Jacqueline Garcia

As both a farmer and a livestock guardian dog owner, I oppose this bill. Farmers have a right to protect their livestock from predators and one of the most efficient ways to do that is to have an LGD. This bill is excessive and poorly written. A farmer can not prove or “document” when there is a predator to justify their dogs barking. Dogs can hear, smell and see things, especially at night that a human can not. How can anyone “prove” there is a predator? These dogs have natural instincts and have been trained for generations to protect livestock and that often includes barking. Our dog has warded off multiple animals over the years, especially bears and foxes, without any harm to the predators themselves. We would not be able to operate our farm without him, as predator losses would be significant. Let’s protect small local farms in NH and the people’s right to farm and protect their livestock.