MINUTES OF THE KCLC BREEDS COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE KENNEL CLUB ON AT 11AM

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1 MINUTES OF THE KCLC BREEDS COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE KENNEL CLUB ON AT 11AM Present: Mr L Anness Mrs C Boggia Mrs R Bryden Mrs A Ellis Mr P Jolley Mrs E Needham Mr K Pursglove Mrs B Smith Mrs F Somerfield Mrs S Thomson Mrs K Wilberg Mr J Ashe Mr N Bryce-Smith Mrs J Daws Mrs J Iles-Hebbert Mrs E MacDonald Mr E M Paterson Mrs S Rawlings Mr A Schaanning-Ling Mrs A Teasdale Mrs S M Walton In Attendance: Mrs C Kisko Kennel Club Secretary & Director of Communications Mrs K Symns Canine Activities Executive Miss M Walker Working Dog Activities Team Senior Specialist (Item 5.b & 6 only) Miss K Marsh Breed Shows Team Specialist IN THE CHAIR: MR SCHAANNING-LING 1. Before moving on with the Agenda, the Chairman wished to update the Council on a number of matters. 2. Mr Schaanning-Ling asked the Council to join him in a moments silence for Mr Eike Herold who had passed away earlier in the year. Mr Herold had served as a Toy Group Delegate on the Breeds Council for a number of years. 3. The Chairman informed the Council that he was in receipt of a letter from Mr R Holmes, the husband of previous Council Chairman Mrs M Holmes, which he read aloud. The letter conveyed thanks to the Council for its letter of condolence which had been sent to the Holmes family following their sad loss. 4. The Council was further informed that Mrs A Latimer had retired from the Council as the Maremma Sheepdog Representative and Pastoral Delegate. The Council requested that she be thanked for the time and effort she had put into her role. 5. The Chairman went on to share some happy news and informed the Council that Mr L Anness had recently achieved Life Membership at the Kennel Club. On behalf of the Council, the Chairman conveyed its sincere congratulations to Mr Anness. 1

2 6. The Chairman took the opportunity to thank the Council for its continued commitment to the world of dogs and read an extract from the recently published Annual Report in which the Kennel Club Chairman paid tribute to the dedication of its volunteers and acknowledged how integral the work of the Council was. 7. The Chairman closed by reminding the Council that the nominations for the next term of Office needed to be received by the Kennel Club no later than June 1 st. ITEM 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 8. Apologies were received from the following delegates: Mrs S Clark Mrs J Davie Mr P Eva Mrs S Hewart-Chambers Mrs P Hollings Mr A Littlejohn Mrs M MacPhail ITEM 2. TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON (Minutes previously circulated) 9. The Council approved the minutes of its previous meeting, subject to the following amendments: Present Mrs A Teasedale amended to Mrs A Teasdale Apologies for Absence Mrs K Wilberg added to apologies for absence. ITEM 3. RESULTS OF RECOMMENDATIONS 10. The Council noted the results of its recommendations. Southern Newfoundland (Champion Classes at Breed Club Open Shows) 11. The General Committee had approved the scheduling of Champion Classes at Breed Club Limited, Open and Championship Shows. (Effective ) Mrs D Cawley (Import Register changes) 12. The Show Executive Sub-Committee declined to invite Mrs Cawley to present her proposal on changes to the import register as the matter had already been debated fully. 2

3 Affenpinscher Club (Seminar for Novice Judges) 13. It was noted that the Kennel Club Training Board supported in principle the education of novice judges and had agreed that this topic was the subject of ongoing discussion. East Anglian Bull Terrier Club (Non approval of Export Pedigrees) 14. Item discussed under matters brought forward. Item 4.a refers. Bulldog Breed Council (Use of Ramps) 15. Item discussed under matters brought forward. Item 4.b refers. ITEM 4. MATTERS BROUGHT FORWARD a. East Anglian Bull Terrier Club proposed: The Kennel Club will not approve Export Pedigrees of dogs to any country without legislation for the protection of animals from cruelty, similar in intent to such laws in Great Britain and which has no reciprocal agreement with the Kennel Club 16. The Council noted that this proposal had been considered at two previous meetings, but was to be re-visited in order to allow Mrs McGregor (Breed Representative) to present the Club s proposal in full. 17. Mrs McGregor distributed a handout for the Council s attention and outlined the chronology of what had happened to date. She explained that the Club was of the opinion that with no Delegate present at the last meeting its view had not been represented and it had not had the opportunity to reply to the points raised. 18. Mrs McGregor presented the Club s response to the Kennel Club presentation which concluded that the alterations to the Export Pedigree application forms were considered inadequate and that the concept of educating owners and defining best practice was sullied given that there was no protection from harm once in another country. The Council was provided with numerous press articles to illustrate some of the distressing and shocking practices that affect dogs overseas and it noted that 11 countries were reported as still permitting the consumption of dog meat. 19. A lengthy discussion ensued concerning the work carried out by the Kennel Club and whether the proposal as submitted would have the desired effect of putting pressure on the relevant governments. The Office explained that in its current form the proposal would not prevent the Kennel Club from providing export pedigrees to countries such as China as the animal welfare legislation was already in existence. The Council agreed that it was encouraging to hear of the Kennel Club s and Network For Animals work but it was important to remember 3

