The huge increase in the popularity of the French Bulldog has created opportunities for unethical breeders to exploit the breed, the blatant disregard for the breed standard, and falsifying of colour, via pattern, enabling breeders to charge from $10,000 upwards for puppies, based on the premise of Exotic and Rare Colours, has prompted the Board of Directors of the Australian National Kennel Council Ltd to establish a “Task Force” to investigate the corrupt practices affecting the breed and to make recommendations to strengthen the Regulations to protect the integrity of the registration process.
Any information that could be of assistance in the investigations should be directed to a Member Body Office for forwarding to the “Task Force”.
Members of Task Force
Hugh Gent OAM
Brian Parker
David Sales
Darren Bowey
Lynette Brown
Shane Thomas
Karen Hedberg
Virginia Gagan-Wilson
Recently ANKC Ltd conducted a survey to ascertain the opinion of ANKC Ltd registered White Swiss Shepherd Dog owners in relation to ANKC Ltd accepting for registration Australian born White Swiss Shepherd Dogs registered with the White Swiss Shepherd Dog Club of Australia Inc A0043538A which complied with all the following conditions and would apply to litters born from 1st July 2017, with these dogs being eligible to participate in all relevant ANKC Ltd disciplines: -
1.1 There are a minimum of 3 generations of White Swiss Shepherd Dogs only;
1.2 White Swiss Shepherd Dogs cannot be mated to White German Shepherd Dogs;
1.3 A White Swiss Shepherd Dog cannot be accepted if within 3 generations there was a White German Shepherd Dog used after 1 January 2005;
1.4 White German Shepherd Dogs or White Coloured German Shepherd Dogs cannot be used or re-registered as a White Swiss Shepherd Dog.
In order to accept the Australian bred White Swiss Shepherd Dogs into the ANKC Ltd Database Registry, the conditions (as stated above) had to be met. A majority of registered owners within the breed and responding to the survey had to be in favour before approval would be given by ANKC Ltd for this to proceed.
The response received from owners has indicated an overwhelming rejection of this recommendation.
In view of this no action will be taken to implement the recommendation at this stage and the ANKC Ltd Board will discuss the results of this survey at a future meeting.
Ms Tracey Barry
ANKC Ltd Administrator
Join the movement to keep healthy puppies in homes, where they belong
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) pedigree dog breeders are devoted to their dogs and want to see their puppies live long, happy and healthy lives in forever loving homes. Sadly, some dogs suffer from hereditary problems and require ongoing veterinary care, which can be expensive and heartbreaking for everyone.
The ANKC, the peak body for responsible and ethical breeders in Australia, has launched a public and breeder education movement to complement the RSPCA and Australian Veterinary Association’s joint initiative, Love is Blind, to raise awareness of the animal welfare problems caused by exaggerated physical features and how these problems can be prevented.
“Love is blind, except, it doesn’t have to be,” said Hugh Gent OAM, President of the ANKC. “The ANKC considers the health and physical welfare of dogs of prime importance and does not support the breeding of dogs with exaggerated features to meet a puppy buyer demand for a certain look.”
ANKC registered breeders who abide by the Council’s breeding codes and guidelines give careful consideration to health issues, temperament and genetic screening, as well as individual care and placement of puppies in proper homes, explained Mr Gent. “The ANKC continuously reviews Breed Standards to reflect their responsible breeding policy, as well as educating breeders and judges through ANKC membership to breed and exhibit healthy, sound dogs,” he said.
Not all short-nosed breeds have health problems
Addressing concerns about the health and wellbeing of brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, veterinarian Dr Karen Hedberg, ANKC Canine Health and Wellbeing Committee Chair, said many brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and British Bulldogs, may be short-faced but not necessarily have breathing difficulties.
“The breeds that tend to have breathing difficulties have both short noses and loose skin folds. Current ANKC recommendations are not to breed with severely affected individuals,” she said.
