Committee backs declaration of a New Hampshire Service Dog Week after multiple witnesses testify

Sen. David Waters introduced Senate Bill 198, which would declare the third week of September as New Hampshire Service Dog Week. Witnesses—including representatives of training nonprofits, handlers and beneficiaries—testified in favor of the designation, urging that a state observance could improve public awareness of the legal differences between service dogs (covered by the ADA) and emotional-support animals.

Reagan Madden, founder of the New Hampshire Coalition for the Service of Service Dogs, said the week would provide an opportunity to educate the public about rights and functions of service dogs and to support access. Laura Barker of Hero Pups, which trains psychiatric service dogs for veterans and first responders, told the committee that a recognition week would be useful for educating businesses and municipal staff about how to respond to service-dog questions.

Nut graf: Witnesses described service dogs’ roles—medical alerts, psychiatric support and mobility—and said a dedicated week would help reduce confusion about fake or incorrectly presented animals and provide a forum for education and financial-aid advocacy for training and veterinary costs.

A veteran and service-dog handler, Nicholas Goulet, testified about personal experience with a dog from Hero Pups that helped him after an on-the-job injury and a traumatic line-of-duty death; other witnesses described training programs that partner with correctional facilities for early-stage puppy socialization.

Ending: The committee moved the bill forward with consent; sponsors and attendees said they will coordinate observances and educational outreach during the designated month.