NATIONAL GOLDEN RETRIEVER COUNCIL Annual General Meeting Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the National Golden Retriever Council held by teleconference, Tuesday, 23 November 2010 commencing at 8.00 pm, Eastern Summer Time. 1. WELCOME BY PRESIDENT The President welcomed delegates to the meeting. 2. ATTENDANCE President Sandra Patterson Chair Secretary/Treasurer Claire Kaspura note taker GRC Queensland Cheree Munro GRC New South Wales Robyn Williams GRC Victoria Jenny Coutlemanis Tasmanian GRC Linda Rand GRC South Australia Ruth Thompson GRC Western Australia Carla O Donnell 3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 12 November 2009 were confirmed as a true and accurate record. 4. BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES 4.1 Register of Dogs Tested for Hereditary Diseases GRC of Victoria reported that the club is still trying to get input from members on the collection of inherited disease test information. GRC of Queensland reported member resistance to submitting information but that the opportunity to submit was slowly filtering through to members. After some discussion on the lack of progress towards the national collation and publication of retrospectively collected information: It was moved that a notice be placed in all club newsletters requesting permission to include retrospectively collected inherited disease test information from all donors for the national data collection. The notice is to include advice that data will be published on the NGRC s web site but that data will not be published until Club members complete the attached consent to publish form and return same to their Club Secretary. Moved: GRC South Australia; seconded GRC New South Wales. Carried. 1
In responding to a question, the Secretary noted that a * against a dog s name in the register is merely to identify those dogs listed where the NGRC does not hold a copy of the original hip evaluation form. The * will be removed to avoid misunderstandings. It was also noted that Dr Wyburn regularly submitted hip- elbow results. 4.2 Amendment to Breed Standard After brief discussion, it was agreed to amend the document to include the wording but not appearing too domed. With the agreement of all Clubs: It was then moved that the Amendment to the Breed Standard be forwarded to the British Kennel Club, the Australian National Kennel Council and the Golden Retriever Breed Council and Clubs (UK). Moved: GRC South Australia; seconded GRC Victoria. Carried. 4.3 NGRC Health Sub Committee The function of the NGRC Health Sub- Committee was discussed following Ruth Thompson s advice that she wished to resign as Chair/Convenor position because of lack of time. After noting that the sub- committee was originally established to progress discussion of health issues within the Council, and in view of changes to the operation of the NGRC, it was moved that the sub- committee be abandoned. Moved: GRC Victoria; seconded GRC Queensland. Carried. 4.4 Cause of Death in Golden Retrievers Survey The Secretary reported that to date, information on the age and cause of death has been submitted for 137 golden retrievers. Of the 137 dogs, 32 (23.36%) have been removed from the data collection on the grounds that the responses comprised double entries for the same dog; lacked identifying information to validate the entry or were simply junk responses. The raw figures based reliable total responses of 105 dogs show the Age at Death as follows: 0 2.9 years = 13 dogs (12.4%) 3 7.9 years = 10 dogs (9.5%) 8 12.9 years = 40 dogs (38.1) 13 years plus = 42 dogs (40.0%) The figures suggest that 60% of golden retrievers died between 0-12.9 years and 21.9% between 0-7.9 years. The sample of 105 dogs was also analysed for Cause of Death: 2
Cause of Death in raw numbers is: 1. Neoplasm 24 dogs (22.86%) 2. Skin Tumour - Malignant 4 dogs (8.1%) 3. Skin Tumour Benign 1 dog (0.95%) 4. Mammary Glands 1 dogs (0.95%) 5. Alimentary - digestive System 9 dogs (8.57%) 6. Lymphatic System 10 (dogs) (9.52) 7. Reproductive System 0 8. Musculoskeletal 7 (6.67 %) 9. Cardiovascular 5 (4.76%) 10. Neurological 9 (8.57%) 11. Trauma/Accident 5 (4.76%) 12. Old Age 20 (19.05%) 13. Unknown 11 (10.48%) It was suggested that the research was worthwhile but that the questionnaire should be redesigned to using plain English and clarified descriptors for cause of death. During the discussion, it was noted that the survey should be promoted more widely although it must be clear that only information for pure bred, registered golden retrievers was acceptable. It was moved that the Secretary organises a review of the questionnaire with specialist assistance. Once the questionnaire has been redesigned, information on the research project and questionnaire is to be advertised in all member Club newsletters. A report on the project is to be presented to the NGRC biannually. Moved: Tasmanian GRC; seconded GRC of South Australia. Carried. 4.5 Proposed Eye Survey Discussion of the proposed eye survey was deferred to Item 10. 4.6 Scoring Centres for Hip/Elbow Dysplasia Authorization Process The Secretary/Treasurer is still to contact Dr Graeme Allan and the AVA Panel seeking their involvement in the submission of hip- elbow data for the NGRC s register. 4.7 Web Site Sponsorship The NGRC had not sought advice from Trenigens re the possibility of continued sponsorship of the website in 2011. Ruth Thompson agreed to explore continued sponsorship with Barbara Moore. 4.8 ACES Scheme 3
