06 April 2018

So, somehow we are in April, how did that happen? Before we know it LKA will be looming on the horizon.

Hope everyone had fun over the Easter holidays and for those at the shows over this period please remember to let me know your results and successes. Next week I will give news from UKTD, due to an early Easter deadline it was not possible to report in this issue.

We have some lovely Open Show results starting at Bridgwater & DCS the breed judge was Mr Colin Wills (Hugapug) and in both the adult and puppy Papillons were flying the flag high. Susie and Margaret Orchard took the BOB and TGP2 with Panspayon Eye of the Storm and Sue Stanbury’s eight month old youngster Inixia Ever Ready Eddie was awarded RBOB and TPGP1. Staying in the same part of the country but this time at Exeter & County CS here the breed and group judge was Mrs Vanessa Williams-Wegmann (Essvana). BOB went to Susie and Margaret Orchards Ringlands Yoko’s Solo at Panspayon, RBOB Sue Morrell’s Temelora Let It Be Magic JW and finally Sue Stanbury’s youngster Inixia Fully Charged who went BPIB abd TPGP4.

In North Wales at Llandudno CA the breed judge was Alexandra Cole ( Doucai) and she awarded BOB to Petula Humphrey’s Caraideas The Extra Mile To Gloynbyw. Congratulations to one and all.

Thought this may be an interesting to read. The House of Commons has passed the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. It will now go to the House of Lords on Tuesday 27th March 2018 and provided they also pass this Statutory Instrument it will become law in England on 1st October 2018. Amongst other changes, it will reduce the threshold for when a breeder must be licensed (the litter test is being reduced from 5 litters in 12 months to 3 litters in 12 months). According to Government estimates, this law will increase the number of dog breeders that must be licensed by their local authority from 650 to 4,950. Just because a breeder is an Assured Breeder with the Kennel Club will NOT give them an exemption (although this is a factor that will be taken into account when determining how long the licence should be for). If someone unlawfully breeds dogs without a licence it would be a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment of up to 6 months and/or an unlimited fine.

Dog Law are running half day running seminars at eight locations during April and May, aimed at professionals, which will provide an overview of these Regulations (as well as an update on Breed Specific Legislation and on the issue of sentiency & increasing penalties for animal cruelty). For more information please email tracy@doglaw.co.uk. NB London on 19th April has very few places left.
For those entering Windsor this year please read the following information regarding un-entered and spectator dogs. Wording taken directly from the schedule; UNENTERED DOGS, there will be a tent for un-entered dogs at the Exhibitors and General Public entrance. Rottweiler Welfare will again be manning these tents and there is a charge of £7.50 per dog per day. SPECTATOR DOGS Spectator Dogs from 4 months of age may be brought into the Show. A brief form must be completed at the entrance and a fee of £8.00 paid (cash only). NOTE: Exhibitors are not allowed to enter spectator dogs. Additional dogs must be entered Not for Competition. Dogs (which are registered at the Kennel Club) may be entered Not For Competition. This includes puppies over 4 months of age on the first day of the show, i.e. born on or before 27th February 2018 £10.00 (Full registration details of dog must be given).

Completely different news from Midland Counties, this information is taken from their schedule. Perhaps this is one society that is trying to give back to the exhibitor. Let’s hope they are appreciated beyond realms.

Midland Counties reaches their 50th Anniversary in 2018. The committee are planning a number of celebrations. However, especially for exhibitors Midland Counties wants to let everyone know that following their recent Committee Meeting the following has been agreed. Entry Fees for CC breeds remains at £22.00 per dog – no increase for 8 years. Entry fees for Non CC, AVNSC and Not For Competition is reduced by £2.00 to £10.00 per dog. There will be Veteran Classes in every breed/AVNSC and Best Veteran in Breed rosettes. There will be twenty pound prize money for every Best Puppy in Breed. No Car Parking Charges, No admission charges.
I applaud you Midland Counties you truly deserve a bumper entry. The exhibitor needs to show gratitude for a society that cares about the exhibitor. There is a six pound difference for every dog entry made whilst many other Championship shows are at £28 this year, time to give food for thought perhaps.

Southern Counties postal entries close Tues, 17th April/ online Tues 24th April. (Fosse Data). Dogs over four months may be entered nfc and will be benched with respective breed at a cost of £13. Toy day is on Fri, 1st June and the breed judge is Mr Francesco Cochetti (Italy). There is also a Veteran group, the judge is Paula Heikkinen-Lehkonen (Finland).

A new Kennel Club booklet is available introducing the Judges Competency Framework, which brings up to date all of the latest details. It is for anyone who is judging or aspiring to be a judge.

Lynn George –Evans has been having a poorly sick time lately, get well soon Lynn, wishing you a speedy recovery.
Have a great week, if you are at the shows please send me your details of how you have gone on and drive safely.
IRENE ROBB