American Kennel Club Presents Legislator of the Year Award to Representative Vicky Hartzler

Washington, DC – The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to present U.S. Representative Vicky Hartzler of Missouri’s 4th Congressional District with an “AKC Legislator of the Year” award. Representative Hartzler has earned this accolade for her strong advocacy for the inclusion of responsible pet importation language in the 2018 Farm Bill.

“The risks to the public, pet and livestock health posed by irre sponsible importation of pets into the U.S. should not be underestimated ,” said Sheila Goffe, Vice President of Government Relations. “ AKC is grateful for the leadership of Vicky Hartzler for sponsoring language in the Farm Bill that requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide an estimate of the number of dogs annually imported into the country, along with an estimate of how many of them lack proper health paperwork . ”

Rep. Hartzler is a lifelong farmer who sits on the House Agriculture Committee, where she serves on the Nutrition and Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittees. Her rich experience with agriculture and farming has helped shape her commitment to animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

Rep. Hartzler accepted the award from AKC Vice President of Government Relations Sheila Goffe on January 30 th.