New York, NY – Jeffrey Ball, president of the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs (NJFDC), has been honored with the AKC Community Achievement Award for the second quarter of 2013.
The NJFDC, a statewide organization devoted to the welfare of dogs, is composed of 85 member clubs and organizations involving all phases of the dog fancy. The NJFDC promotes the responsible ownership, breeding, and exhibition of dogs and fosters public education on proper dog selection and care.
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 responsible dog ownership within their communities or who have successfully introduced, monitored and responded to legislative issues affecting dog ownership.
Earlier this year, Mr. Ball took action when the Ridgewood, New Jersey town council proposed a fee hike for owners of “potentially dangerous” dogs. He organized experienced dog trainers, club members and dog owners to testify on the importance of providing public education and resources to pet owners before dog problems develop in the community. Town leaders agreed to establish the Ridgewood Responsible Pet Ownership Committee (RRPOC) with the assistance of the NJFDC.
The RRPOC's first project was to promote the town's free rabies clinic and encourage pet licensing renewal by hosting a free microchip clinic held in conjunction with the NJFDC and the Ramapo Kennel Club. The committee's first public educational seminar, the Canine Body Language Workshop was held in June.
With the assistance of AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR), the committee donated two AKC CAR microchip scanners to the town of Ridgewood. “We taught them how to use the scanners and how to go about contacting the owners. The town has been able to reunite lost pets with their owners on their own, without wasting resources calling out [a non-local, fee based] animal control,” Ball said.
Mr. Ball and area dog owners have proposed a similar committee to serve pet owners in the town of Fair Lawn.
“We are pleased to recognize Jeffrey Ball for his work promoting responsible dog ownership and canine education in New Jersey,” said Sheila Goffe, AKC Director of Government Relations. “Under his direction, the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs has made a true impact on dog welfare in the state.”
Nominations for the AKC Community Achievement Awards are accepted year-round. Honorees receive a certificate of appreciation and a $1,000 check payable to their AKC club or AKC-recognized federation to further public education and government relations efforts. Click here to nominate an individual, club or federation.
New York, NY – Jeffrey Ball, president of the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs (NJFDC), has…