AKC REPORT, COMMENT & HIGHLIGHTS

AKC Board Of Directors Meeting - May 2011
AKC no longer furnishes "highlights" but everyone likes a quick read so...

The Dog Press presents excerpts from the Secretary's Page and/or Board Minutes

• Executive Session - Discuss personnel matters & discipline. (May 9th) - Per Secretary's Page May 2011; upon return to regular session in April, it was reported that the following Executive officers were elected: Dennis B. Sprung President and  Chief Executive Officer John J. Lyons Chief Operating Officer James T. Stevens Chief Financial Officer James P. Crowley Executive Secretary

• Fees Charged by Judges - There was a discussion on expanding the online Judges Directory to include the fee charged by a judge, so that the information would be available to dog clubs. There was a motion by Dr. Battaglia, seconded by Mr. Gladstone, to provide judges with the opportunity to include their judging fee in the AKC online Judges Directory, on an optional basis. This motion was not adopted, with the VOTE  affirmative: Dr. Battaglia, Mr. Gladstone, Dr. Smith, Mr. Ashby, opposed: Mr. Menaker, Mr. Goodman, Dr. Davies, Ms. Scully, Mr. Amen, Dr. Garvin, Dr. Newman, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Kalter). This subject is to be considered further in July, with additional staff input.

• Cost of Events - There was a discussion on the increasing operating loss of AKC events, as well as the gap between revenue and cost for each of the different events. It was noted that last year was the first time in AKC’s history that the net profit from registrations did not fully subsidize the loss from events. Staff as directed to prepare an analysis of the costs relating to the various processes and systems for each of the different event areas. This will be discussed further at the July 2011 meeting

• FINANCIAL REPORT - Jim Stevens, Chief Financial Officer, participated in this portion of the meeting. Total revenues of $4.4 million in the month of April 2011 were 8% lower than the prior year. Total monthly operating expenses of $4.7 million were 1% below 2010. This resulted in an operating  deficit of $236,000 for the month.  A favorable performance of the stock market during the month produced an investment gain of $1.1 million.

• Article VI, Section 5 of AKC Bylaws (This amendment will be read to the Delegates in June, for a VOTE in September) ARTICLE VI, SECTION 5 of the Charter and Bylaws of The American Kennel Club, Inc., makes an individual who misappropriates funds from an AKC club ineligible to serve as a Delegate for a period of ten years. The Board voted to amend Article VI, Section 5 of the Charter and Bylaws of The American Kennel Club, Inc, to place the identical restriction on individuals who misappropriate funds from the AKC, or from an AKC subsidiary or affiliated organization. The section as amended (underlines) reads. Article VI Section 5, No person may become or remain a Delegate if convicted of a misdemeanor or felony involving the theft, embezzlement, or misappropriation of funds or property from The American Kennel Club, any AKC subsidiary, or affiliated organization, or an AKC-sanctioned, licensed, or member club within the previous ten (10) years. The same would apply to a person found liable for the theft, embezzlement, or misappropriation of funds or property from The American Kennel Club, any AKC subsidiary, or affiliated organization, or an AKC-sanctioned, licensed, or member club in a civil court action within the previous ten years.  A conviction or admission of guilt or finding of a liability in a court of competent jurisdiction involving theft, embezzlement or misappropriation of funds or property from The American Kennel Club, any AKC subsidiary, or affiliated organization, or an AKC-sanctioned, licensed, or member club within the last ten years, shall be deemed conclusive proof and shall be grounds for the disapproval of a Delegate candidate or the removal of a seated Delegate.