A recent ground-breaking study¹ at Cambridge Veterinary School, UK, showed dogs can be properly sorted into precise groups of degree of breathing difficulties which will make selection of breeding animals more reliable. The ANKC is considering importing similar testing chambers to Australia, said Dr Hedberg.
To promote the health, functionality and longevity of dogs, many ANKC Breed Clubs also run genetic health schemes, such as CHEDS (Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme) and ACES (Australian Canine Eye Scheme). Through the Canine Research Foundation, the ANKC also actively supports and funds scientific research with various Australian universities for the benefit of all dogs. Funding for the CRF comes from a levy on each puppy registered with the ANKC.
Educate yourself - give responsibility to buyers
“We want dogs to live long, healthy, trouble-free lives but part of that responsibility falls on their owners,” said Dr Hedberg.
“It is the duty of a prospective owner to educate themselves about the breed, inherited diseases - if any - and any recommended health testing for that breed. It is also their responsibility to find and work with a responsible breeder to ensure they are getting the healthiest and most suitable dog for their lifestyle.”
Dr Hedberg said the ANKC actively promotes efforts to ensure that the public is educated, understands the demands of responsible ownership and have access to healthy, well-bred dogs that are right for them.
“After they purchase their puppy, owners need to be diligent in the care and overall well-being of their dog by ensuring their exercise, nutrition, veterinary care, vaccinations and other preventative measures that aid in their dog maintaining its best health,” she said. “Given the ongoing demand for puppies, public education about choosing a pure breed suitable for their lifestyle and finding a responsible ANKC-registered breeder are paramount in stamping out irresponsible dog breeders and keeping dogs out of shelters and in homes where they belong.”
The ANKC affiliated Member Bodies and Breed Clubs help the public locate ethical and credible breeders of healthy dogs in about 200 breeds in Australia.
“The ANKC urges pet industry bodies and groups to join forces in assisting breeders to breed healthy dogs and assist buyers who wish to buy a purebred dog, to choose healthy puppies by using ANKC-registered breeders,” said Mr Gent.
For updates on ANKC canine health screening initiatives, follow ANKC Canine Health and Wellbeing. Also check out Forensic View of Puppy Breeding in Australia.
VIDEO: ‘Puppies! Love will find a way – ANKC’
¹ http://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/boas/research
Media contacts
Hugh Gent OAM, ANKC President
hughgent@bigpond.net.au
0458 465 124
Caroline Zambrano
petjourno@gmail.com
0403 550 730
Spokespersons for ANKC affiliated Member Bodies and a number of Breed Clubs are available for interview. Please contact Caroline for details.
About the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC)
The Australian National Kennel Council is the administrative body of purebred canine affairs in Australia with affiliated Member Bodies in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, Tasmania and South Australia. To discover more about ANKC and canine activities of all the Member Bodies, visit www.ankc.org.au
The ANKC Ltd Board resolved at the October 2016 Board meeting that the implementation date of 1 January 2017 for the following motion passed at the May 2016 Board meeting be deferred until 1 July 2017 pending receipt of submissions from National Breed Councils and Breed Clubs and further consideration by the ANKC Ltd Board:
“It was unanimously RESOLVED on the motion of P Frost/E Gunter that the Board endorses the National Breed Standards Coordination Group’s recommendation subject to the following highlighted changes:
“Effective from 1 January 2017 except in the case where National Breed Councils or Breed Clubs have nominated certain Colours not to be placed on the Main register as per regulations Part 6, 6.2.4 Special Conditions for Registration of Certain Breeds (Amended 04/15 EAP)”
Prior to 1 July 2017 only acceptable colours noted in the breed standards will be eligible for registration on the Main Register.
All Breed Clubs that have breeds which do not have a National Breed Council as well as Individual Members who have breeds which do not have a National Breed Council or Breed Club are requested to forward to their Member Body office a listing of what colours for their specific breed are not to be placed on the Main Register and to provide evidence for this request by no later than COB 31 March 2017. [Note: The evidence provided can be on the grounds other than health reasons.]