4 that eating dog meat was a long standing cultural phenomenon that would not cease immediately. 20. The Council agreed that time would be better spent putting pressure on governments to enforce legislation and educating breeders and dog owners on responsible practice when exporting dogs. It further discussed how Breed Clubs could consider using their code of ethics to make a stance on this issue which would negate the need for the Kennel Club to prevent legitimate exports. 21. The proposal was seconded and Mrs McGregor left the room to allow a vote to take place. Following further discussion a vote was taken. The majority of those present voted against the proposal and therefore it was not recommended for approval. However, the Council requested an update on the work undertaken by the Kennel Club in two years time. Mrs McGregor returned to the meeting and was thanked for her presentation and the considerable time and effort she had dedicated to the proposal. The Council also thanked Mrs Kisko for her helpful contribution to the discussion. b. Bulldog Breed Council proposed: The Introduction of Ramps to be used for Bulldogs and other breeds at Open and Championship shows. The ramps would make it easier for judges to go over the dogs, and particularly the elderly not having to be constantly bending down. 22. The Council noted that this item had previously been deferred to allow the Bulldog Breed Council to survey the level of interest from other breeds and submit a formal proposal as appropriate. 23. Mrs Daws, on behalf of the Bulldog Breed Council, explained that having sought the opinion of those breeds which traditionally use the ramp in America, it had not received any letters of support. The Council was surprised to hear of the lack of support from the other breeds, in particular the Basset Hound clubs, as the breed had previously campaigned in support of this issue. Mrs Daws further informed the Council that the use of the ramp would not only make it easier for the judge to examine the dog, but more importantly to ensure an improved view of an exhibit s eyes and mouth. 24. The Office confirmed the current policy was that breeds should be judged in accordance with custom and practice. The Council went on to discuss the potential problems which could arise as a result of using the ramp, in particular if the judge or exhibitor did not want to use the ramp and how it would be made available to both breed and general or group shows. 25. Having discussed the matter fully, the Council did not support of the proposal. 4

5 ITEM 5. PROPOSALS a. Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Council proposed: That all puppies registered as non standard colour have automatic for life endorsement, Progeny not eligible for registration, added to their registration documents. We have had reports of grey / blue and black and tan puppies born in litters and feel if no endorsements are attached to these puppies registration documents there could be the potential of future litters being produced carrying these colours and being bred on from. 26. Mr Bryce Smith on behalf of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Council informed the Council that the issue of non standard colours was prevalent in many breeds, whereby commercial breeders charge high prices on the basis of a dog s perceived rare colour. He explained that this proposal was a means of protecting litters registered by reputable breeders. 27. The Council noted that the Labrador Breed Council had provided its support for the proposal as it had a similar situation with silver Labradors. 28. The Council discussed whether the proposal would circumvent dogs with non standard colours being bred from, or whether it would be similar to unregistered designer cross breeds. The office explained the importance of owners knowing the correct colours of their dog s pedigree and confirmed that breed clubs could advise the Kennel Club to include up to 30 registration colours. The Council queried whether the proposal could have a detrimental effect on exports and whether breeders would instead miss-register their dogs as an accepted colour. 29. The office informed the Council that the role that advertisers of puppies had to play was pivotal, and explained that if advertisers did not accept adverts for rare colours it would cut off the commercial breeders route to market. The Council was informed that the PAAG (Pet Advertising Advisory Group) of which the KC is a member, operates to persuade companies which adverts should not be accepted and it was suggested that their involvement could be beneficial in this particular matter. 30. The Council was of the view that the combination of educating owners on responsible puppy buying and persuading companies not to accept adverts for unrecognised colours would go some way to resolving this matter. However, given the increase in popularity of rare colours and the high prices these puppies command it was of the view that additional measures were required. The Council supported the proposal and recommended it be referred to the relevant Sub- Committee for further consideration. 5

