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AKC DELEGATES MEETING
12 December 2013

AKC CHF Health Committee
Vet Outreach Program- .
Tuffs University finally has a Veterinary student participating in program. University has misconception of what the AKC offers and represents.

Heading the program is Mary Beth O’Neil. Presentations at U of Missouri, OSU, UC Davis, etc. have been given to inform the vet schools of the student vet program of the AKC.

Interesting point, there have been Animal rights student representatives have been present at the meetings. Some questions /concerns were Crop & Dock and dew claws.

The CHF has approx. $4.8 mil in undesignated funds. Breed Club Health Committees/Breed Club BOD should select health issue which need attention/funding and notify the AKC CHF of their preferences.

*Sandra Groeschel, the DKC Delegate recommends that the DKC should give consideration to making an annual donation to the Vet Outreach program to support both the AKC and veterinary medicine.

Canine Reproduction - Funding is being proposed for research in Canine Reproduction.

Infectious disease Protocols for Dog Show Rules, 4-6 mon Puppy class- is being reviewed and has been funded.

Circo Virus and OH-

Virus is not new…….has been in existence for many years prior to last outbreak. Becomes news when numerous cases are reported publicly. Many of the dogs recently affected by circo virus also had other health issues which compounded the overall care and recovery of the dogs.

Brucellosis-

  • Not all states require Brucellosis reporting.
  • Bitch should be tested when she initially comes into season NOT just before breeding. FALSE positives do occur and must be retested using secondary method which takes more time.
  • Regularly used stud dogs should be tested every six months
    Disease can be sexually transmitted but also via frozen semen and ingesting of contaminated urine!
  • Only cure for Brucellosis is euthanasia.

AKC Reunite Program - makes available trailers for disaster relief areas.

CHIC-180,000 registrations since inception. Brittany Spaniel Club has finally joined CHIC program.

DOG SHOW RULES COMMITTEE
Club Territorial Issues-Committee is recommending “No Territories” by 8 to 2 vote. This will be on the AKC BOD February 2014 meeting. (Chpt 2, Sect 3)

ALTERED/NEUTERED/SPAYED ANIMALS AT SHOWS
NO CHANGES-not enough interest. Main topic discussed-whether a neutered dog could compete against other dogs from the regular classes i.e. BOB. Discussion included advantages neutered animals might have in competition (i.e. better coat). Altered Veterans at all-breed shows (Chpt 11, Sect 8)
Wording finalized or

DOG REINSTATEMENT PROCEDURES FOR DISQUALIFIED DOG

Dog bites-for consideration of reinstatement, dog must be permanently identifiable i.e. microchip or tattoo, preferably microchip. Rabies certificate and vet health certificate must be made available for consideration of reinstatement.
Should an immediate decision (no possibility of reinstatement) be available to the affected judge and the show committee?
Recommended that a photo of offending dog should be taken before departure from ring.

PEE WEE CLASS
Debate over scheduling of Pee Wee Class. During lunch break or in conjunction with regular judging.

  • Segregates newcomers from regular show people.
  • No interaction or mentoring available during competition
  • Keeps participants with fellow/like entrants.
  • Safer environment for newbies.
  • Novices won’t be intimidated.
  • No need to remain for hours at shows (if participant also shows in regular classes).
  • Entries are counted towards judge’s total judging count.
  • Allows newcomers to mingle with seasoned exhibitors.
    Comments:
    Judges for this class need to have compassion and patience for the newbie puppies and people

PERMITTING JUDGES TO ISSUE SINGLE POINT TO SINGLE ENTRY
Absolutely no interest by committee-going nowhere

RESERVE BEST JUNIOR
Committee was in full support of this idea. Will put together a proposal for review.

JUDGES ELIGIBILITY AND JUDGING CONFLICT
See Delegate notes

SHOW CANCELLATION GUIDELINES
See Delegate notes

13 Dec 2013
AKC General Meeting

VACNCIES ON THE AKC BOD
There are 3 vacancies on the AKC BOD. These will be filled/voted upon at the March 2014 meeting. The four candidates are:

James Dok, Gig Harbor KC, believes the key to improving AKC business is with sensible leadership which supports promoting better public relations and a strong marketing program that reaches all areas of the AKC. “Business as usual” no longer works and the focus needs to be on developing existing and new areas of interest.

