IV 118th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1451 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 16, 2024 Mr. Rouzer submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability RESOLUTION Honoring the the American Kennel Club on its 140th anniversary.

Whereas the American Kennel Club (AKC), the world’s largest all-breed dog registry, is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2024; Whereas the AKC has more than 5,000 local and breed-based dog clubs throughout the United States, hosting events and working in local communities to promote responsible pet ownership and improve the lives of all dogs; Whereas the AKC and its affiliated kennel clubs throughout the United States hosted more than 26,000 dog events in 2023, with more than 3.5 million dogs participating from across the United States, celebrating responsible breeding, training, and the human-canine bond; Whereas AKC events can inject more than $2.15 million into the community during each event weekend; Whereas the AKC Canine Health Foundation has provided over $67.5 million in grants research projects that focus on all aspects of the physical, mental, and social well-being of dogs; Whereas AKC Reunite has helped reunite over 685,000 lost pets nationwide with their owners; Whereas AKC Reunite Adopt a K–9 Cop Program has donated funding for police K–9s to more than 200 police departments throughout the United States; Whereas the AKC Pet Disaster Relief program, managed through AKC Reunite with the support of AKC clubs, has donated more than 100 disaster relief trailers to counties and local communities to provide immediate assistance to pets after natural disasters; Whereas the AKC’s Detection Dog Task Force works to address the shortage of United States-bred and trained explosive detection dogs to protect public safety and national security, and its Patriotic Puppy Program works with American breeders to breed, raise, and train high-quality working dogs suitable for advanced training as detection dogs; Whereas, since 2009, the AKC’s Humane Fund provides grants to shelters that house victims of domestic abuse with their pets; Whereas the AKC’s Humane Fund provides grants to not-for-profit canine rescues to help offset the costs of significant expenses, and provides more than $10,000 each year in scholarships for students enrolled in studies contributing to the well-being of dogs; Whereas the AKC has a dedicated team of field agents who visit and inspect kennels to educate breeders and ensure proper care and conditions of AKC-registered dogs and accurate record keeping; Whereas, since 2000, AKC field agents have conducted more than 80,000 inspections nationwide; Whereas the AKC created the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program, a 10-step test that encourages and certifies dogs who have good manners and is widely recognized as the gold standard for dog training; Whereas more than 1.2 million dogs have earned CGC certification; Whereas the AKC provides teachers nationwide with academically rigorous lesson plans and activities that incorporate core subject areas for grades K–12 and teach about responsible dog ownership; Whereas the AKC’s Rescue Network provides financial assistance to nonprofit rescue groups; and Whereas more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups are located across the United States, the largest rescue network in America: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) congratulates the American Kennel Club on its 140th Anniversary and thanks the AKC and its clubs for their continued commitment to responsible dog ownership and the well-being of all dogs; and (2) honors the dedicated and responsible breeders who work to preserve and advance their breeds and responsible dog ownership throughout the United States.