• Delegate Removal ARTICLE VI, SECTION 7  (This amendment will be read to the Delegates in June, for a VOTE in September), Charter and Bylaws of The American Kennel Club, Inc., provides for an appeal when a Delegate applicant is found to be ineligible to become or remain a Delegate under the provisions of ARTICLE VI, SECTION 5. SECTION 7. Candidates disapproved or Delegates removed by the Board of Directors shall be notified in writing of said disapproval or removal. The candidate’s sponsoring Club or Delegate’s Club may, within thirty days of notice of disapproval or removal appeal the disapproval or Delegates removal in writing to the Executive Secretary of the AKC, stating the reasons why the candidate is eligible under Section 5 of this article.  Such appeal shall be presented to the Delegates at their next regular meeting. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Delegates present and voting that the candidate is eligible (under Section 5 of this article) shall be required to seat or to retain the seat of a disapproved candidate or removed Delegate.

• Lhasa Apso Stud Book - The Board reviewed a request from the American Lhasa Apso Club to expand the Lhasa Apso gene pool by opening the stud book to a limited number of Lhasa Apsos from native Tibetan Stock. The Parent Club has balloted its membership on this issue, and submitted the results to AKC. The Vote results were 71% in favor in of opening the Stud Book. This will be discussed further in July

• Coton de Tulear - The Board reviewed a request, from the United States of America Coton de Tulear Club, to move the Coton de Tulear breed into the Miscellaneous Class. This will be discussed further in July.

• Havanese Breed Standard - The Board reviewed the results of the ballot, submitted by the Havanese Club of America, Inc., regarding changes in the breed standard of the Havanese. The proposed standard will be published in the Secretary’s Page of the AKC Gazette.

• New Parent Clubs - Following a motion by Dr. Davies, seconded by Dr. Battaglia, it was VOTED (unanimously) to designate the Hungarian Pumi Club the Parent Club for the Pumi; American Boerboel Club as the Parent Club for the Boerboel; the Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America as the Parent Club for the Wirehaired Vizsla; and the American Sloughi Association as the Parent Club for the Sloughi.

• United States Australian Shepherd Association - The Board reviewed the results of ballots by the United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA) and the Miniature American Shepherd Club of the United States of America (MASCUSA). The ballots asked the membership for approval to  open the AKC Stud Book to allow individuals to voluntarily remove dogs from the USASA Stud Book registered from the NSD pedigrees or are the descendents to create a new breed to be named the Miniature American Shepherd. Both ballots were overwhelmingly in favor of this proposal. There was a motion by Mr. Arnold, seconded by Ms. Scully, and it was VOTED (unanimously) to consider the matter at this meeting, waiving the usual prior requirement.  There was a motion by Dr. Battaglia, seconded by Dr. Smith, and it was VOTED (unanimously) to open the Stud Book for the Miniature American Shepherd for inclusion in the Foundation Stock Service with the Herding Group designation. The decision to change a registered Australian Shepherd to Miniature American Shepherd will rest with each individual owner.  Additionally, the AKC Board approved the Miniature American Shepherd of the United States of America, (MASCUSA) as the Parent Club to represent the breed.
  Spanish Water Dog - The Board reviewed a request, from the Spanish Water Dog Club, Inc., to move the Spanish Water Dog breed into the Miscellaneous Class. This will be discussed further in July.
  Braque du Bourbonnais and Hamiltonstovare - Staff advised the Board that the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) Committee approved a petition for the Braque du Bourbonnais and Hamiltonstovare to be accepted into the FSS program.
  American Tibetan Mastiff Association - Based on a request from the Board, staff reviewed some issues regarding the governance of the American Tibetan Mastiff Association (ATMA). Specifically reviewed, were the handling of requests for membership lists and membership applications. These issues fall under the law of the state where the club is incorporated. The ATMA is incorporated in the State of California.  There are very specific procedures by which members of the club may require a club to provide a membership list. There is also no provision to preclude a club from providing a list or that would preclude AKC from establishing requirements for AKC-Sanctioned, Licensed, and Member Clubs. The position taken by the AKC Board in April that it will not approve the balloting for a breed standard revision until any member requesting it is provided with a complete membership list still stands.

