> And while this is the first year the American Kennel Club conducted the poll, dogs have a long pedigree in American politics.<
AKC, long a registry for keeping straight the pedigrees of America's purebreds, and for holding competitive events (including such diverse pastimes like bird dog field trials, to the parade of beauties at Westminster each year), has recently found itself in the thick of the animal rights battle in this country.
Animal rightists are attacking people's rights to own their dogs, by changing language, and by setting precedents. For example, PETA and its ilk want to change you from your dog's owner, to its "guardian", therefore eroding your rights to control how you live your life.
AKC now has a legislative committee, and there are federations of dog breeders in many states. These political entities lobby for sane, pet oriented law.
The whack jobs at PETA are trying to keep breeders from breeding dogs and cats because it cuts in to their fund raiser, Save a SATO.
This SATO program imports strays from outside the country to put in our shelters here so the shelters don't lose money.
The shelters have become some sort of obscene pet store for funds.