[NOTE: This release supersedes our release issued in August 2016.]
Tracey Barry
Administrator
December 2016
On the request of the National Agility Committee, the ANKC Ltd Board of Directors has agreed to the temporary suspension of the use of the Collapsible Tunnel effective immediately due to safety concerns. This suspension will remain in place until advised by ANKC Ltd.
This follows similar action taken by a number of overseas clubs including the Kennel Club (UK) and the American Kennel Club.
Tracey Barry
Administrator
September 2016
The ANKC Ltd Board resolved at the May 2016 Board meeting for the following motion passed at the October 2015 Board meeting as well as a subsequent electronic motion be rescinded prior to the endorsement of a recommendation received from the National Breed Standards Coordination Group.
It was unanimously RESOLVED that the following two motions be rescinded:
1. Motion 7.2.1 Board Meeting October 2015:
"It was resolved that in reference to colour, a note be included on any breed standard stating that ‘highly undesirable’ is to be interpreted as not acceptable for inclusion on the Main Register.
It was agreed this motion should only address the colour section of standards initially and any further references to ‘highly undesirable’ in other sections of the standards could be dealt with by electronic motion.”
and
2. Electronic Motion
It was resolved that ANKC Ltd determine that 1st January 2017 be the implementation date for the following resolution passed at the October 2015 Board meeting and that prior to that date the Breed Standards Co-ordination Group report to the Board on the implications of implementing this decision.
It was then resolved that the Board endorse the National Breed Standards Coordination Group’s recommendation:
“Effective from 1 January 2017 except in the case where National Breed Councils or Breed Clubs have nominated certain Colours not to be placed on the Main register as per regulations Part 6, 6.2.4 Special Conditions for Registration of Certain Breeds (Amended 04/15 EAP)
All other undesirable colours are to be placed on the Main register if desired by the Breeder.
The onus is to be placed on Judges to non-award undesirable/highly undesirable colours.
Prior to 1 January 2017, National Breed Councils or Breed Clubs will be invited so that they can nominate certain colours for their specific breeds not to be placed on the Main Register for health reasons and to provide evidence for their request.”
All Breed Clubs, or breeders who have breeds which do not have a National Breed Council or a Breed Club, are requested to forward to their Member Body office a listing of what colours for their specific breed are not to be placed on the Main Register for health reasons and to provide evidence for this request by no later than COB Friday, 11 November 2016.
Tracey Barry
Administrator
August 2016
Recently, the ANKC Ltd has been in negotiations with the FCI for the continuance as an Associate Member. Over the years the FCI has allowed the ANKC Ltd to operate in a manner that in many cases was in breach of the FCI Statutes, the FCI has informed us that this is no longer tenable if we are to remain members and we will be expected to comply with the FCI Statutes for an Associate Member as per all the other FCI Associate Members.
In June 2016 the ANKC Ltd President and Vice President attended a meeting in Belgium with the FCI Executive to express our concerns with Australia being required to comply fully with the FCI Statues due to our isolation and Bio Security requirements, the meeting was very successful and the FCI were very responsive to the ANKC Ltd views and a reasonable way forward was discussed.
From that meeting and subsequent correspondence from the FCI Secretariat the following is proposed to be put to the FCI General Committee:
That the ANKC Ltd continue as an Associate Member of the FCI with the following understandings:
The expectations of the FCI are reasonable and continued Associate Membership allows ANKC Ltd, Member Bodies to contract FCI Judges to judge in Australia and our Judges to gain valuable experience judging at FCI events. It also facilitates the continued exporting and importing of dogs from FCI countries to further develop our bloodlines.
The ANKC Ltd Directors will be meeting with members of the FCI Executive later this year. It is anticipated that ANKC Ltd and the FCI will come to an agreement in principle. Should you have any uncertainties in relation to ANKC Ltd continued Associate Membership with the FCI you are urged to discuss them with your Member Body ANKC Ltd Director/s to ensure you get the complete facts.
