The AKC Canine Legislation Department is pleased to announce that Holly Stump, a board member of the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners and Ed Peterson, spokesperson for the Vermont Federation of Dog Clubs, have been named recipients of the AKC® Community Achievement Awards. Stump is being recognized for her efforts to educate legislators about the dangers of breed-specific legislation and Peterson worked in Vermont to defeat notable legislation such as a recent bill to prohibit ear cropping.

Stump travels her home state on the federation's behalf, attending town committee meetings and working with legislators to combat breed-specific legislation wherever it is introduced. She also makes therapy visits to an area nursing home with her American Staffordshire Terrier, Lula.

"The dog fanciers of Massachusetts are fortunate to have such a vigilant lobbyist advocating for their rights," said Noreen Baxter, AKC's VP of Communications. "Holly and her American Staffordshire Terrier have helped to dispel myths about bully breeds and build trust between dog owners and their communities. We are pleased to present Holly with the AKC Community Achievement Award and thank her for all of her efforts."

Peterson has been active at the state level in Vermont working to protect the rights of responsible dog owners.

"With Ed's leadership, we prevented two poor bills from becoming law," wrote George Sexton of the Woodstock Dog Club, who nominated Peterson for the Community Achievement Award.

"Ed's devotion to defending the rights of responsible dog owners is commendable," said Noreen Baxter, AKC's VP of Communications. "He has successfully represented his fellow dog fanciers and worked with lawmakers to prevent the passage of harmful legislation. The American Kennel Club congratulates Ed on a job well done."

AKC also recognized Donna and Bill Welty, longtime fanciers active in public education and the promotion of responsible dog ownership. 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 purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership within their communities or who have successfully introduced, monitored and responded to legislative issues affecting dog ownership.

Nominations for the AKC Community Achievement Awards are accepted year-round. Up to three honorees are named each quarter. They receive a certificate of appreciation and a $1,000 check payable to the club or federation's public education and canine legislation efforts. To nominate a club, please visit the Community Achievement Award section of our website.