The 2022 Annual General Meeting of the New Forest Dog Owners Group was held in Brockenhurst on October 28.  The meeting was opened by our Chair, Heather Gould - her presentation is attached. Chairman's welcome 2022. The minutes from the previous 2021 AGM NFDOG Minutes October 2021 were unanimously approved. 

Membership stands at around 1250, and the accounts are healthy. In the financial year (to May 31, 2022) spending slightly exceeded income, largely due to a £1000 to Lost Dog Recovery UK South as part of NFDOG's 20th anniversary, which was voted for by members. 

There were also reports on technology and particularly the new NFDOG app, launched in the summer. Thanks and appreciation were expressed for web designer Andy Clayton who supports NFDOG for free. More than 350 app downloads have now taken place, and owners of lost dogs are being helped on a frequent basis. The success rate has been 100%, but it's not clear if this is because of the app, the website or social media, all of which work together. 

The website itself has been refreshed, and the news stories regularly updated. More particularly there is now a private members area with extra information, and in due course an Ambassadors Scheme, part of which will give members discounts or other benefits in local pet stores and with dog service providers. 

NFDOG's profile has remained high on media and social media. One spike was the farmer who sadly lost calves aborted on the New Forest. Dog owners were initially blamed for spreading Neospora. It's regretful that while the authorities are now satisfied the cause lay closer to the farmer, they won't speak up and correct the record.  Another media spike was caused when a Christchurch dog owner was successfully prosecuted after her dog repeatedly raised Ground Nesting Bird sites near Burley for eggs. NFDOG strongly supported the prosecution, and several speakers at the AGM made the point that NFDOG will fight for dog owners freedoms, but in turn that places a significant burden to promote, educate and publicise responsible dog ownership.

High points included meeting lots of owners at the New Forest Show, but also for the first time Sway, Hordle, Burley and Ellingham Shows. NFDOG also supported Forestry England events at Boltons Bench, Wilverley and Dearleap, talking to owners setting out for a walk. In all cases every owner was found to have poo bags which was reassuring. 

Major areas of activity in the next year will include protection of Ground Nesting Birds, as well as continuing work on responsible behaviour and especially owners collecting dog poo. A study of the latter and the diseases it contains locally, co-funded by NFDOG is being carried out by the Verderers, and results are expected in the winter.  The launch of the Ambassadors scheme is anticipated for the spring. 

The meeting was concluded with a super presentation from Roger Hammett on Pets as Therapy. This national charity started 40 years ago takes dogs (suitable vetted) into schools, hospitals, offenders institutions and other places to provide calming therapy. They've also been used at local airports to calm passengers who are frightened of flying. Roger, who's wife Sarah is an NFDOG Committee member,  encouraged anyone with an interest and a suitable dog to explore the possibilities stressing that the commitment can be as little as an hour every other week. Find out more at petsastherapy.org.  

Roger and his dog 'Kimmy' are pictured with NFDOG Chair Heather Gould, and Secretary Tracey Wright.