PRO'S REPORT ON A MEETING HELD AT THE GEORGE, MARKFIELD
LEICESTERSHIRE ON SATURDAY 15TH MARCH 2003

 

The Chairman opened the meeting at 11.05 with 16 constituent clubs present - East Midlands, North Eastern, Northern Counties, Notts and Derby, Morecambe Bay, Potteries, North of Scotland, Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club, South Wales, Merseyside, Southern Counties, East Anglia, Downlands, North West, Western and Alyn and Deeside. Apologies were received from the Scottish SBTC and Northern Ireland.

MATTERS ARISING,

Following the elections for the positions of Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer and Public Relations Officer, Patrick McGlynn, Jaci McLauchlan and Veronica Brown were elected respectively for the following year.

FREE DISCUSSION PERIOD

Considerable time was spent discussing the appearance of the metabolic defect and it was felt that not enough was known. It had been hoped to have a Stafford Health seminar in February, but owing to the timing this has had to be delayed. Concern was expressed that mixed messages appear to be emerging. The Chairman explained the background to the defect, which was a fairly new disease, and the involvement of Carley Abrahamson from the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, who is able to provide a test for this defect by taking samples from the families of some affected dogs and is able to identify affected animals within that family. An area is being set aside at the East Anglian Championship Show where it will be possible to have dogs tested. For further information please contact the East Anglian Secretary, Mrs. Lesley McFadyen on 01992 427698.

A new date has now been provisionally set aside for the Health Seminar, on Saturday 13th September the day after the Darlington Championship Show. Full information will be made available nearer the time. It was decided to write to the BVA to ask them if they could provide a speaker for the Seminar in addition to Carley Abrahamson.

The subject of loss of venues was discussed at some length, and a letter was going to be sent to the Kennel Club on this subject. The Breed Liaison Officer said he would bring this up at the next Liaison Meeting, and suggested that it could be worthwhile for clubs to co-ordinate with other clubs holding shows in their area. Unfortunately some venues are no longer able to be used for dog shows, and with the cut back in the number of open shows, it is becoming an increasing problem.

With the increase of stolen Staffords, the Public Relations Officer explained the possible instigation in conjunction with The Kennel Club of a central Web Site for all lost dogs. The KC Liaison Officer has had a preliminary meeting with the KC to explore the possibility of Pet Log becoming the Web Site. The Kennel Club have asked that The Staffordshire Bull Terrier be used as a pilot for this scheme. Already in existence on the Stafford Web Site is an advisory piece on how to protect your Stafford. It is hoped that when the scheme is fully operational it will be of great assistance to all Stafford owners. Further information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.



HC/DNA UPDATE

In February 2003 the AHT received official confirmation from the Kennel Club that their application for funding had been successful. Once again the AHT will still accept blood tests from HC affected dogs and close relatives.

Date of the Next Meeting Saturday November 15th November 2003.



Veronica Brown, Public Relations Officer,
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Council of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland.

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