PRO REPORT SATURDAY 11TH JULY 2009
THE STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER BREED COUNCIL OF
GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELANDPRO’S REPORT ON THE MEETING HELD AT MIDDLETON TYAS, NR RICHMOND, NORTH YORKSHIRE, AT 11.00AM
The Chairman opened the meeting at 11.03 There were 8 clubs present, East Anglia, East Midlands, Morecambe Bay and Cumbria, North East, Northern Counties, North West, Nott’s & Derby & Potteries
During the free discussion period there were a number of subjects discussed.
The KCBLO indicated that owing to the fact that entries at many shows were decreasing, due to the economic climate and priorities changing there may be a further reduction in the number of CC’s that our breed has. Many agreed that exhibitors are now picking out the judges whom they wish to show under, also due to increase in fuel costs, many are not travelling up and down the country to support the Champ shows and in many cases the Open and Limit shows are suffering more. The breed clubs need to encourage exhibitors to their shows as these and general canine societies are the training ground for our up and coming judges and new show stock.
The delegate from the Potteries voiced his concerns over the number of enquiries their area has had regarding the “King” Stafford. The general public are very confused as to what is a true Stafford as there are so many “types” being advertised on the internet and general press. Many clubs confirmed that they are repeatedly asked about Irish, Long legged, Short Legged Stafford’s. East Anglian delegate said there is a need for more education and this is where breed clubs hosting Fun Days could play a vital part in educating the public. All clubs agreed that it is only breed club members who show their dogs, very few clubs have pet owners as members., and there is a need to educate people on health and welfare issues, encourage owners to maybe do obedience or agility with their pets. East Anglia has over 400 members many of whom are not exhibitors and regularly support the clubs fun days EA delegate offered to attend all breed club shows to show the display team as a mean to educate spectators and exhibitors alike to the ability that our breed has.
The KCBLO – there are now too many breed clubs, and many of these are finding it increasingly hard to recruit a full committee, relying on non committee people to help at shows. It may mean in the future that some clubs may have to merge together. General Canine Societies are also winding up due to lack of committee support and lack of entries; however Obedience and Agility are on the increase, maybe this is something that clubs should look at if they are to survive. The Nott’s & Derby delegate agreed that ring craft classes are no being supported as many owners of Stafford’s do not want to show and agreed with the KCBLO that maybe we should be looking at diversifying into Agility and Obedience like the EA SBTC.
All the delegates agreed that the Pedigree Dogs Exposed programme which was aired last September, did a lot of damage and has distanced the dog show people from the general public. Fortunately the Stafford world has got health tests in place for PHPV/HC & L2-HGA. When I as PRO receive enquires from people wishing to purchase or breed a litter I advise them the tests that are available and hope that some take on board the need to breed from clear stock and purchase from tested stock. The Breed Health Coordinator, Archie Bryden reported that we needed more specimens in order to locate the gene that causes PHPV and also further research is needed regarding PPSC.
The Breed Health Coordinator also stressed the need for DNA profiling and micro chipping of progeny, more so now as regular litters in the Breed Supplement Stafford litters are now being registered with 10plus puppies, one being registered with 17 puppies.
He also suggested that all club PRO’s keep in touch with each other to report on any relevant issues.All delegates were pleased that the numbers of registrations for the first 2 quarters of this year were down significantly however the number of blue litters registered had increased by 30%. Gone are the days when a blue was rare.
It was suggested that as there was very little to discuss at this meeting and only 8 clubs had attended, was there a need for three meetings per year. It was left with the delegates to report back to their respective clubs to discuss this; with a view to discussing at the next meeting should a proposal be put forward.
On a final note, as there was no report following the March meeting as I was unable to attend due to judging commitments abroad, this last section is a resume of what has gone on since the March meeting with regards to PRO matters.
The number of people enquiring about taking their pets abroad has dropped due mainly I think to the current economic climate, however, enquires regarding breeding has increased. Whether these people have taken my advice on health testing we will never know.
There has been an increase from people looking to buy a Stafford from the right source. Far too many sites on the internet advertise all so called “types” which are obviously crosses and these sites are confusing. On the occasions I have had enquires, I have always given details on the health issues and given names etc of people who I know will have health tested. Also increase in people looking for a rescue which is a good thing and the relevant names and numbers have been disclosed.
Animal cruelty is on the up, no more so in our beautiful breed, only the other week a Staffie bitch was tied to a tree and was whelping, luckily she was seen and taken to the RSPCA where she was looked after and puppies were all OK. What sort of mentality do people have to do such a thing?
Helen Reaney
Public Relations OfficerThe Chairman closed the meeting at 2.35pm
The date of the next meeting is 31ST October 2009 at Markfield.
The date of the corresponding meeting is to be confirmed.
