American Kennel Club Presents Legislator Of The Year Award To US Senator Kelly Ayotte

NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Kennel Club (AKC^®), the world's largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, has announced that it will present U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire with the AKC Legislator of the Year Award on Friday, October 14, 2016 at the Souhegan Kennel Club's Fall Extravaganza and Regional Obedience Trial.

"Senator Ayotte has been a great friend to dogs and a tremendous advocate for responsible dog owners and dog ownership," said Sheila Goffe, Vice President of Government Relations for the AKC. "One example of her leadership is her introduction of S. 1559, the Pet and Women Safety Act (PAWS), which establishes a program to help victims of domestic violence obtain safe accommodations for their pets when they are seeking shelter from their attackers."

Numerous studies show that victims of domestic violence and related crimes will delay leaving or return to a dangerous situation out of concern for their pets.  Despite the frequent occurrence of pets being used as pawns in abusive relationships, few domestic violence shelters have the ability to accommodate victims who seek a safe place for themselves and their pets.

In 2010, the AKC developed the AKC Women's Shelter Grant Program through the AKC Humane Fund to assist shelters in developing programs to address this tragic situation.  The PAWS Act creates the Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program, which would award grants for programs that provide assistance to victims of stalking and domestic violence. These grants and other protections for pets in the PAWS bill will further this important effort and ensure the safety of domestic violence victims and their pets.

Event Information (Media photo opportunity available):
Friday, October 14, 2016
12:30pm-1:15pm
Souhegan Kennel Club Obedience Trials
American K9 Country
336 Route 101
Amherst, NH 03031

About the Award
The Legislator of the Year award, also known as the James S. Holt Memorial Award for Promotion of Responsible Dog Ownership in Legislation, is a memorial to the late Dr. James S. Holt, who served for 17 years as the AKC's federal legislative consultant, participated in the sport of purebred dogs for more than 40 years, and served as an AKC Delegate and Board member.

This award was established to honor legislators who demonstrate a commitment to promoting responsible dog ownership, the well-being of dogs, and protecting the rights of dog owners, exhibitors, and responsible breeders. 

About The American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.  Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog.  For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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SOURCE American Kennel Club