Sunday, June 10 - Legislative Caucus

1634 CA

Last vote on this bill ran along party line votes – 31 to 38

There needs to be a continuing of resistance

Many organizations fighting this bill

PetPac is a good organization

Southern CA Dog Fanciers

AKC – held lobby day – handed out specifically focused packets & manpower

NAIA – has a trust account

Major goal = keep organizations working in harmony

What can non-California clubs do?

Parent Clubs – contact State Senators & ALL CA resident members to write letters

Everyone should write letters

Emphasis to press & public – value of purebred dogs – get articles to that affect in publications (local & national)

Mandatory spay & neuter clause would affect all but the 6.6% of CA dogs which compete in events

From AKC perspective –

This will be a long fight – there are seven voting stages to get bill to pass – we only need to win 1 vote

The bill is back to assembly

The groups fighting the legislation must be continually energized

The AKC Action Center has letters, talking points, etc. –

http://www.akc.org/canine_legislation/CA_action_center.cfm

LOUISVILLE – info presented by Jean Lear

Funds needed – no fighting amongst groups fighting the bill

Bill is 86 pages

Several law suits have been filed against the Bill

Illegal Democratic caucus

Illegal to sell without a license

This bill provides arbitrary power over dogs & owners

It is being opposed by vets, kennels, & hunters

LKC has a web site for donations which can also be made by PayPal

WASHINGTON DC BILL

Are these losing battles? AKC plans a Foundation to combine groups

Mount an OFFENSIVE before bills appear – ads, emphasize that they are trying to steal our pets

PENNSYLVANIA BILL – presented by Nina Schaffer

Avoid groups arguing on the same side

US Sportsman Alliance has lobbyists

$8,000 per ad for full page ad in newspapers

When fighting legislation – must define problem specifically

AKC BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) group –

Provides free materials and banner for a table at shows & events

Brings attention to all issues

What can we do?

Parent Club Conference will focus on this topic also

Lobbying –

Utilize AKC staff & Inspections Department

Attend seminars & conferences hosted by NAIA

“Sixteen Rules of Effective Lobbying: - talking points

May need to hire professional lobbyist – best voice

Locally – make phone calls & personally contact legislators

Branch out beyond dogs to a common denominator

Homework

1. Contact Clubs – write letters – CA, KY, PA

2. Include the “showing community” – cats, horses, llamas

3. Get legislators at shows to give out awards

4. Don’t use the word “breeders” – use “responsible pet owners”

5. Use word “castration” rather than spay & neuter

HERDING – EARTHDOG – COURSING COMMITTEE (see Minutes)

A possible “carting” program has been moved to the Companion Events Department

The Lure Coursing Advisory Committee changes is near completion – this has been a full revision

Herding Advisory Committee is moving along much better and plans to have changes to fancy for first review by end of summer.

HEC ELIST will be open to fanciers – letter to requesting President, Secretary, Delegate & several members to join

By invitation only – Gerard will send out invitations

Herding Advisory Committee changes will be on list for review

The Committee Charter will be reviewed

Herding Judges Lists – programming issue with those that attend seminars appearing as judge

List has been totally cleaned up but will revert to old method once the next seminar is held

Doug Lundgren was asked to talk to computer programmers for a solution to this problem & report at next meeting.

Event Fees – the increase in fees do not affect Performance Events

Goes into affect January 1, 2008

This will be addressed by the Board in July

This committee will send a position statement supporting a review of this increase especially for clubs with small entries

Board Book – Board members access only

Guide Lines for clubs come from Mike Liosis (all are formatted like conformation)

Written guidelines for Performance Clubs needs to come from Mike Liosis – then we can give helpful suggestions

Obedience, Agility & Tracking Committee

AKC Obedience Advisory Committee – Curt Curtis

Likely to go into effect January 2009 or some in 2008

Suggestions are being formateed

They will be reviewed in September and advanced to the fancy

Some parts will go to the Board in July

Computer time tickets for changes in place

All non-regular & Pre-Novice classes will be titling

The Hybrid class for Rally/Obed is in Phase 1 of the plan

Event fees - A letter was sent to Jim Crowley in March requesting a change – will appear at July Board Meeting

