AKC AT WORK There seems to be a general consensus among longtime AKC observers that the present administration consisting of Board and Staff is one of the most secretive and non-communicative with the constituents of AKC in memory. Indeed on most topics there is a total lack of exchange except in the Judging area when the Judges organizations push its members into action. Now then whether this is the philosophy of the Board or the Staff or both is unknown since one side frequently blames the other for this lack of openness and or willingness to discuss matters which go to the very heart of AKC’s existence. For instance when was the last time registration figures were even discussed openly by either the Board or the Staff much less have the figures published at all! Finances are treated equally as closed book whilst any sort of future planning in whatever increments be they two, five or ten year plans seem to be ignored (or not made public) for sure. Who hears from the Board Chairman at all except for the unrevealing Monthly Chairman’s Report and who if anyone is setting these kinds of policies? In the Menaker-Merriam years and the Menaker-Davies years one may not have agreed with all they did but at least people were made aware of what was happening. When the computer fiascoes began in North Carolina at least there was a public awareness of what was happening and how to fix that portion of operations. When was the last time the Fancy was made publicly aware of problems within the organization itself? When a person resigns from a major Committee is anyone informed or do weeks and months pass until something is acknowledged as happened with the recent JRC fiasco and which is now perhaps occurring in other areas as well. Right now it is the sense of these pages that some changes must be made Board ways for sure in the March elections and that both the Staff and Board have an obligation to be more open about the running of the corporation than it is now being. 10 Dog News
The
Editorial AUGUST 23, 2013
THE AENC AND FOOD RECALLS Is AKC’s relationship with the general public really tarnished at all when there are food recalls from Eukanuba or Iams or any food company for that matter? Not really is the answer from these pages despite the apparent closeness of AKC with Eukanuba in the running of the National Championship. Happily that relationship has been long going and due to the development of the event primarily through the work of Ron Menaker initially the TV aspect which has attained particularly high ratings nationally has proven to be a most positive element. Indeed the development of the entire affair seems to grow in importance to the international dog world as the event broadens and matures. This despite many who felt and still feel that the AENC should be held mid-week due to its conflict with other AKC giving shows; despite those who felt and still feel AKC should not associate its name with a specific food company; despite those who felt and still feel the prize monies are outrageously out of proportion to the rest of the shows held in America; despite those who felt and still feel the FCI participation through the international competition is outlandish; the AENC has become a firm fixture for our sport. Whether or not further changes are in the offing remain to be seen. If they are let’s hope those running AKC are not hiding these facts from the dog show going public in an effort to present a business as usual posture rather than to let people know yes indeed change is in the air. How positive this change may be is another matter in the altogether, that’s for sure. STREET STRAY IMPORTATION There is a move on in Seattle to import street strays from Southern Taiwan, which of course opens a barrel of problems not the least of which is that there is a new rabies outbreak on that small island. Most recognize that street strays are not former pets and when brought into commercial shelters from foreign countries can pass on disease or parasites to the shelters themselves, foster homes and potential adopters as well. Unquarantined importation of street strays from any country is a disaster waiting to happen but when the potential for rabies is involved the situation becomes even more critical. Why street strays would be imported to the States where we spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars to prevent pet overpopulation to say nothing of animal control is questionable with which to begin. Unfortunately there are hundreds if not thousands of public and private shelters, unregistered rescue organizations and even individuals with no history for training in animal health, welfare or sheltering arranging transportation for homeless animals from foreign countries to arrive in America. The
NAIA reports that gross income from imports at one shelter was estimated to be $500,000 annually. In some instances 100 to 200 dogs each month were imported selling at $200250 each. Clearly distinguishable from the case of the couple in Illinois devoted to the rescue of the Spanish Galgo, a hunting dog from Spain similar to a greyhound, which are bred and raised to hunt and after their prime mercilessly slaughtered by the owners and breeders. At least in this instance there is some rhyme or reason to react so pro-actively. THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE Now is the time for your club and you individually to seek out the members of this Committee and get your two cents in as to who should be new or if you like re-elected Board Members. If you do not speak up now do not complain when the list comes out. Remember you have your chance and while you may not be successful in persuading these people about who they should nominate at least you will have the satisfaction of having tried. And if the person or persons you support are not nominated don’t forget there is still the open option for your person to run from the floor. It only takes 50 Delegates to sign the petition and under the present ridiculous by-laws any Delegate can sign as many petitions as they choose!!!! So never think the door is closed for any sitting Delegate to run from the floor should they so desire. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK The Breeders Showcase will be highlighted at the rejuvenated Santa Barbara Kennel Club this weekend. This Breeders Showcase is a one-time event sponsored in part by Purina whilst the on-going Eukanuba Breeders Showcase is finalized in Orlando at the AENC. Both are worthwhile events hopefully supported by all concerned with the purebred dog. Santa Barbara’s overall comeback as a major show on the dog show circuit is well worth noting and applauding. This is certainly an outstanding effort on the part of its members to provide a unique and multi-faceted weekend to the Fancy at large.