• AKC PUBLICATIONS - John Woods, AKC Consulting Publisher, participated in this portion of the meeting. He reported on proposed changes to the AKC magazines. Starting with the July/August 2011 issue, AKC Family Dog will launch an exciting new digital version as a companion to the print edition. Digital Family Dog will have the same content as the print edition, but it will also be enhanced with interactive features including slide shows, videos, and live links to web sites. Each issue will also display a link to the online breeder classifieds. As part of AKC’s ongoing outreach to the general dog-owning public, every issue of the  digital Family Dog will be emailed on a complimentary basis to over 600,000 dog owners. For even more exposure, digital Family Dog will also be available through the AKC website and Facebook page. With this hybrid print and digital strategy, Family Dog should achieve between 5,000,000 - 6,000,000 consumer impressions per year for the AKC, and become the most widely read dog magazine in the world!  Delegates will continue to receive a complimentary subscription to the print edition.
  It was proposed that AKC Gazette & Events be reformatted, transitioning from a print magazine to a PDF document posted monthly to the AKC web site. Effective with the October, 2011 issue, this new incarnation of the AKC Gazette would include the Chairman’s and President’s letters, AKC Updates, the Parent Club breed columns ( these columns will be enhanced with links to the Parent Clubs’ web sites), and the Secretary’s Pages. This electronic version of the AKC Gazette would be available for free with access to all and be posted on the Delegates Portal. All club members, fanciers and dog lovers will have regular free access to the very popular breed columns. Subscribers who currently pay for the print edition will have the subscription converted to Family Dog or the option of a pro-rata refund. This change will be a highly cost effective way to perpetuate the most vital Gazette content and make it available to a significantly wider audience. Other content in the current print magazine, e.g. AKC Delegate and Board meeting minutes, will continue to be posted and archived on the AKC web site.  The Show Awards CD will be replaced by equivalent online reports that will be available through the web site. This transition will be effective in January 2012.  All of these changes are designed to best leverage AKC content, serve a broader constituency and bring AKC publications into the digital age. Following a motion by Dr Davies, seconded by Mr. Amen, it was VOTED (unanimously) to adopt the above proposal.

• Therapy Dog Program - Mary Burch, AKC Staff, participated in this portion of the meeting via phone conference. The Board reviewed a staff proposal for an AKC Therapy Dog title (THD). There was no Board objection and AKC will implement the following programs: AKC will issue a Therapy Dog title (THD) to purebred and mixed-breed dogs that are registered/listed with the AKC and meet the following criteria: (1) have been certified by a participating therapy dog certification organizations and, (2) have performed a minimum of 50 community service visits as a therapy dog. This would be a suffix title. The title would be issued at the request of the owner who would fill out a title application form and submit documentation that the dog has met the criteria. There would be a fee of $20 for the issuance of the title. The AKC Therapy Dog title will also function as an advanced level of Canine Good Citizen, by providing an activity in which the dog will perform the skills on the CGC test in a therapy setting. The program will be launched June 27, 2011.

