It is important to follow your local news carefully, watching for the kinds of events that might trigger a dog related proposal by your
local government. And don't forget to read the public notices section of the local newspaper. It announces legislative meetings,
hearings, and details that the main stories might miss.
2. Take advantage of local information sources.
Your city or county courthouse, your public library, the staff or clerk of the local government, and even the members of the media are
all equipped to answer your legislative questions. Most phone books list numbers of local and state government offices, and many
governments send free informational materials. Don't be afraid to take your questions to the source.
3. Familiarize yourself with the local legislative process.
What is involved in getting a proposal passed into law in your area? Are public hearings required before the assembly or city council
can vote? Are meetings open to the public? Can the mayor veto a bill? etc.
4. Know how you can become involved.
How can you get on the agenda to speak at a hearing? Are there rules for speaking? How far in advance are hearings announced,
and where are such announcements posted? What is involved in becoming a member of a special task force or study committee
should such an issue arise?
5. Get to know you officials.
Learn who they are, and what they support, when they were elected and when they come up for re-election. What are their personal
interests? Do they have any pets? Arrange to meet with them to introduce yourself and your club's interests.
6. Acquaint yourself with your state senators and representatives.
Become familiar with their names and interests. Find out who represents your district, and the districts in which your club has
members. And don't forget those staff members! They can be valuable contacts, and great sources of information.
7. Find out which committees in your state and local governments handle canine concerns.
An agriculture committee may deal with kennel regulations or zoning, while a commerce committee may monitor the intrastate sale
of dogs. Get your name on these committees' mailing lists to recieve information about the upcoming hearings and agendas.
8. Learn about your federal representatives.
Who are the senators and representatives in your state? On which committees do they serve? What are their interests? What issues
do they support? When is the next re-election, and which of them will be on the ballot?
9. Involve your club.
Encourage club members to take an interest in legislative concerns. Share your legislative news with them regularly, so that they will
not be surprised if you suddenly need their help. Organize a phone chain or other efficient form of contact so that you can alert club
members easily if an issue arises requiring a rapid response.
10. Communicate with other groups.
Talk to groups that share your concern for canine welfare. In addition to other dog clubs, local shelters, vetrinary societies, or animal
owner groups make valuable allies.