Small specialty clubs need to have fees prorated – based on user fee

International Class & Competition – for FIC Clubs

4446 letters sent out – 500 responses – April 15 deadline for response

237 for class

114 opposed class

Final tally indicated that 90% were not interested

Idea was tabled

Curt was to construct an informational brochure

FOCUS should be on saving obedience first

CRUFTS Team

Premium Lists

Add “revised” date to downloadable forms form

A list of Premium List requirements should be available to show secretaries on the AKC web site

Premium List checklist from the Staff is available on web

Obedience, rally & agility all ready posted

Rally – AKC information needs to include number of dogs per hour for scheduling purposes (available for obedience)

AKC informational brochures need to allow space for providing club’s contact information.

AKC logos usable for Premium Lists and other publications are available on AKC web site

The AKC was urged to provide a software package that provides a template for Premium Lists

Replacing/changing the Group Exercise was discussed

Reasoning would be presented to the Obedience Advisory Committee

Distance betweens dogs needs to be increased

Dogs which performed marginally on individual exercises would not perform stays

Actual exercises would be retained

More judges education on how to handle the stays & prevent incidents – have leads for use

Have advanced plan for stay problems – excuse dog

If dogs do not qualify on individual exercises they do not peform stays

Some situations are not reported as “incidents” so do not alert AKC

Misbehavior while lining up for groups can be reported to Event committee

Better to have handler remove dog than stewards or judge

New Rally Regulations

Combined with “Obedience Regs” – also need “Dog Show Reg”

Language fir eligibility has been cleaned up

Rally entry requirements different than obedience

New “Rally Judges Guidelines” also in new book

2005-2006 – obedience down 4% while total events are up 2%

IRS – Letters out in July – clubs can efile if they have income of under $25,000.

Must have current contact addresses

Freestyle was not addressed by the Obedience Advisory Committee

Carting Program – Companion Events program

5 years ago interest started

28 breeds expressed an interest – large working breeds (170 total breeds)

Parent Club Committee (only able to sit in on end of meeting)

Specialties – Are public expens needed at outdoor shows?

All-Breed shows - Indoors = 2 – 12 x 12 pens for each 500 dogs entered

Pen size can be appropriate to breed

If outdoors they need to have covers in case of bad weather

The single dog person instigated brought about problem

Clubs’ Eligibility for Shows – more accepted that are not listed

Rescue

Legislative activities

Activities which promote breed work

Ring side mentoring

Credit will be given for scheduled event which was not held by needed deadline

Delegate Caucus (During this time anyone of the Delegates can say what they wish.)

There was a reminder regarding the IRS updates.

The people that were at the Obedience, Agility and Tracking Committee brought up again the need for changing or replacing the group stay exercise.

Junior Showmanship – A Masters Class was suggested where the junior would have to earn 15 wins in their age group for participation

It was felt this would keep juniors in the ring

The sport needs the next generation of handlers & breeders

Clubs could also consider reducing the Junior Showmanship fees

Sponsorship of “Junior Jamborees” was encouraged for 8-18 year olds which would also include 4Hers

“Conflict of Interest” Policy (which is not a rule)

Judges are considered to be independent contractors according to AKC – they receive a 1099

There was a long discussion of Cindy Cooke’s situation. Very knowledgeable persons spoke on both sides.

It was originally thought that the “CoI” Policy would be for new delegates not those all ready seated

Removing the AKC/Eukanuba Invitational from CA in because of the legislative situation was discussed.

This would reduce the affect of the group and their influence which would be counterproductive

The efforts all ready made should pay off in the more conservative Senate

Specialty Clubs – The following statement should be part of any contracts for events. If any contract for grounds should be found to be a problem with the BSL the contract will be void.

Local groups should support “dog parks”. Do homework before proposing such a park.

Schedule of Committees – the purpose is to centralize the meetings

A change in the AKC By-Laws should be proposed to eliminate Board term limits. This will go to the Coordinating Committee.

ALL types of legislation regarding animals must be watched closely as even bills regarding elephants could have affect on other animal legislation.

Monday, June 11

AKC Forum – AKC PRESENTS RESULTS OF MIXED BREED SURVEY

This project was done by AKC Staff members. The idea of including mixed breeds in the AKC programs was meant to expand AKC outreach and provide a wider base for AKC legislative efforts.