Delegates noted their dissatisfaction with the imposition of the $10.00 cost for the ACES form (including duplicates) when the forms are, for the most part, completed by dog owners. It was moved that the NGRC request an explanation for the high cost from the AVA ACES Coordinator. Moved: GRC of New South Wales; seconded: GRC of Queensland. Carried. Discussion then ensued on the necessity for Glaucoma screening, a practice that has been implemented by Ophthalmologists in Victoria. The screening costs $15- $20 and is a one- off test. It is believed that dogs without good (eye) drainage are candidates for glaucoma. Glaucoma has been reported in Victorian based golden retrievers. In view of the lack of national information about the breed s susceptibility to Glaucoma: It was moved that the GRC of Victoria invite Dr R Stanley to write an information paper on glaucoma in the golden retriever, including statistics, for the NGRC. It was also moved that the NGRC contact Dr Bruce Robertson for information re the statistical prevalence of glaucoma in the breed. Moved: GRC of Victoria; seconded GRC of South Australia. Carried. Further, it was noted that Glaucoma could not be elevated to ACES Schedule 1 without prior consultation with the NGRC. 4.9 Personnel for Public Comment 5 CORRESPONDENCE It was moved that the spokesman on any matters relating to the golden retriever be either the President or Secretary/Treasurer of the NGRC. Moved: GRC South Australia; seconded GRC New South Wales 5.1 Incoming Correspondence The list of incoming correspondence was noted. 5.2 Outgoing Correspondence The list of outgoing correspondence was noted. 5.3 Business Arising from Correspondence No business arose from the correspondence. 4
It was moved: GRC South Australia; seconded GRC Victoria that the correspondence is accepted. Carried. 6 PRESIDENT S REPORT 2010 has been a rather quiet year for the Breed Council. I would like to think it is because everything has been going smoothly and everyone is pleased, more than an uneventful year being due to lack of interest or a couldn t be bothered attitude. I think I will choose the going smoothly scenario because although there hasn t been a lot happening nationally, there has been quite a bit of work being done behind the scenes. My thanks go to Claire Kaspura who has very efficiently carried out the administration side of the Breed Council. I never doubted it for a second. You will note that the web site has been updated and there is now some very useful information on there. It is good to note that many breeders have taken advantage of viewing the website, so it is hoped that it will continue to be a place people visit to update themselves on the latest breed issues. To this end it needs contribution from everyone to keep the news current. I believe the return of survey forms has also been promising and we are looking at these forms being reviewed so that they are in plain English, rather than veterinary terms. This will make it easier for everyone to understand. I feel that Australia is no longer regarded the colony as far as Goldens are concerned. We are proving that we have a voice, an opinion and can breed good dogs. This is supported by the fact that overseas breeders are now more willing to export dogs to Australia as well as frozen semen and that dogs exported from here to other countries have been able to gain titles and compete successfully. We are making a stand on the world stage and are finally being considered as a major player in the global golden retriever world and not just a country a very, very long way away. Our testing for inherited diseases, and acceptance thereof, is amongst the most comprehensive there is and results over the years have shown a reduction in high hip scores and eye problems. Our sensible outlook on it all can only raise praise. It is exciting to learn that they have found a DNA test for the type of PRA found in the UK and Europe. It is hoped that breeders overseas will test their stock as this will enable them to produce sound stock that will never be affected and to make informed decisions to ensure type and temperament are maintained. The saying there isn t a problem so why test just doesn t sit. Next year we have another National. Good luck to the GRC of Qld who will be hosting the event. I am sure that it will be a wonderful gathering of golden enthusiasts. In closing, remember that the Breed Council is the Australian Golden Retriever s voice to the world. The next decade is going to see some advances in technology and veterinary knowledge and we need to be forward thinking and move on with the progress and not put our heads in the sand. We need to look objectively at what is introduced and not be dogmatic about our own personal views, yet at the same 5
