RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, dogs play an important role in the lives of many Hawaii citizens by serving as companions and assistance and therapy dogs; and

WHEREAS, it is recognized that dog-related problems are most often caused by irresponsible owners; and

WHEREAS, responsible ownership is encouraged in Hawaii and responsible dog owners should properly control and provide adequate training for their dogs; and

WHEREAS, with an increasing number of animal trespassing concerns and pet bites on the rise, there is a need for dogs to remain well-behaved in the community; and

WHEREAS, the American Kennel Club, through its Canine Good Citizen program, teaches pet owners that dogs should exhibit "good citizen" behaviors in the presence of other people and animals, in both the home and the community; and

WHEREAS, the Canine Good Citizen program identifies and officially recognizes those dogs who have passed a two-part test and behave as members in good standing with the community; and

WHEREAS, twenty-two states and the United States Senate have passed resolutions encouraging and supporting the Canine Good Citizen Program; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, the Senate concurring, that kennel clubs, dog training programs, and the Humane Society of each county are encouraged to provide training and education to pet owners to promote the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Kennel Club and to the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Humane Society, for each county.

Report Title:

Dogs; Pets; Canine Good Citizen Program