Based on the results of the survey work on this program will be carried forward.

1. Mixed breeds dogs will be “listed” or “enrolled” but not “registered” with the AKC

2. They will be identified as “mixed breeds” and not specific crosses

3. Mixed breeds would participate in obedience, agility, rally & tracking only

4. Mixed breeds would be unable to compete in the Agility Championship or Invitational

5. Mixed breeds would be unable to compete in the Obedience Invitational

6. All mixed breeds must be spayed or neutered

7. AKC emphasis will remain on purebreds

8. ILP program would remain as currently is

9. Mixed breed program will be approved by the Board (Delegates get input only)

10. Addition of mixed breeds would require a By-Laws change

Survey was done by email & via paper – open for 1 month – responses mostly on email

More questions to be considered –

1. What titles would mixed breeds be eligible to earn?

2. Should clubs have the option to offer mixed breed classes at all-breed shows? Specialties? Stand alone events? Sanctioned matches?

3. Should mixed breeds and purebreds compete in the same or separate classes?

Next step –

1. Prepare business proposal for August Board Meeting

2. Brief Delegates

3. Additional research

4. Survey fancy again

5. Final proposal to Board

Complete results may be found below and on the AKC web site at: http://www.akc.org/pdfs/press_center/Mixed_Breed_Survey.pdf?SEARCH_BUTTON.X=12/&SEARCH_BUTTON.Y=14

New York, NY – In February and March of 2007, the American Kennel Club conducted a survey of purebred dog fanciers on the topic of possibly creating a mixed breed listing service and allowing them to compete in certain AKC events. The purpose of the survey was to gather input from the core constituency regarding this concept and to pinpoint areas requiring additional research.

AKC presented the results of the survey at the quarterly Delegate meeting on June 11, 2007. Following is a summary of key results.

Respondent Demographic Information

AKC sought survey feedback from AKC Delegates, AKC Club Presidents and Secretaries, and other fanciers who were notified by their Club President, Secretary or via www.akc.org. In total over 21,000 people completed the survey.

General Demographics:

• 84% Purebred Dog Owners

• 70% Exhibitors

• 50% Club Member

• 76% now own, or have owned, a mixed breed dog

Sport Participation:

• Over 50% have been involved in the sport for 16 or more years

• Over 60% currently compete in Conformation or have in the past

• Over 50% currently compete in Agility or have in the past

• Nearly 70% currently compete in Obedience or have in the past

• Approximately 63% have competed in events sponsored by other organizations (reasons included enjoyment of atmosphere, obtaining additional titles, convenient location and competing with mixed breeds)

Club Affiliation:

• 51% belong to Specialty Clubs

• 34% belong to All-Breed Clubs

• 33% belong to Obedience Clubs

• 31% belonged to Agility Clubs

• 64% belonged to clubs already offering at least some training classes for mixed breed dogs

Of those agreeing clubs should have the option to offer mixed breed classes, which titles should AKC allow mixed breeds to earn in Companion Events?

• 35%: mixed breeds should earn title equivalents but with different (mixed breed) designations (such as M-CD vs. CD)

• 17%: mixed breeds should have equivalent titles with different (mixed breed) designations, excluding OTCH, MACH and CT.

Of those agreeing clubs should have the option to offer mixed breed classes, the classes should be offered with Companion Events held in conjunction with:

*Approximately 20% of agility events and 70% of Obedience/Rally events are held in conjunction with a conformation event. Excluding mixed breed events from conformation events would significantly limit possible venues.

Of those agreeing that clubs should have the option to offer mixed breed classes:

Note that total exceeds 100% due to the fact that each of these statements was presented separately.

The AKC will continue to keep Delegates and the fancy apprised on the progress of this program. Questions and additional feedback can be submitted at any time to mixedbreed_survey@akc.org.

Complete report available at: http://www.akc.org/about/chairmans_report/2007.cfm?page=6

AKC started PAC (Political Action Committee) – another tool for battling anti-dog laws

AKC awards 34 scholarships to juniors, vet students & vet techs – total $50,000

Efforts to control expenses – payroll & benefits up 1/8% - other expenses up 1.9%

Investments continue to perform $4.5 million – double last year at 7-1/2% for investments

Executive Secretary – Jim Crowley presented the background of the Cindy Cooke decision on the “Conflict of Interest” situation

A discussion followed which can be read in the minutes. Many professionals in the field brought

forth excellent reasoning behind both the Board’s decision and keeping Cindy Cooke as a delegate.

