The Suspend AKC Privileges http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/Theftofdog  petition (below) was created by Holly Foster June 5^th, 2005   There were 831 signatures on the letter to AKC, almost 100% were in support of suspension.  We received an update from our Aussie Breed Rep, Janet Maas, akibasussies@earthlink.net  Janet writes: I posted the author of the petition asking for an update.  The person was convicted of stealing the dog, fined $4,000 & sentenced to 30 days in jail.  In addition she was order to pay the owners of the Frenchie $10,000   The AKC refused to do anything saying no animal cruelty was involved!

We have in the past conducted polls (the PollingPlace will be back!) and while the opinion of our members and subscribers may not change the past, it has proven to have an effect on some future rulings.  AKC does listen but sometimes there are facts or legal issues of which the fancy is not aware.  In such situations, AKC can not be expected to explain.  It should not be heckled into answering for every minute decision.  To do so would compromise the ability of the Board and Staff to do the job which we hired them to do and then we would gripe about that!  On the other hand, AKC increasingly seems to disregard its customers or constituents (pick your own term) and if no one objects, just like an uncorrected puppy, it is likely to repeat the same mistake again.  This seemingly small case took place even as plans were well well underway to ignore what appears to be the vast majority of show breeders served by AKC.  Can we change AKC's position in such matters?  Only you have the answer.

Do You think AKC should have suspended Clover Hedlund according to its Bylaws?  What is your opinion regarding AKC’s refusal to listen to its “customers”?   Is justice in the court system enough?  (The court recommended the plaintiff seek suspension.)  Will Hedlund continue to show and breed?  Is there another side to the story which AKC knows?  What could “justify” the theft and neutering of any dog?  Send your opinion in a Letter To The Editor but remember what DoodleDog says, keep it short and from the heart.

Thomas W. Sharp
Assistant Vice President, Compliance
The American Kennel Club
Re: Clover Svea Hedlund/Petition to Suspend Privileges

Dear Mr. Sharp:

Several AKC members are extremely disappointed that you and the AKC have decided not to pursue suspension of Clover Hedlund for her theft and the neutering of Arlie Alford's Champion French Bulldog, call name Clipper. We disagree with the AKC's inaction. We think the decision is contra to AKC policies and violates the AKC Mission Statement, Objectives, and Core Values. The AKC's decision is wrong.

You based your decision not to suspend Ms. Hedlund because her misconduct did not involve animal cruelty. While animal cruelty is clearly grounds for suspension under AKC rules, we believe dog theft and wrongful neutering merits suspension too since the underlying policy is to suspend privileges for conduct prejudicial to the sport of purebred dogs, pursuant to the Constitution, Bylaws and Rules of the American Kennel Club. Like animal cruelty, theft and neutering of a fellow AKC member's dog is clearly prejudical to the interest of the AKC and the sport of purebred dogs

On December 17, 2004, Clover Hedlund was found guilty of felony theft of Arlie Alford's Ch. French Bulldog, Clipper. The dog was stolen in April 2002 and recovered pursuant to court warrant and search in November 2003. While concealed by Hedlund, Clipper was neutered.

On February 23, 2005, an unremorseful Hedlund was sentenced to 60 days in county jail, followed by 30 days monitoring and 30 days work detail, ten years probation, and ordered to pay $4065 to the State of Minnesota for making a fraudulent representation on her application to the Public Defender's Office. Hedlund was ordered to pay Alford $10,000. Alford has filed a case in civil court seeking damages.

This very serious matter has been and is addressed in the judicial system. While criminal and civil courts do their best to punish thieves and help victims attain compensation, remedy is limited to incarceration, and monetary remedy.

While significant action has been taken by the courts, several AKC members-not just the victim in this case-are dissatisfied and uncomfortable with the idea that Hedlund, in light of her misconduct, can keep her AKC privileges and show dogs at AKC events. We believe Hedlund has demonstrated that she is a threat to the safe keeping of dogs belonging to fellow AKC participants. The AKC must not tolerate Hedlund's wrongful conduct which cuts straight to the heart of the sport of purebred dogs; the AKC must do more to prevent and deter Hedlund and others from engaging in similar behavior in the future.

It is worth noting that while the court cannot order AKC to suspend Hedlund's privileges, the court, in is its sentencing opinion advised the victim to pursue such action.

In their strong disagreement with the AKC's decision not to take action against Clover Hedlund, the undersigned petition the AKC and its board and officers to further review the matter and suspend Clover Hedlund's privileges for a reasonable period of time, which we recommend to be no less than two years.

Signed by: 831 fanciers