6 b. Golden Retriever Breed Council proposed: That a Working Gundog Certificate obtained on game should enable the Sh to be removed from the title of Show Champion and allow a gundog to be recognised as a full Champion, as is the case for the Show Gundog Working Certificate. 31. Mrs S Walton opened the item by explaining the difference between the Working Gundog Certificate & Show Gundog Working Certificate. The Council noted that the aim of the Working Gundog Certificate was to provide proof that the handler and dog are a credible partnership, with the qualities to fulfill the general requirements of work on a shoot. The Show Gundog Working Certificate was created specifically to allow show Gundogs to demonstrate that they had retained working ability. This certificate was not a qualification, but an individual assessment of a dog s abilities. 32. Mrs Walton recommended the proposal be amended as follows; To That a Working Gundog Certificate obtained on game and awarded in all sections of the assessment should enable the Sh to be removed from the title of Show Champion and allow a gundog to be recognised as a full Champion, as is the case for the Show Gundog Working Certificate. 33. The Council supported Mrs Walton s opinion that the amendment would ensure that dogs had demonstrated sufficient working ability to merit the change in title. The Council supported the proposal and recommended it be referred to the relevant Sub-Committee for further consideration. c. Hungarian Vizsla Club and Hungarian Vizsla Society proposed: That the Kennel Club will not register puppies born in a litter which are the result of a second whelping inside a 12 month period. 34. Mrs B Smith, on behalf of the Hungarian Vizsla Club and the Society, informed the Council that the clubs were of the view that the Kennel Club should expand upon its decision to restrict the number of litters a bitch can whelp and the refusal to register puppies born to a bitch that has undergone two Cesarean sections. The clubs proposed that the Kennel Club should not permit registration of the second litter of puppies whelped by a bitch in a 12 month period. 35. Mrs Smith explained that it is illegal for a licensed breeder to allow a bitch to whelp two litters within a 12 month period, and recommended that this same limitation should be applied by the Kennel Club for all breeders whether licensed or not. The Council was informed that this proposal protected the health and welfare of the bitch and her puppies. 36. The Office informed the Council that breeders who register five or more litters in a year with the Kennel Club are now being asked to produce a copy of their breeding licence, to ensure that the Kennel Club does not register puppies from 6

7 unlicensed breeders i.e. puppy farmers. This further extends to those individuals who collectively register more than five litters a year from a single address. 37. The Council noted that this proposal had previously been in place, but removed as it proved unworkable. Previously breeders could apply for exemption from the restriction if a veterinary letter confirmed the bitch to be fit and healthy. However the Kennel Club was inundated with applications requesting relief from the requirement, all of which were supported by veterinary evidence. The Council further noted that the recent announcement confirming that the Kennel Club would refuse to register more than four litters from a single bitch in its lifetime, when the current legal limit is six litters, reflected its concern for the welfare of breeding bitches and would ensure that legitimate breeders would not be penalised. 38. Having discussed the matter fully, the proposal did not receive the support of the Council. d. Shih Tzu Club proposed: i. Regulation K3.190/3 (a) The Shih Tzu Club requests that consideration is given to amending this Regulation to take account of the following situations that can occur at Championship Shows. At Paignton Championship Show a dog was entered in Junior Dog, quite a few were entered but only two were present. The winner of this class was awarded Best of Breed, but came away with no Junior Warrant points at all. If he had been in the same position at an Open Show he would have at least come away with a point in gaining Best of Breed, as long as more than three dogs turned up in the breed. ii. Regulation K3.190/3 (a) Similarly at another Championship show a puppy class had only two dogs present. The winner of this class was awarded Best Puppy in Breed but came away with no Junior Warrant points yet the Best Opposite Sex Puppy gained one point having won a Breed Class at that show. If he had been in the same position at an Open Show he would have at least come away with a point in gaining Best Puppy in Breed, providing that the Best Opposite Sex Puppy has also gained one or more points having won a Breed Class or Classes at that show. This seems to be a very unfair and unjust way in which the Junior Warrant points are given, a point for Best of Breed/Best Puppy in Breed at an Open Show but none at a Championship Show. 7