A vote was taken to end the discussion. A count was taken with 2/3^rd of attending needed to pass

My personal take on this was that Cindy’s worked as a contractor keeping the United Kennel Club up to date on legislative happenings and making suggestions on paths of action. This parallels AKC actions and is not opposed to it. Cindy was retired military & an attorney. She used her income from the UK to allow her to provide local clubs with free legal information and work. Her club supported her Delegate position even when she actually did work directly for the UK some years ago. The “Conflict of Interest” Policy was not intended to go back and remove members that were all ready seated.

More discussion followed and then a vote was taken to override the Board decision to seat Cindy Cooke – 2/3^rd of attending would be needed to override the Board.

150 voted for keeping Cindy seated – 112 voted to keep Board decision to unseat

Three items were voted upon and all were passed. They were “housekeeping” items adjusting one part of the rule book with another.

AKC Community Achievement Awards were presented. These are given out quarterly to AKC Clubs & federations and its members who have made outstanding contributions to public education or canine legislative activities. Each honory receives a AKC Certificate of Recognition and AKC donates $1,000 to each honoree’s club or federation.

3. EQUP – home & vehicle with emergency supplies & equipment including medial records

4. PRACTICE – drill for each type of emergency – reduce start to finish times

6. REVIEW – destinations & routes may change – dogs medical needs may change

7. ESTABLISH – a relationship with local Offices of Emergency Management – local will have authority

AKC DELEGATE BODY PASSES RESOLUTION OPPOSING CA AB 1634

New York, NY -A resolution proposed by the American Kennel Club(r) Board of Directors opposing California Assembly Bill 1634 was unanimously adopted by the AKC(r) Delegate Body at its quarterly meeting, held Monday, June 11, 2007, in Las Vegas. The bill would require all dogs and cats over the age of four months to be spayed or neutered unless the owners qualify for and obtain an intact animal permit. The AKC Delegates, who represent 599 member clubs out of the nearly 5,000 AKC affiliated clubs nationwide (more than 460 of them in California), issued the following resolution on Monday in response to proposed Assembly Bill 1634:

"Be it resolved that the Delegates of the American Kennel Club declare that the 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."

"This resolution represents our steadfast opposition to this bill and any others which unfairly target the responsible breeders that make up our constituency," said AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung. "We are deeply concerned about the problems irresponsible dog owners, irresponsible breeding, and inadequate animal control can cause a community; however, mandatory spaying and neutering has proven to be an ineffective solution because it fails to address the heart of the issue-irresponsible ownership. The AKC and its clubs support non-discriminatory, fair, effective and enforceable legislation that addresses the pertinent animal issues in the community. "

AKC REACHES OUT TO NEW EXHIBITORS AT DOG SHOWS

New York, NY - The American Kennel Club(r) announced today that a new program has been created to help exhibitors who are new to conformation events. AKC Executive Field Staff will conduct new exhibitor briefings at shows which they are scheduled to attend.

"This program comes at a time when AKC wishes to encourage new exhibitors in the sport," said Robin Stansell, Vice President of Event Operations. "We realize the importance of attracting and retaining newcomers and are taking this proactive approach to increase the likelihood that each participant will have a positive experience at his or her first dog show."

Briefings will be scheduled on Saturdays. Clubs may hold briefings during Sunday shows by special request to the AKC Judging Operations Department. Announcements for the briefing times will be included in the shows' premium lists and judging programs. Clubs who hold new exhibitor briefings will be given credit towards their educational requirements. For more information on AKC's new exhibitor program, please contact Susan Judge at smj@akc.org or 919-816-3590.

AKC Herding, Earthdog, Coursing Delegate Committee - Minutes of June 10, 2007

The 19^th meeting of the AKC Herding, Earthdog, Coursing Delegate Committee was called to order at 9:30 AM by Committee Chair Don Adams on Sunday, June 10, 2007, Harrah’s Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Present: Don Adams, Chair; Karen Arends, Secretary; Gerard Baudet; Genie Bishop; Dr John Fitzpatrick; Claudia Frank; Kathryn Hamilton; Bob LaBerge; Pat Scully, AKC Board Liaison; Doug Ljungren, AKC Staff Liaison; and Bill Speck, AKC Staff Liaison.