Regards,
Hugh Gent OAM
President and Chairman of the Board of Directors
Australian National Kennel Council Ltd
ANKC Ltd Directors:
Dogs ACT - Simon Mills
Dogs NSW - Elizabeth Gunter & Russell Britten
Dogs NT - Mel Hammet
Dogs QLD - Shane Thomas and Ainslie Carius
Dogs SA - Brian Parker
Dogs TAS - David Sales
Dogs VIC - Wayne Fleming & Darren Bowey
Dogs WA - Pam Campbell
Recently ANKC Ltd conducted a survey to ascertain the opinion of registered German Shepherd Dog owners in relation to Litter Registration Limitations of the breed. The response received has indicated overwhelming support for the following:
Litter Registration Limitations are to be amended as follows and will apply for litters born from 1st January 2017:-
1.1 Both parents of every litter must be screened for Hip Dysplasia through an official Hip Dysplasia Control Scheme. Where the parents have been born after the 30th June 2015, they must record a score of no more than eight (8) on either hip, with no more than three (3) in any one area, or in the case of imported animals, a grading that is deemed to be acceptable for breeding in their country of origin.
1.2 Both parents of every litter must be screened for Elbow Dysplasia through an official Elbow Dysplasia Control Scheme. Where the parents have been born after the 30th June 2015, they must record a grading of Normal, Near Normal or Grade One on both elbows, and must be free from the condition of UAP (Ununited Anconeal Process).
Breeders of litters whelped on or after 1st January, 2017, will be required to comply with the requirements as a prerequisite to registration of any litter on the ANKC Ltd Main Register. Dogs must be positively identified by microchip, and/or tattoo prior to being x-rayed. Litters which do not meet the above requirements will only be able to be placed on the Limited Register and will be flagged not to be upgraded.
Ms Tracey Barry
ANKC Ltd Administrator
The AVA and ANKC Ltd jointly established the Canine Hip and Elbow dysplasia scheme in January 2000, and since that time the AVA has been responsible for administering the scheme from its Canberra office.
The AVA has now decided to cease participation in the scheme, and ANKC Ltd will become the sole manager of the scheme once the transfer takes place.
The transition of administrative functions will occur over the next few months and is expected to be completed by the end of April, 2016.
From Monday 2nd of May 2016, all submissions will be sent directly from the Veterinarian taking the x-rays to a member of the ANKC Ltd Radiologists Panel.
Full details of the new procedures and ANKC Ltd Radiologists Panel will be available from ww.ankc.org.au prior to 2 May 2016. [NOTE: The existing Radiologists Panel will continue until 30 April 2016 and full details of the ANKC Ltd Panel will be made available from our website as soon as possible.]
Since the announcement of the awarding of the FCI World Show 2019 to China, a number of Northern Hemisphere Kennel Clubs have indicated that they will boycott the event in, protest against the cruel and barbaric killing of dogs at the Yulin Festival in Guangxi Province.
The ANKC Ltd Directors share the abhorrence of this sadistic slaughter of dogs which is against all the tenets of Animal Welfare as embraced in Australia, and are fully cognisant of the genuine feelings of the Australian owners, breeders and exhibitors of dogs, who support a boycott of the WDS in China.
The Board are monitoring the global discussions of the proponents and opponents of the conduct of the WDS in China, and has written to the China Kennel Union seeking information as to the steps they are taking, to persuade the Authorities in Chinese Provinces where the sadistic killing of dogs is still condoned, to outlaw the practice.
The Board has also written to His Excellency Ma Zhaohxu the Chinese Ambassador in Canberra asking him to use his influence to stop cruel barbaric activities such as the Yulin Festival and have intimated to him that Australia’s support of the WDS is contingent on receiving information that the relevant authorities are moving to ban the sadistic killing of dogs.