time still have a sensible outlook and an opinion. This way I really believe Australia can have a voice on the world stage. We are entering a global world and we can use this to cement our place therein. Sandra Patterson It was moved: GRC New South Wales; seconded GRC South Australia that the President s report be received. 7 SECRETARY/TREASURER S REPORT The Breed Council has had a very quiet year. Apart from signing off on the proposed amendments to the Breed Standard, the only other issue to occupy the Council has been the implementation of the resolution for a breed survey canvassing opinion on whether or not the NGRC should seek the introduction of limitations subject to eye screening of sire and dam in respect of litter registrations. With Robyn Williams, I attended the ANKC- National Breed Council conference in Sydney in June. Points of interest included the strong push for expansion of the ANKC s database so that inherited disease test results can be recorded and published on registration certificates. I am fairly certain that actual results cannot be published on certificates because of field limitations and am also certain that other avenues for recording DNA test results and so on via open databases are under consideration. The Limit Register and the National Samoyed Council s opinion that the limit register was contributing to the decline in the number of dogs being exhibited was also the subject of intense debate. The NGRC, being mindful of the impact of indiscriminate breeding on a very popular breed, opposed any change to the main/limit register functions. There s been a suggestion that the Pennhip scoring method is to be adopted by the ANKC. I believe any decision to do so has been deferred on the grounds that the current CHEDS (BVA) scheme has served breeders well and that the Pennhip scheme has not demonstrated its superiority through research publication. The NGRC questioned the level of the ANKC Affiliation Fee. Apparently the ANKC s fees are increased annually in accordance with increases in the Consumer Price Index. I believe this constant upward movement in fees will impose financial burdens on Breed Councils and hope that others will continue to raise this issue in whatever forums are appropriate. Just as a point of interest, it is planned that an Accredited Breeders Scheme, possibly based on the Dogs NSW model will be introduced nationally. Also, the ANKC has now banned first degree matings mother- son, father- daughter, brother- sister and will not register such progeny from such matings without prior approval of the government body. It is probably stating the obvious when I suggest that we are pursuing our passion with our dogs in very difficult times. One reads about the conflicts occurring when ANKC or State bodies attempt to impose new restrictions of members; mutterings of bowing to the RSPCA, PETA, for example abound in some forums. May I suggest 6
that it is important for us all to stop and consider what is really going on around us in the wake of Pedigree Dogs Exposed. We are increasingly being required to be accountable. We require our Canine administrators to be accountable, we require our judges to be accountable, therefore, we as exhibitors and breeders must also take up some of the burden for justifying the existence of the purebred dog world. I know that golden retriever rescue in Sydney, for example, saves far too many goldens from horrible situations, such that you have to wonder what s wrong with people. I assume that the NSW situation is replicated elsewhere. Finally, thank you to Sandra for your help and also a big thank you to all club secretaries who have done their bit to keep the Breed Council alive and well. I have circulated the audited financial reports, all states are financial and the breed council currently has a balance of over $4,267.46. This figure includes income received after the end of the financial year. The council is in a sound position. I remain happy to answer any questions you may have. Claire Kaspura It was moved that the Secretary- Treasurer s Report be received. Moved: GRC of South Australia; seconded GRC of New South Wales. Carried. It was suggested that the Secretary write to Mr Wayne Pearson, thanking him for his financial contribution to the NGRC through payment of teleconference expenses. Further, it was suggested that the Secretary write to Dr RW Wyburn thanking him for his contribution to the breed with his regular input of hip- elbow data to the breed register. A discussion of the suggestion for the NGRC to donate to National shows was deferred to Item 11.1 : Other Business. 8 ELECTION OF AUDITOR It was moved: GRC of New South Wales; seconded GRC Victoria that Mr Michael Lindsay be asked to remain as Auditor for the financial year 1 October 2010-30 September 2011. Carried. 9 DELEGATES REPORTS 9.1 Delegates Reports GRC of Queensland Nil to report. GRC of New South Wales nil to report. GRC of Victoria Advised that NGRC that the Club wished to apply for approval to hold a National in 2014. A letter will be circulated by the Club. Tasmanian GRC Nil to report. GRC of SA Nil to report. GRC of WA Nil to report. 9.2 ANKC National Breed Council Conference 7
