New York, NY– The American Kennel Club® (AKC) is pleased to name the Dog Owners of the Granite State (NH DOGS) as the fourth quarter 2020 winner of the Walter Bebout Award for Leadership in Canine Legislation. The award recognizes federations and owner/breeder organizations that have demonstrated leadership in educating legislators about responsible dog ownership issues and have worked to preserve the rights of responsible owners and breeders. Clubs or federations recognized with the Bebout Award receive a donation to help offset the costs associated with their legislative efforts.
As the AKC-recognized federation of dog clubs and responsible pet owners in New Hampshire, NH DOGS has worked to protect the interests of New Hampshire pet owners since 1991. Together with AKC’s Government Relations Department, NH DOGS supports legislation promoting the human-canine bond. During the 2020 legislative session, multiple animal bills were filed for consideration by the New Hampshire House Committee on Environment and Agriculture. Consistent with AKC and NH DOGS testimony and recommendations, the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted for common sense animal welfare measures in 2020. These joint advocacy efforts further ensured the humane treatment of dogs in the Granite State. Some well-intentioned but problematic measures were also successfully defeated in 2020, ensuring dog owners retained the power to make decisions regarding appropriate veterinary care in conjunction with their dog’s veterinarian and not subject to arbitrary government regulation.
On receiving the award, NH DOGS’ President, Angela Ferrari, stated, “I want to thank the NH DOGS members who stepped up to the plate this year as we faced over 20 bills impacting pet ownership. Their hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated. Last, but not least, we are so grateful to the legislators who listened to us and recognized the concerns that were raised.”
The American Kennel Club congratulates AKC’s New Hampshire federation, NH DOGS, and its member breeders and owners for their ongoing successful legislative advocacy.
For more information about AKC’s Government Relations and NH DOGS’ advocacy work, please visit: www.akcgr.org and www.nhdogs.org.
