New York, NY – The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce that State Representative John T. O’Connor of New Hampshire will be presented with the 2018 AKC Legislator of the Year Award for New Hampshire. Angela Ferrari, Legislative Chair for AKC’s New Hampshire federation, the Dog Owners of the Granite State (D.O.G.S.), will present the award later this month.
“D.O.G.S. is grateful to the many state legislators who worked tirelessly this past year to ensure responsible canine legislation” said Ferrari. “However, special thanks are being sent to Chairman O’Connor for his leadership, professionalism, and advocacy on behalf of all responsible dog owners and purebred breeders in New Hampshire.”
“Representative O’Connor’s leadership continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to responsible dog ownership,” said Sheila Goffe, Vice President of Government Relations for the AKC. “We appreciate the tremendous good he does for dogs and dog owners in New Hampshire.”
Representative O’Connor serves as Chairman of the Environment and Agriculture Committee. This past legislative session, Chair O’Connor’s committee significantly amended a bill that otherwise would have imposed potentially unconstitutional bond-for-care requirements for anyone accused of animal cruelty – regardless of a finding of guilt. The troublesome measure also would have expanded the state’s definition of ‘commercial kennel’ to include certain traditionally non-commercial dog enthusiasts, owners, and hobby breeders.
Representative O’Connor helped ensure that the final bill – which passed the New Hampshire General Court with the support of the American Kennel Club and D.O.G.S — was constitutional, effective, and fair. He is also currently serving on a commission established by the Governor to examine what changes need to be made to the state’s animal cruelty and neglect laws. John T. O'Connor represents Rockingham 6, and was first elected to the chamber in 2010. He has owned Newfoundlands.
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About the Award
The AKC Legislator of the Year award honors legislators who demonstrate a commitment to promoting responsible dog ownership, the well-being of dogs, and protecting the rights of dog owners, exhibitors, and responsible breeders.
About the American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club 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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