Minutes of the ANKC- NBC Conference had been circulated earlier in the year. No discussion ensued. 9.3 Hereditary Diseases Sub Committee 10 Notice of Motion Nothing to report. See Item 4.3. 10.1 Notice of Motion: That the National Golden Retriever Breed Council rescinds the motion of the February 2009 meeting and does not continue with the Breed Eye Survey for the limitation of litter registration. Moved by GRC South Australia. Rationale: A positive vote to impose litter registration limitations on golden retriever owners has the potential to disadvantage breeders on the grounds that there are insufficient specialist ophthalmologists generally accessible in the smaller states. The Chair invited each Delegate to indicate support for, or against, the motion: GRC Queensland: supported the motion as the Club did not believe the NGRC should support an inequitable situation. GRC New South Wales supported the motion on same grounds as Queensland and believed there must be easy access to qualified Ophthalmologists nationally. GRC Victoria supported the motion on same grounds. Tasmanian GRC supported the motion and noted that the Club had discussed litter register limitations and believes it is too restrictive to have this regulation imposed when Tasmania doesn t have a resident eye specialist. GRC South Australia Believe in testing but with something that needs to be updated each year it is not practicable to introduce regulations which might cause compliance difficulties. GRC Western Australia supported the motion. It was, therefore, unanimously resolved to rescind the following motion of the Annual General Meeting, 19 February 2009: It was moved to proceed to the ANKC re this Survey. The Survey is to require both parents to hold eye certificates before any progeny can be registered. There is to be no limitations imposed. Both parents had to have had their eyes tested. What breeders did with the result of that test was up to them. Roger Bridgford to draw up a Survey of Eyes similar to that done for the Flat Coated Retriever Club and recently published and to send this to the Secretary for forwarding to the ANKC. 8
Roger is also to confirm the correct procedure to enable this survey to proceed. Carried. Moved: GRC of South Australia; seconded GRC of Western Australia. Carried. It was also moved that the NGRC write to AVA ACES Coordinator seeking clarification on the recommended frequency for screening dogs being bred for inherited eye disease. Moved: GRC New South Wales; seconded GRC South Australia. Carried. 11. Other Business 11.1 GRC of Queensland National 15-17 June 2011 The GRC of Queensland reported on planning for the 2011 Golden Retriever National: All flights, accommodation and CCCQ scheduling are organised. Invitations for dinner and other functions will be listed on the GRC of Queensland web site shortly. Judging of Conformation classes is to commence on the (Wednesday) first day and will cover all Baby Puppies to Junior and/or possibly Intermediates dogs and bitches - depending on numbers. Senior dogs and bitches to be judged on Thursday. Two Obedience Trials and Gundog Working Tests (Wednesday and Thursday). A seminar, yet to be confirmed, is proposed for Friday with speakers drawn from long time Australian golden retriever people and overseas visitors. A Breed Council meeting will probably be scheduled after completion of judging Wednesday. After a brief discussion: It was moved that the NGRC donates $100.00 for a special rosette for the Best In Show winner, the Winner of Winners, Obedience and top scoring dog GWT. The BIS Rosette to be the larger. Moved: GRC South Australia; seconded Tasmanian GRC. Carried. It was moved that as the NGRC s colours clashed with member club colours, that the NGRC s colours become red, white and blue. Moved: Tasmanian GRC; seconded GRC of South Australia. Carried The Secretary is to follow up on the whereabouts of the photo album and banner with Mrs Jan Williams (SA). 9
11.2 ANKC National Database: GRC New South Wales advised that Dr Karen Hedberg s work on the ANKC s national database indicated the breed average hip score for the golden retriever is now a total of 11. The information should be published shortly. It was agreed to continue with the NGRC s collection of information for the time being, this decision to be reviewed at the next AGM. 11.3 2011 National Schedule 12. Meeting Close: GRC Queensland advised that prior to CCCQ approval, a rough schedule would be posted to the GRC Qld web site. It was also noted that advertisers for a year book will be sought shortly. There being no further business, the President wished everyone a merry Christmas and happy new year in 2011 and closed the meeting at 9.40 pm. 10