Three anti-hunting legislators in New Hampshire have introduced legislation that would end the training and testing of rabbit-hunting dogs in the state. Rep. Edith Tucker, Rep. Dennis Thompson and Sen. John Reagan have sponsored House Bill 1308, which ban the capture, possession, and propagation of hares and rabbits for hunting-dog training and field trials, and would revoke permits that have already been issued for clubs involved in the training of scent hounds.
“HB 1308 would effectively prohibit beagle clubs from training and hosting field trials in the state, which would end the objective evaluation of those dogs’ ability to hunt – it would destroy every bloodline in the state going forward,” said Brian Lynn, vice president of communication for the Sportsmen’s Alliance and longtime hunting-dog editor for Outdoor Life and ESPN.com. “The fact that one Democrat and two Republicans are pushing this nonsense should illustrate to hunters that legislators from both parties can be a threat when it comes to dogs.”
Take Action! New Hampshire sportsmen are urged to attend the hearing in person and speak in opposition to HB 1308. The hearing is Friday, January 14, 2022, at 2:45 p.m. 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. To do so:
- 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.
It is essential that members of the House Fish and Game and Marine Resources Committee hear from New Hampshire sportsmen. They need to know that field trials are essential to the development of quality hunting dogs through proven bloodlines, and that to develop a quality rabbit require the dog be trained on actual rabbits.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.