In a ceremony held at their New York headquarters, the American Kennel Club presented Dr. Arnold L. Goldman, DVM, MPH and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners with the 2015 Bebout Memorial Award for Leadership in Canine Legislation.
Named for Walter Bebout, the late Director of the AKC Government Relations Department, the award recognizes individuals and organizations that have been actively involved in educating legislators about responsible dog ownership issues and have worked to preserve the rights of responsible owners and breeders.
Together with the Connecticut Federation, of which he is a trustee, Dr. Goldman and the federation have demonstrated innovative leadership in educating Connecticut residents about responsible dog ownership, pet health, animal welfare, public health issues, crisis planning, and emergency response for animals.
“We are humbled to be named as recipients of the Bebout Award,” said Dr. Goldman. “The AKC’s mission statement includes the phrase, “to advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership.” That is something that the federation works on actively and something I strive to uphold each day in my practice and in my work with the American Veterinary Medical Association.”
Dr. Goldman is a proven leader in animal welfare policy and has been active in bringing attention to illegal and inhumane pet trafficking issues in the state and around the country. He has testified numerous times on canine legislative issues in both Connecticut and New York and developed compromise legislation addressing retail pet sales and consumer protection that serves as a model for other communities nationwide.
Dr. Goldman is also widely recognized as a leader in the veterinary field. He is a long-time leader in the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and was chosen by colleagues as Connecticut Veterinarian of the Year for 2008. He has served as president of the New England Veterinary Medical Association, the Connecticut Veterinary Association, and the National Alliance of State Animal and Agricultural Emergency Programs. Dr. Goldman is currently running for AVMA District 1 Director.
He created or collaborated with colleagues to create the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Foundation; CTSART, the Connecticut State Animal Response Team; Companions-in-Crisis, a domestic violence program; and HAVEN, a substance abuse program for veterinarians.
“We are thrilled to honor Dr. Goldman for his leadership in responsible dog ownership and public policy. His work is a model and an inspiration for dog lovers, veterinarians and communities throughout the country,” said Sheila Goffe, AKC’s Director of Government Relations.
Dr. Goldman and the Connecticut Federation have demonstrated innovative leadership in educating state residents about responsible dog ownership, pet health, animal welfare, public health issues, crisis planning, and emergency response for animals.