8 39. Mrs E McDonald, on behalf of the Shih Tzu Club, explained that that in order for the Junior Warrant points system to be consistent, it needed to be amended to allow the winner of Best of Breed and Best Puppy in Breed to claim three points for this award at a Championship Show where CCs were on offer. This was a particular problem for dogs, where there was only one or two other exhibits in its breed class, but would be awarded Best Puppy in Breed/Best of Breed, and go even further in the competition, yet it is unable to claim a Junior Warrant point. 40. The Office informed the Council that the qualification had only recently undergone changes and explained that as the Junior Warrant enables a dog to gain a Stud Book Number it was important that the dog had experienced a significant degree of competition in order to merit this achievement. 41. The Council supported the proposal and recommended that it be referred to the relevant Sub-Committee for further consideration. ITEM 6. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Golden Retriever Breed Council proposed the following items for discussion: i. We would raise the anomaly that any registered Border Collie may take the Show Border Collie Herding Test and those that pass are entitled to use the letters SBCHT at the end of their name (ref while for gundogs, firstly, they must qualify to take the Show Gundog Working Certificate; and secondly, those that pass are NOT entitled to add SGWC to the dog s name. 42. The Council was informed that both discussion points had been submitted in order to gain a better understanding of the certificates available within the Field Trial discipline. 43. Miss Walker (Field Trial Senior Specialist), on behalf of the Office explained that the Show Gundog Working Certificate is not a qualification in itself, but an individual assessment and its achievement is demonstrated by the dog s title changing from Sh to Ch. As such the SGWC does not appear after the dog s name as the Ch title represents its achievement. ii. That for Crufts SPECIAL WORKING GUNDOG A dog is eligible for entry in Special Working Gundog classes for its Breed if it has a Working Gundog Certificate, a Kennel Club Show Gundog Working Certificate or won an award, Diploma of Merit or Certificate of Merit in competition at a Field Trial held under the rules of any governing body recognised by the Kennel Club. N.B. Dogs entered into this class no longer have to qualify for entry in a breed class first. Given that it is difficult to qualify for the breed classes; and that a dog has to be Crufts qualified in order to take the Show Gundog Working Certificate; it is anomalous that a dog with a Working Gundog Certificate (non-competitive and taken on either dummies or game) is sufficient to permit entry to a Crufts breed 8

9 class. (Also, dogs entered in the Good Citizen Dog Scheme class must have at least a bronze, but must also qualify for entry in the usual way). 44. Miss Walker explained that the Special Working Gundog Working classes at Crufts were created demonstrate that many show gundogs retained their working abilities. The purpose was to be as encompassing as possible in relation to the certificates available within Field Trail Regulations. The Council thanked Miss Walker for her helpful insight into the Field Trial discipline. ITEM 7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS 45. Mrs Daws expressed concern over the high number of Imported Bulldogs and French Bulldogs which were reported in the latest Breed Record Supplement and queried whether the owners were members of the Assured Breeder Scheme. The Office undertook to look into the matter further. 46. Mrs Smith queried who she could report incorrect Assured Breeder Scheme accolade listings to. The Office confirmed that such matters should be reported to Mr W Lambert (Health & Breeder Services Manager) at the Kennel Club. 47. The Chairman informed the Council that the Kennel Club had recently released two films; Firstly Dog s a healthy future which looks at the current health issues affecting dogs in the UK. The second Puppy Farming, which looks at the cruel industry of puppy farming and discusses how puppy buyers should go about finding their puppy. 48. Delegates were invited to collect a copy of the DVDs after the meeting. ITEM 8. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING 49. The Council noted that the date of the meeting will be , and that Agenda items must be received by The meeting rose at with a vote of thanks to the Chair. THE KENNEL CLUB S STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES To raise the relevance of the Kennel Club in the eyes of the public at large, dog owners and those who take part in canine events, so as to be better able to promote in every way the general improvement of dogs. This objective to be achieved through: - Ensuring that the Kennel Club is the first port of call on all canine matters. Improving canine health and welfare. Popularising canine events focusing on the retention of existing participants and the attracting of new. Encouraging the development of all those concerned with dogs through education and training. 9

10 Achieving a widening of the Kennel Club membership base. Encouraging more people to provide input in the Kennel Club s decision making process. Notes: 1. The Kennel Club will reimburse standard class return rail fares to all Representatives attending the meeting from their address as recorded at The Kennel Club. Claim forms will be available at the meeting. 2. Those resident in Northern Ireland or Scotland may apply in advance for authority to substitute shuttle air travel for standard class rail fares. Although, it is requested that tickets are booked well in advance to take advantage of any reduction in fares. 3. Please give notice of matters to be raised under Any Other Business. This assists the Office if research is required. These items are discussed at the discretion of the Council Chairman. 4. Kennel Club Liaison Council Regulations state that the Kennel Club will bear the cost of reasonable and externally incurred costs connected with a Council, if agreed in advance. Therefore, Representatives should apply to the Office of the Kennel Club for approval of any costs they might wish to claim prior to the expense being incurred. 10