Sign-in sheets were passed and committee members and guests introduced themselves.

Minutes: MOTION to approve the minutes of the March 12, 2007 Herding-Earthdog-Coursing Committee as presented – Genie Bishop – 2^nd Gerard Baudet. Motion approved – unanimous.

Correspondence: Sent 5/21/2007 – To Lisa Carroll in AKC’s Performance Department – letter to be mailed to all herding, earthdog, and lure coursing clubs, asking for representatives to be included on the H-E-C E-List.

Chair’s Report: Don Adams recognized Bill Newman, who asked which Delegate committee would be overseeing the upcoming Carting program. Bill Speck mentioned that Carting had been moved to Companion Events because it is open to all breeds. Gerard Baudet will check with the Obedience/Agility/Tracking Committee to find their thoughts on where Carting will fit best. Karen Arends will check with Mike Liosis to find the requirements for a venue being consider “performance” or “companion.”

Herding Advisory Committee: Gerard Baudet, Chair of the Herding Advisory Committee, reported that the Committee has begun approving items to be suggested for change. Hopefully by the end of Summer a draft will be ready to send to the Fancy. Bill Speck mentioned that Staff would like to see the HAC address changes for a Herding Championship in order to make it less complicated to understand.

Coursing Advisory Committee: Karen Arends, Chair of the Coursing Advisory Committee, reported that the Committee’s final proposal has been sent to AKC Staff for their final review and processing.

Status of Performance Clubs E-List: Doug Ljungren gave an update on the status for the mailing – using the letter submitted by this committee - asking for club representatives from each herding, earthdog, or coursing club – and reported that this will be wrapped up by the next H-E-C meeting. These letters will be sent to each club President, Secretary, and AKC Delegate. Doug also asked that Lisa Carroll in his office be added to this list.

Performance Judges List: Doug Ljungren reported that the Earthdog and Herding Judge listings on the AKC website have been updated. The judges who have not judged in the last five years which not show up on the Online Judges Directory, but will remain in the database. Work on the Lure Coursing judges has been started. Doug will contact the Computer Department to find out what can be done to avoid listing seminar participants on the Judges List prior to them fulfilling the remainder of requirements to judge.

Lure Coursing Forms: At the recent Saluki Club of America National Specialty, Don Adams was made ware that the previous 3-part carbonless status forms have been discontinued and several participants would like to see them continued. Bill Speck explained that the 3-part forms were only used in Lure Coursing and that they were very expensive to purchase. There are several clubs using computer programs for their records, which is very efficient and cost effective.

Application Fee for AKC Events: Although the proposed increase in application fees does not affect performance event, it is the consensus of this committee that many of the small Specialty clubs will be adversely affected and may not be able to continue some of their activities.

MOTION to send a letter from the H-E-C Committee to the AKC Board through James Crawley voicing our concern for small Specialty clubs holding companion events and the hardship increased fees places on these clubs – John Fitzpatrick – 2^nd Genie Bishop. Motion approved – unanimous.

Specialty Performance Clubs / Conformation Events?: Kathy Hamilton brought up the issue of small Specialty clubs that were formed to hold performance or companion events are being asked to hold trials other than those they were formed to address. Bill Speck mentioned that if the name of a breed is in a Club name, the regulations state they will be required to hold conformation events. Bill has been working on this issue with the Club Relations Committee since 1997 – and will keep us apprised of what’s happening.

Entleburcher Mountain Dog Approved for Herding Events: A concern had been brought up about the process for admitting new breeds into performance events. Doug Ljungren explained that if a breed is placed in the Herding Group, they will automatically be allowed to participate in the Herding Program. If AKC Staff has questions concerning a new breed, they will ask for H-E-C Committee expertise. Bill Speck explained that an FSS breed submits documentation on why they are qualified for herding, etc. When a breed comes out of the FSS program, they are then allowed to participate for prefix titles.

MOTION to adjourn – Kathy Hamilton – 2^nd John Fitzpatrick. Motion approved – unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 1:45 PM.