The American Kennel Club® announced today that Holly Stump of Ipswitch, Mass. has been named a recipient of the AKC® Community Achievement Awards for her efforts to educate legislators about the dangers of breed-specific legislation. Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners, a group in which she serves as board member, nominated Stump. Stump received one of three awards this quarter – Edward Peterson, of Middlesex, Vt. and Donna and Bill Welty of Vienna, N.J., also received recognition.
The AKC Community Achievement Awards support and recognize outstanding public education and legislation efforts of AKC-affiliated clubs, AKC-recognized federations and their members. The AKC selects award recipients who promote purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership within their communities or who have successfully introduced, monitored and responded to legislative issues affecting dog ownership.
Stump travels her home state on the federation’s behalf, attending town committee meetings and working with legislators to combat breed-specific legislation wherever it is introduced. She also makes therapy visits to an area nursing home with her American Staffordshire Terrier, Lula.
“The dog fanciers of Massachusetts are fortunate to have such a vigilant lobbyist advocating for their rights,” said Noreen Baxter, AKC’s VP of Communications. “Holly and her American Staffordshire Terrier have helped to dispel myths about bully breeds and build trust between dog owners and their communities. We are pleased to present Holly with the AKC Community Achievement Award and thank her for all of her efforts.”
Nominations for the AKC Community Achievement Awards are accepted year-round. Up to three honorees are named each quarter. They receive a certificate of appreciation and a $1,000 check payable to the club or federation’s public education and canine legislation efforts. To nominate a club, please visit the Community Achievement Award section of our website.