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ADDAMO ASKS....

Where is the Outrage?

The country has been told on at least one of the televised tuxedo events, that to own an AKC registered dog is a guarantee that you have a purebred dog. Really? Even if that statement were true, which I believe we all know it isn’t, can and will the AKC also state that the AKC papers that come with the dog are guaranteed to be accurate?

Why do hardworking people, the backbone of dog shows, continue to make those $25.00 entry fees week after week that include the AKC fee? Why do good hard working people still study pedigrees and genetics in planning for their new litters? Why do they continue to pay more money to register these litters and then pay even more money to individually register the puppies? Are you indignant now and want to say, “because we love dog shows and we care about our breeding programs!” My response to that is I believe the AKC has you right where they want you as they laugh all the way to the bank. The AKC has demonstrated time after time that they don’t care! Their main purpose was to maintain the integrity of the studbook, they have failed, and more than one person has told me they have admitted they failed. So why do people still buy into the myth? Where is the outrage? More important, where did common sense go? (editor’s note: see *OBITUARY! below)

The American Kennel Club seems to have made commercialism and their “tuxedo” television spectacles a top priority. Ask yourselves, why does a dog registry find the need to sell dog toys, treats, etc.? Is there a shortage of pet stores throughout the nation? Do you think that most breeders want AKC selling dog supplies or are they more concerned about the AKC’s apparent lack of willingness to maintain the integrity of the studbook? Is there anyone, anyone at all, who still believes the AKC cares about the integrity of the studbook? Where is the outrage?

Does it bother you that the AKC is happy to take your money and not offer anything of value or substance in return? Where is the outrage for their despicable betrayal? Why do we continue to reward them?

Where is the outrage that the AKC rejects DNA and eyewitness evidence of studbook fraud and then welcomes the perpetrator as a judge? Who wants a judge with “dirty hands” putting their hands on your dog and standing in judgment of your dog? How many AKC judges are there with “dirty hands”? Is this something that everyone just accepts?

Where was the outrage when the AKC wrote to “high volume” breeders and offered to waive late fees to encourage registration of pathetic dogs and bitches whose sole value is their sperm and ovaries and their future get? How many ethical and responsible breeders received a like offer? **(see AKC Cut-rate Invitation below)

Where is the outrage when you hear that the AKC states that they are “mindful” of our constitutional right of freedom of speech, yet they still dole out excessive punishment when they don’t like what you say. ***(see Boulton Case below).

Judges, where is your outrage regarding the AKC Conflict of Interest policy? Isn’t the noose tight enough yet? They want to control what you say, now they have taken control of your judging outside of the AKC. What does it take for you to do something on behalf of our dogs and sport?

What can judges do? Do judges have any power? Sure they do! They don’t have to judge. What a breath of fresh air for all of us if judges would unite and make a stand in defense of the sport of dogs. Have judges had enough yet? Or are judges part of the problem? Have the politics gone so deep that judges are “playing the game” as long as they are paid their assignment fees (about $400.00+ per assignment)? What more will it take for judges to unite and lead the way to slay the dragon?

What about the delegates, where is their outrage? The AKC seems to be taking all of their rights away. Are they going to sit there and let it happen? A couple of suggestions that I received from a TDP reader are: “It's simple, get two or more delegates (member clubs) to sue AKC for misrepresentation and fraud in the keeping of the stud-books, for instance. Or get a significant number of member club delegates to complain to their congress-persons .-IF a bunch of delegates wanted to take action they could ask NY AG Spitzer, who legally belongs to every NY non-profit (its a social club NOT a charity) to demand legal compliance, enjoin against further actions, seek court supervision etc.”

Are there any delegates outraged enough to unite to slay the dragon? Delegates do have power; will they wield it? Will they go out on a limb on behalf of dogs and the hard working people that are the backbone of the sport? Or will the delegates be cowards and cover their own asses for political reasons?

What about breeders? What power do breeders have? Breeders don’t have to register with the AKC. There are other registries. After the Petland deal, do you think the AKC cares about you? After all the studbook fraud, do you think they care about you or more important, your breed? It’s my opinion that the AKC believes that since they have this reputation as “the dog registry” that they are untouchable. Is it true? Are they untouchable? It’s up to you. Think about it and what it means when you make that entry or register a litter.

What about the Petland deal? There was some outrage there. Does anyone believe for one second the spin that came from AKC? Ron Menaker stated, “AKC's Board of Directors and management believed that this agreement would have helped to further the mission of the AKC. Promoting responsible dog ownership to new puppy owners, implementing our care and conditions policies, and exposing more dog owners to AKC educational programs and services would have had even greater reach.” Are you kidding?!! Who believes this? For your reference the AKC’s Mission is this: The American Kennel Club is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, [emphasis mine] promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKC® and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership.”

How would the Petland deal accomplish any of the above? Why don’t they just admit that the whole scheme was for making more money? It’s all about the money. We already know, based on evidence presented in The Dog Press, that dedication to the integrity of the Registry is a farce. The mission statement states they are to promote breeding for type and function. Does that mean they want to encourage the breeding of these pet store dogs? What else could it mean if this deal with Petland was based on furthering the mission of the AKC? How many believe that the AKC would make a serious effort to encourage the proud new owners of an “AKC” puppy (future litter registration money) to spay and neuter their puppy? Does the AKC want these puppies entered in dog shows?

How many of you have heard of people contacting the AKC with evidence of pedigree/registration fraud or poor breeding practices and the response is “we’re just a registry.” It seems they are a registry when it is convenient. AKC is the white knight trying to promote responsible dog ownership only when it’s convenient. It seems that whatever position makes them the most money, that’s the one they take. How much money has the AKC spent fighting breed specific legislation? How much money has the AKC spent encouraging puppy buyers to buy from a reputable breeder? (Are pet store suppliers now considered reputable breeders?) How much money has the AKC spent educating the public on the pros and cons of buying a pet store puppy versus a well-bred puppy from a reputable breeder? How much money has the AKC spent during the holidays discouraging people from buying “Christmas” puppies? Where is the outrage?

I believe that the people at the AKC have forgotten that the AKC is a dog registry. I believe the people at the AKC have exaggerated opinions of themselves, which, by the way I believe explains their arrogance. One delegate stated at the September meeting, that she had confidence in this board. That, in my opinion, is a big mistake. There should be NO confidence in this board. One delegate at this same meeting stated that they loved the AKC. What is lovable about the current AKC? The AKC alleges they want to be mindful of the first amendment but then punishes when they don’t like what you say, they want to control judges’ dog activities that are not directly AKC, they want to make deals with pet stores, they have dropped the ball on the stud book, really, what is lovable about the current AKC? Seriously, where is the outrage?

It’s just a thought…

Gini Addamo symphonysams@earthlink.net

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