On Friday, January 14, 2022, the New Hampshire House Fish and Game and Marine Resources Committee will hear public testimony on House Bill 1308, which would ban the capture, possession, and propagation of hares and rabbits for hunting dog training and field trials. If adopted, HB 1308 would effectively prohibit beagle clubs from continuing to host field trials and revoke the clubs’ New Hampshire Fish and Game permits allowing the capture of 20 wild hare annually for purposes of training their scent hounds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recently issued an alert that warned that the complete elimination of beagle training and competition events would constitute a serious assault on the sport of hunting with dogs.
AKC strongly opposes HB 1308 and will attend the hearing to testify in person. Of the 14 AKC-affiliated clubs in New Hampshire, four are beagle clubs. Each has no less than 55 acres where training and events take place. Dog training is an important element of responsible dog ownership and public safety. In fact, a well-trained dog is one of the best conservation tools in locating fallen game.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: New Hampshire residents are urged to attend the hearing in person and speak to the negative consequences of HB 1308 and its threat to dog-related activities. The public hearing is on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 2:45pm in the Legislative Office Building, Room 307, 33 N State Street, Concord, New Hampshire, 03301.
Residents unable to attend the hearing are strongly encouraged to electronically register your opposition to the bill by filling out this form.
- Click on the bill hearing date, January 14, 2022.
- Under the drop-down menu, select “House Fish and Game and Marine Resources” and bill “HB1308”.
- Select I am “A member of the public” representing “myself”.
- Then indicate you are opposed to this bill.
You will need to provide your name and address before submitting your position.
For more information on this or other legislative issues in New Hampshire, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org; or the Dog Owners of the Granite State at dogs.nh@gmail.com.