• Cruelty Convictions Policy - Based on a request from the Board, Staff presented a review of its Cruelty Convictions policy to determine whether the policy appropriately addressed all circumstances of conduct prejudicial to the sport of purebred dogs within the context of cruelty or inhumane treatment of dogs. There was a motion by Dr. Battaglia, seconded by Mr. Arnold, and it was VOTED (affirmative: Dr. Battaglia, Mr. Menaker, Dr. Smith, Dr. Garvin, Mr. Goodman, Mr. Kalter, Ms. Scully, Dr. Newman, Dr. Davies; opposed: Mr. Gladstone; abstaining: Mr. Arnold, Mr. Ashby, Mr. Amen) to approve a change in the name of the Cruelty Convictions policy to Judicial or Administrative Determination of Inappropriate Treatment of Dogs policy. The name of the policy would be changed to “Judicial or Administrative Determination of Inappropriate Treatment of Dogs” to more accurately describe the policy.  The Board approved a revision of the policy as follows:
  Judicial or Administrative Determination of Inappropriate Treatment The inappropriate treatment of dogs is recognized to be conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the American Kennel Club and to the best interest of the sport of purebred dogs, pursuant to the Charter and Bylaws of the American Kennel Club. “Inappropriate Treatment” means any offense involving a dog that alleges cruelty, abuse, neglect or improper treatment of a dog as defined by AKC.
  Anyone charged or accused of inappropriate treatment of a dog whose charges or accusations are subsequently disposed of in any of the following ways: conviction, admission, finding of inhumane treatment, plea to a lesser included offense, plea of no contest, nolo contendere, best interest plea or similar type plea; the acceptance of or into a diversionary program, deferred adjudication, disposition of supervision or similar arrangement; or the releasing or transferring of legal ownership of one or more dogs to federal, state, or local authorities, humane organizations, or rescue groups after having their dogs seized by said federal, state or local authorities (“Disposition”) shall have their AKC privileges suspended for the term as set forth in the most current AKC Discipline Guidelines. Court or administrative records evidencing such Disposition shall be deemed conclusive proof of conduct prejudicial to the sport of purebred dogs and to the best interests of the American Kennel Club.
  Upon receipt of information that a person has been charged or accused with Inappropriate Treatment of a dog or that a person has had their dogs seized, the AKC will notify the person that they have been placed on temporary referral in accordance with the AKC’s Registration Referral and Cancellation policy, affecting all dogs owned or co-owned by that person.  The temporary referral means that the person should not breed, sell, or transfer dogs with the expectation AKC paperwork will be provided. If AKC determines that no violation has occurred and no action will be taken to cause a suspension of privileges, the temporary referral will be removed and all pending applications processed.
  Upon proof that a violation of this policy has occurred, the person shall be notified, in writing, of the AKC’s intent to suspend their privileges. The person shall be notified and afforded the opportunity to submit proof that he or she has not violated the policy, or that the disposition of the charges or the conviction has been reversed, dismissed, or vacated. Additionally, if the Disposition is reversed, dismissed, or vacated, unless such action occurs pursuant to the Disposition, and there is no further prosecution of the charges and the American Kennel Club is presented with proof of same, the person's privileges with the American Kennel Club shall be reinstated.
  Additionally, the person shall be notified and afforded the opportunity to submit a written appeal to the Management Disciplinary Committee on the grounds that the conduct was not prejudicial to the sport of purebred dogs. The appeal must be accompanied by a $500 fee, which shall be returned if the appeal is sustained. If the Management Disciplinary Committee denies the appeal, the accused may appeal to the Appeals Committee of the Board of Directors, whose decision is final.
  In addition, staff will implement the policy in the following manner when the accused has not used AKC services: upon receipt of information that a non-customer has been charged or accused with Inappropriate Treatment of a dog or that the person has had their dogs seized, the AKC will notify the person that it has been made aware of the matter and provide a copy of this policy. Further, the person would be advised that if they attempted to use AKC services in the future, an inquiry into an alleged violation of policy would be pursued. Should the person attempt to use AKC services, staff would then conduct an inquiry into the matter.

• Discipline Guidelines – Physical Abuse - The staff presented a review of the penalties imposed in the Discipline Guidelines for the violation of “physical abuse at or in conjunction with an event by an individual”, which pursuant to the guidelines, is defined as “improper treatment which could cause serious injury to animals.” There was a motion by Dr. Smith, seconded by Dr. Davies, and it was VOTED (unanimously) to approve a new range of penalties for this violation. Physical abuse at or in connection with an event:  Mitigated 3 mo/$500 | Standard 6 mo/$1000 | Aggravated 5yr/$2500

• Deceased Judges; Mrs. Lana J. Hall | Mr. Joseph Heine | Mr. Rudy Munoz

• Emeritus Judges; Mr. David L. Gleaves | Mrs. Dorothy Welsh

• Reinstated Judges; Mr. Clifford W. Steele