‘Recognition of The Positive Impact Made to Improve The Lives of Dogs & Owners’
Representatives from the Forestry Commission attended the Kennel Club headquarters today (Friday 2 February), to receive the KC Dog Recognition Award for ‘a national authority which has made a positive impact to help improve the lives of dogs and their owners.’

The Forestry Commission has been an active ‘pro-dog’ partner of the Kennel Club and is a worthy winner of this award, working together with the Kennel Club to promote access to the countryside and responsible dog ownership.
KC Dog, the Kennel Club Dog Owners Group, was established to help dog owners protect themselves by keeping participants informed about local policies that may affect their rights as responsible dog owners. The group assists participants in lobbying at a local level, whilst keeping members updated about KC Dog activity across the country. Since its launch at Crufts 2006, KC Dog has greatly improved the effectiveness of communication between local authorities, land managers and responsible dog owners.
Said Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary:
“Back at Crufts 2005, the Kennel Club agreed a concordat with the Forestry Commission to ensure that dog owners felt welcome in the forest, to make the best of the opportunities dog ownership brings and minimise any negative impacts. Since then, the relationship between the two organisations has continued to flourish with further joint initiatives planned for 2007, such as an activity trail for dogs and their owners, and ‘Walkies In The Woods’, which will encourage responsible dog walkers to enjoy Forestry Commission land.”
Simon Hodgson, Forestry Commission England Chief Executive who received the award, said:
“Dog walkers are our most loyal visitors and by working closely with the Kennel Club we aim to ensure that the public forest estate is as safe, welcoming and enjoyable as possible for these visitors. We are delighted that dog owners have shown, through the Kennel Club, their appreciation for the Forestry Commission’s recognition of their place in the forest."