Chairman: Mr Patrick McGlynn - Secretary / Treasurer: Miss Jaci McLauchlan - Public Relations Officer: Mrs Veronica Brown
PRO'S REPORT ON THE MEETING HELD AT THE FIELDHEAD
HOTEL, MARKFIELD LANE, MARKFIELD ON
SATURDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2011
The Chairman opened the meeting at 11.00am. There were 13 clubs represented, Downlands, East Anglia, East Midlands, Merseyside, Morecambe Bay, North East, Northern Counties, North West, North of Scotland, Notts and Derby, Potteries, South Wales and The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club. Apologies were received from Alyn and Deeside. The Secretary had not heard from Southern Counties or Western.The minutes of the meeting held on the 5th March were agreed and signed.
During the free discussion period the following points were raised.
Litter screening (for PHPV) and the Accredited Breeders Scheme.Yearly eye tests are recommended for all breeding stock, and it hoped that litter screening for PHPV ( a single test any time from 6 weeks) will become a recommendation under the Assured Breeder Scheme. The Breed Council are in contact with the Kennel Club on this matter.
The affect of sliding entries at dog shows was discussed mainly where All Breed Championship Shows were concerned, it was felt that with the tough economic climate exhibitors preferred to attend and support breed clubs shows. Back to Back Championship shows were discussed, and some of the clubs have already included these in their calenders. There has still been no decision from the Kennel
Club on the rotation of CC's for the year 2014, the Breed Council is to write for confirmation.The subject of colour registration came up and it was agreed by the Kennel Club that on their drop down list of acceptable colours the word pied should be included, the Breed Council is to seek clarification on the exact wording, and will be asking if any puppy that is predominantly white with any of the acceptable colours can be registered as pied, e.g. Brindle and white pied.
There has been an alarming e mail circulating, concerning an organisation called "News Shopper" encouraging the general public to take photographs of dogs which come under the umbrella of banned breeds and shop them to the authorities, in return for a mug. Particularly alarming in this e mail was the call for all Staffordshire Bull Terriers to be muzzled. The Breed Council has been in touch with the Kennel Club who has written to "News Shopper"
The weekend of 13th/14th November is National Stafford weekend, and everyone is to be encouraged to promote the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in whatever way possible. East Anglia are going to be doing an Agility Display at Discover Dogs that weekend, and Southern Counties always man the Stafford stand. East Midlands and The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club both have their Championship shows that Weekend at Stoneleigh Park, several other Stafford owners are promoting the breed as well.
Downlands have persuaded a local paper in their area to eliminate the word Stafford Cross puppies for sale, and change it to the word Mongrel. Those Clubs present were going to pursue this idea in their area.
Concern was expressed at the size of some of the litters registered in the BRS, one being of 17 puppies. The average size of a Stafford litter is about 5.7 born with 4.7 surviving. The Kennel Club has been made aware of this and have written to the owner of this litter. The Breed Council is to write to the Kennel Club to ask them to investigate any litters that are over 11 in size, as this was felt to be important for the validity of the breed.
The Dog World article of the proposed Welsh puppy farm was discussed. This has been raised at the Kennel Club by the KCBLO.
The new facility does legally comply with all the requirements, but it was generally felt that this facility could not possibly be a humane and ethical way to breed dogs. Obvious concern was expressed for the potential inclusion of Staffords in this breeding facilityThe possibility of holding another Seminar was raised in either 2012 or 2013.
PHPV research. There are now enough samples taken from affected animals to start research. This research will cost £10,000 or more and the Breed Council authorized the release of £5,000 from monies ringed fenced from the former genetics fund as and when required. Cathryn Mellersh from the AHT will make the application on our behalf to the KC Charitable Trust for a grant to make up the shortfall.
There being no other business, the meeting closed at 3.30pm.
The next meeting is on Saturday 17th March 2012 at the Fieldhead Hotel Markfield, Leicestershire.
Veronica Brown,
Public Relations Officer
