Hunter
Date: October 17, 2016 Phone: 212-696-8220
Email: bth@akc.org
CONGRESSIONAL VETERINARIANS INTRODUCE RESOLUTION HONORING PUREBRED DOGS
New York, NY - U.S. Congressmen and veterinarians Ted Yoho [R-FL-3] and Kurt Schrader [D-OR-5] have joined forces across the aisle to introduce a Congressional Resolution in support of National Purebred Dog Day.
The resolution, H. Con Res. 170, highlights the crucial role that purebred dogs and breeders of purebred dogs have played in United States history and spotlights the many ways purebred dogs have served U.S. citizens as military working dogs, guide and service dogs, search and rescue dogs, disease detection dogs and more.
"Dogs are loyal, loving, and fill us with great joy. As a veterinarian for 30 years, I have seen all kinds of animals. Purebred dogs possess traits that have been selected over hundreds, even thousands of years which enable them to perform certain tasks very well," Congressman Yoho said. "It's the special characteristics in each individual breed -such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Saint Bernard's or Border Collies -to name a few, that make them unique and enrich all our lives. Because of their contributions and service to us, it is only fitting we set as side a day to give them the recognition they deserve. After all, they are man's best friend."
Congressman Schrader adds, "From service animals for the disabled to military and rescue service, certain characteristics found in purebred dogs lend themselves very well to the specific needs of service work. In fact, many of these breeds came about in response to the need for working dogs with specific characteristics over the ages. I'm happy to support this resolution to celebrate purebreds for the assistance that they are uniquely able to offer."
This resolution joins Senate Resolution 447, introduced earlier this year by Senator Thom Tillis, which designates May 1 as National Purebred Dog Day.
National Purebred Dog Day was originally created by Colorado fancier Susi Szeremy in 2013 as a way to increase awareness and celebrate all of the ways purebred dogs better our lives. Thousands of breeders and dog owners from across the United States celebrate purpose-bred dogs and the predictability of breeds during NPDD on all social media platforms.
"The American Kennel Club thanks Congressman Schrader and the United States Congress for recognizing the importance of National Purebred Dog Day.," said Dennis B. Sprung, AKC President and CEO. "Purebred dogs enhance our lives in invaluable ways. Their predictability not only makes them great pets, but it also makes them wonderful service assets to our society.
Click here to view a copy of H Con. Res 170.
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The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
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