Dr. J. Charles Garvin, Dalmatian Club of America, is a long time breeder and owner handler. Serves as the President of DC of America (14th yr) and 5th yr as Pres of Marion Club OH KC. He also serves on the AKC CHF board. 20 yr+ AKC Delegate and 33 yr AKC Judge. Dr. Garvin feels that “several bold strategies and tactics” need to implemented while retaining the successful historical business processes and learn from previous challenges.

Ron H. Menaker, Rockford-Freeport IL KC, has not only been a dog breeder but also a Delegate, Chairman of the AKC, Show Chairman and judge. During his tenure as Chairman of the AKC, he began implementing new programs and adding enhancements to existing ones. He feels that he can assist in keeping the AKC BOD momentum headed in the positive direction with beneficial changes for everyone involved with the AKC at all levels. Building strategies to revive the Sport, keeping up with the changing marketplace through diversifying AKC programs and services are critically important for continued success.

Patricia Scully, Obedience Training Club of Hawaii, believes in and supports the “Total dog”. She feels the rights of all dog owners should be protected. Thinking outside of the box and not doing “business as usual” are necessary for the AKC to be successful. Long range planning and a leaner and more efficient business model are necessary

NEW DELEGATES: There were 26 new Delegates seated since the last meeting.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Revenues for 2013 are expected to be stronger than 2012, reaching $58 million (2013). Operating profit should also be stronger ($7 mil 2013). There are now 5,090 licensed and member clubs in the AKC (46 new clubs joined in 2013). Clubs held 22,750 events in 2013. Exhibitor new entries = 25,323 (thro Oct) for a projected total of approx. 3.2 mil which will be the largest number in the history of the AKC. Recognized breeds and varieties increased by 3 for a total of 190. FSS added 1 for a total of 64. Participation in conformation, obedience and rally declined in the past year. Registrations continue to decline but at a slower rate than previous years. Particular attention to “breeder” programs are the focus to promote better relationships between breeder, buyer and the general public. Education and information are key components of a successful registration program.
Alliance with the Theriogenology Foundation & the Society of Theriogenology-help fund residencies in small animal reproduction in the US. Proposal received from Auburn U, UC Davis and U of Penn for 2014 academic year.

FINANCIAL REPORT-PETER FARNSWORTH
(Figures are year to date through the end of Nov 2013)

  • Revenues YTD versus 2012 are up $2.4 mil
  • Expenses are down $2.1 mil
  • Net Operating income improved $4.5 mil for eleven months
  • Investment gains are up $11 mil
  • Net income is $18 mil versus $6 mil last year
  • Registration revenue is up from 2012 $1.2 mil
  • Operating costs down $2.1 mil vs last year

AKC PET DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM
Assistance during the first 72 hrs of a disaster. Available AKC Disaster trailer at the request of appropriate local emergency management agency. (Pledges and monies received well over $200,000

CANINE GOOD CITIZEN PROGRAM

  • Started in 1989, is now a comprehensive 3 level program (AKC Star Puppy, CGC, and Community Canine test (Adv CGC= CGCA))
  • 600,000+ dogs have passed CGC test since 1989.

AKC PAC-Carl Ashby
$44,000 raised in 2013 to support candidates. 80% of supported candidates elected. 1,611 people contributed to PAC averaging $27.00 each. Clubs should try and encourage donations simultaneously when membership drives are done.

To be voted upon-
RULES APPLYING TO DOG SHOWS – DOG SHOW CLASSIFICATIONS, Chpt 3, Sect 22
This change was brought forth by the AKC Staff. It provides for a Bred by Exhibitor Class for each sex of each Miscellaneous Class breed consistent with the requirements as defined in Section 8.
Results of Delegate vote: two thirds affirmative- amendment is adopted

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO FIELD TRIAL RULES AND STANDARD PROCEDURES FOR POINTING BREEDS (CHPT 8, SEC 9)
Allows a club at its discretion to provide lower entry fees for Jr. Handlers. (Spaniels, Retrievers, Beagles, Dachshunds, and Bassets) TO BE VOTED UPON AT MARCH 2014 MEETING

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO FIELD TRIALS RULES AND STANDAR PROCEDURES FOR POINTING BREEDS (CHPT 10, Sec 2 & 3)
Would add specifications regarding individuals who may serve on an event committee when hearing a protest regarding a dog’s eligibility to enter a stake or class to help ensure the events committee is impartial. TO BE VOTED UPON AT THE MARCH 2014 MEETING

Please feel free to contact me regarding any comments, concerns, opinions, etc you might have regarding AKC business.

Sandra Groeschel
AKC Delegate, Dayton KC
Email: whim.beagles@gmail.com
Tel: 661-256-7271