 | DELEGATE’S REPORT June 2007 Charles A. Baris The Delegates had their hands full with the important topics that had to be considered at this past meeting. Not much time for playing at the tables or enjoying the many spectacular shows and dining in Las Vegas. A new idea for helping the dearth of anti-dog legislation while also educating the locals and becoming friends with the politicians has come from Jo Patrick, the Delegate of the Schipperke Club of America. That Club has printed information on the inside of the arm bands and has a signature space on each. The idea that seems to have worked very well for Jo’s Club is that each person would leave the signed armband with the Steward, in the ring in which they have exhibited, who would then pass this on to the local authorities. They invite the local Mayor, Representatives and or the Governor – whichever are most apropos - to their show so that these local politicians see how much these shows contribute to their economy and how nicely the exhibitors keep the grounds or exhibition space where the show is held. Yes, what we are suggesting is “An Armband Chairperson” who would be responsible for inviting the local authorities and would pick up the signed armbands from each ring and send the collected armbands to the Mayor, Governor or other appropriate elected officials. A covering letter could estimate the amount of money that was spent by the attendees (hotel, meals, travel etc.) Suggested copy follows: Specialty Club Text: As an exhibitor with the _________________ Club National (or regional) Specialty, I would like to express my appreciation to the City of ______________, ____________, for providing a friendly, supportive environment for dog shows. Your city is an excellent location for canine-related events due to excellent accessibility via major roadways and airports, and the large number of hotels, restaurants, and other services within easy access. As a responsible dog owner, I have made every effort to respect your city’s leash laws and other health and hygiene related guidelines. I look forward to the opportunity to participate in future canine events in your city. Name____________________________State of Residence__________________________ .All Breed Club Text: As an exhibitor at the ___________________________shows, I would like to express my appreciation to the City of _________________________. This venue is an excellent one to host the local dog show(s)/(circuit) and we do appreciate not only the site, but also the surrounding shops, restaurants, hotels and the other needed services that are within easy access. I am a dog lover first and dog show enthusiast second. As a responsible dog owner, I have made every effort to respect your city’s leash laws, and other health and hygiene related guidelines. I look forward to the opportunity to participate in future canine events and also explore other interesting aspects of your city. Name:______________________________State of Residence:______________________. We believe that this type of “lobbying” will be more effective than boycotting an area prior to a law being passed; as when you leave an area before that bill is defeated or passed you also lose any influence that you may have had in demonstrating the positive effect that dog events have on the community. We all must work to defeat California’s AB 1634 (for details, see AKC’s website) in the State Senate. This bill has passed in the State Assembly. The Delegates unanimously adopted the following resolution: "Be it resolved that the Delegates of the American Kennel Club declare enactment of AB1634 in the State of California would 1) be detrimental to the sport of purebred dogs; 2) fail to achieve the humane results it purports to espouse; and 3) cost the State of California and its communities tens of millions of dollars in lost revenues. Be it further resolved that the Delegates of the American Kennel Club urge the Governor, the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California to defeat AB1634." At the June Delegates Meeting, the following amendments to the Rules Applying to Dog Shows were voted on and adopted:
Chapter 7, Section 16 which provides clarification of the judge’s authority to excuse for any cause
There was also a vote on appeal of an AKC Board decision regarding Delegate eligibility. Cindi Cooke, the Delegate of the Kalamazoo Kennel Club is also a Consultant (Legislative) to the United Kennel Club. Although Mrs. Cooke received a substantial majority of the votes, it was not quite the 2/3 of the Delegates voting to overturn the AKC Board decision. Mrs. Cooke was therefore unseated as a Delegate.
Competition
Mixed-breed dogs would not be eligible to compete at the Agility/Obedience National Championship or at the Agility/Obedience Invitational. It appears that in Surveys taken the AKC Delegates and Officers of the Clubs that they represent are fairly evenly divided on doing or not doing this program. If you are interested, the Survey Details can be found on the AKC website. The Parent Club Conference will be held again on July 20-22, 2007. All for now. | |||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | | | | |
