Thursday, June 20, 2019
Despite loud outcries from New Hampshire voters and members of the House Environment and Agriculture Committee, Senate and House budget negotiators have agreed in House Bill 2 (the negotiated budget bill) to policy changes that the American Kennel Club (AKC) and NH Dog Owners of the Granite State (NH DOGS) are seriously concerned about.
For a summary of those changes, click here to read our prior alert.
The budget negotiators have been in dialogue with the Governor’s office to avoid the inclusion of items he does not support, which would result in a veto. The Governor may also list problematic items included in a final budget document expected to be sent to him next week for signature. Items on the Governor’s veto list would be sent back to the negotiator’s table for reconsideration.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is asking you to immediately contact Governor Sununu’s office and request that he object to HB2 #337, 338, and 342 because it eliminates “commercial kennel” as a legal entity and merges breeders into a new “pet vendor” definition.
- Many breeders devote their entire lives to developing a line or pedigree of dogs that meet specific temperament, performance, and health standards.
- Many also breed dogs for specific purposes, such as hunting, search and rescue, therapy, and assistance for the disabled.
- Pet vendors are in the business of selling animals, not producing and raising quality animals for breed preservation and personal use. This policy change confuses the primary purpose of both legal entities currently and appropriately recognized in New Hampshire law.
CONTACT GOVERNOR SUNUNU by PHONE OR EMAIL:
Governor’s office is (603) 271-2121 and Constituent Services is (800) 852-3456
Or, submit your comments at https://new-hampshire.secure.force.com/support/GOV_Opinion
AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will provide additional information as developments warrant. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.