Columns: No Limits, No Kidding!

AKC PAPERS OUTRAGE!

Viewers are told, during televised tuxedo events such as Westminster Dog Show, that owning an AKC registered dog is a guarantee that you have a purebred dog. Really?

Gini Addamo, Dog Show Reporter

Updated May 2024 | August 2006

Even if that statement were true, which I believe we all know is ridiculous, can and will the American Kennel Club also state that the AKC papers that come with your dog are guaranteed to be accurate? Unless sire and dam are DNA'd anything less is outright fraud.

Why do hardworking people, the backbone of dog shows, continue to pay those exorbitant entry fees week after week that cost more because they include AKC fees charged to the club? Why do diligent dog breeders still study pedigrees and genetics in planning for their new litters when puppy mills don't bother but often charge more?

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's main purpose was to maintain the integrity of the studbook and they have failed. The validity of the AKC Stud Book is challenged as fraudulent at worst or poorly kept puppy mill records at best. So why do people still buy into the myth? Where did common sense go?

The American Kennel Club seems to have made their “tuxedo” television spectacles a top priority. Ask yourselves, why does a dog registry 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 lack of willingness to insure the integrity of the studbook?

Where is our outrage when the AKC rejects DNA and eyewitness evidence of studbook fraud? ^{{Ref #1 below}} How can the American Kennel Club promote the integrity of a studbook they know is fraudulent? 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? How many ethical and responsible breeders received AKC's Cut-rate Invitation to puppy mills? ^{{Ref #2 below}} Did YOU get a discount deal?

Where's the outrage when 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 said? Judges, where is your outrage regarding the AKC Conflict of Interest policy? Isn’t the noose tight enough yet?

Do dog show judges have any power over the AKC that licenses them? 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? (editor's note: that amount has more than tripled in 2024!)

What about the delegates? The AKC seems to be taking all of their rights away. Regarding dog show clubs fees, I received from a reader: “It's simple, get two or more delegates (member clubs) to sue AKC for misrepresentation and fraud in the stud-book records.

IF AKC delegates (club representatives) wanted to take action they could ask NY Attorney General Spitzer to demand legal compliance, enjoin against further actions, seek court supervision, etc.

AKC 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?

What about AKC breeders and owners? Neither group has to register with the AKC. There are other registries. After the Petland deal and all the studbook fraud, do you think AKC cares about you or your breed? It’s my opinion that the AKC believes that they are untouchable. Is it true? It’s up to you.

As for the Petland deal and other pet shop registration papers, does anyone believe for one second the spin that came from AKC? When it looked like AKC was backing away from the Petland Pet Shops, 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? (Editor's note: We didn't but then uncovered a terrible betrayal against dedicated breeders. Special pet shop deal and point-of-sale registration software, see AKC's PRIME ^{{Ref #3 below}})

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..."

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 is ALL about the money. We already know, based on evidence presented in www.TheDogPress.com that dedication to the integrity of the Registry is a farce.

The AKC Mission statement says they are to promote breeding for type and function. Does that mean they want to encourage the callous, indiscriminant breeding of pet store dogs in often cruel "puppy mill" conditions? What else could it mean? How many believe that the AKC would make a serious effort to encourage the proud new owners of an “AKC” puppy to spay and neuter their puppy? (That would cut into future litter registration money)

Thousands of people have contacted the AKC with evidence of pedigree/registration fraud or poor breeding practices and the response is “we’re just a registry.” 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 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 supposed to be a purebred dog registry. I believe the people at the AKC have exaggerated opinions of themselves, which, by the way I believe explains their arrogance. AKC makes deals with pet stores, they have dropped the ball on stud book integrity and counts on puppy mills for registration income.  Seriously, where is the outrage?

Reference Information {1} Studbook Fraud ~ {2} AKC's Invitation To Puppy Mills {3} AKC PRIME

TheDogPress.com EST 2002 © Oct 2006 rev15062405 https://www.thedogpress.com/Columns/AKC-Papers-Outrage_Addamo-0610.asp

SSI

SSI

Brought to you by NetPlaces Network:

Advertising   ~   Mission Statement   ~   Privacy Policy

ii NetPlaces Network   ~    Disclaimer