June 1999 Board Minutes

June 7, 1999

The Board convened Monday, June 7, 1999 at 10:30 a.m. All Directors were present, except for Ms. Laurans, who was absent. The President, Chief Operating Officer, and Secretary were also present.

The Board reviewed the May 1999 minutes. Upon motion made by Ms. Scully, and seconded by Mr. Goodman, the minutes of the May 1999 meeting, copies of which were made available to all Directors, were adopted (unanimously; absent, Ms. Laurans).

The Chairman, Mr. Merriam, reported on a letter from the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, which contained a number of recommendations concerning registration and identification. The letter was referred to the Business and Planning Committee.

There was a discussion on the relationship between The American Kennel Club and The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. The Board of the Foundation proposed that representatives of the Boards of both organizations, meet to discuss the relationship between the two organizations. They would then report to their respective Boards with recommendations for a formal documented agreement.

Mr. Merriam reported that Mr. Cheauré officially represented AKC at the recent World Show in Mexico City. Dorothy Welsh, Patricia Scully, Walter Goodman, and David Merriam judged at the show. The Mexican Kennel Club presented AKC with a plaque recognizing the help and support it has given the Mexican Kennel Club and purebred dogs in Mexico. Following a motion by Mr. Goodman, seconded by Ms. Scully, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent, Ms. Laurans) to adopt a resolution officially thanking the Mexican Kennel Club for this plaque and for the thought behind it.

There was a one-hour recess, during which the Board met with the Delegate Coordinating Committee to discuss ways in which the Delegates and Board could work together to better further the goals of The American Kennel Club.

There was an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.

Mr. Cheauré reported on the new registration form, which is currently being tested and which could go into use by the end of June 1999.

Mr. Cheauré gave an update of the North Carolina Operations Facility renovation. The work is substantially completed. The only outstanding contracts that remain are for the loading dock, smoking area, and the data center.

Mr. Cheauré discussed the Public Affairs Strategic Plan, including the staffing of the Public Relations area. The senior position is to be posted. There is also an intermediate management level position and two lower level positions, with only one of the latter currently filled.

Mr. Slay, staff, gave an update on a proposal management is working on for Board approval, which would involve a DNA profile for frequently used sires.

The Treasurer, Mr. Marden, gave a financial update. Mr. Murphy, staff, was present for this report. The Financial Report for May 1999 showed an excess of revenue over expenses of $238,000.

The registration figures for May 1999 (individual and litter registrations) are 119,305, versus 127,830 for May 1998.

The Secretary, Mr. Crowley, reported on a plan by the Westminster Kennel Club to modify the procedure used to accept entries for its show. The Club would extend an invitation to the top five dogs in each breed and variety, who would have until a certain date to enter. After that, all other champions would be able to enter on a first received, first in basis until the 2,500 dog limit was reached.

Following a motion by Mrs. Strand, seconded by Mr. Kelly, it was VOTED (affirmative, Mrs. Strand, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Merriam, Dr. Smith, Dr. Hritzo, Dr. Mays, Mrs. Welsh, Ms. Scully, Mr. Marden; opposed, Mr. Goodman, Dr. Battaglia; absent, Ms. Laurans) that the Board’s interpretation of Chapter 11, Section 14 of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows precluded the above procedure without an amendment to the Rules.

Mr. Crowley presented a staff proposal to place a $100 fee on the transfer of a registered kennel name. Currently, the fee for a kennel name is $150, with a $100 five-year renewal fee. There is no fee for transferring a kennel name. Following a motion by Dr. Hritzo, seconded by Mrs. Welsh, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent, Ms. Laurans) to institute a $100 fee for the transfer of a registered kennel name.

Mr. Crowley reported on a proposal from the United States Australian Shepherd Association to reopen the stud book for a limited period to safeguard the future health and soundness of the breed. Following a motion by Dr. Battaglia, seconded by Ms. Scully, it was VOTED (affirmative, Dr. Battaglia, Ms. Scully, Mrs. Strand, Mr. Marden, Mr. Merriam, Dr. Hritzo, Mr. Kelly, Mrs. Welsh, Mr. Goodman, Dr. Smith; opposed, Dr. Mays; absent, Ms. Laurans) to reopen the Australian Shepherd registry to domestically-bred dogs with acceptable pedigrees for a one-year period from August 1, 1999 through July 31, 2000.

Mr. Crowley reported that the Mid-Jersey Companion Dog Training Club has not paid its 1999 dues. The club thus stands suspended. Following a motion by Mrs. Strand, seconded by Mr. Marden, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent, Ms. Laurans) to expel the Mid-Jersey Companion Dog Training Club from AKC membership.

Mr. Crowley reported on a proposal that would make litters produced by AKC-registered Jack Russell Terriers in Canada eligible for AKC registration. The breed will not become CKC-registered and the AKC breed parent club supports the request. The Canadian Kennel Club has no objection. The proposal will be voted at the July meeting.

Mrs. Welsh, Ms. Scully, and Dr. Smith, members of the Judges Review Committee, left the meeting prior to the report on Judges Applications.

Mr. Hayes, staff, was present for the discussion on Judges Applications. Upon motion made and seconded, it was VOTED:

That the applications for the following New Breed judging applicants be accepted for the breeds indicated:

Mrs. Shilon L. Bedford - Alaskan Malamutes

Mrs. Annella Cooper - Samoyeds, Siberian Huskies, JS

Mr. Richard C. Fox - English Setters, JS-L

Mrs. Kathryn A. Hamilton - Australian Cattle Dogs, JS

Ms. Jane Howard - Shetland Sheepdogs

Mrs. Sally P. Jennings - Labrador Retrievers

Ms. Janina K. Laurin - Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdogs, Belgian Tervuren, JS

Mr. Charles E. McWilliams - Alaskan Malamutes, Bearded Collies, JS-L

Mr. George Milutinovich - Italian Greyhounds, Pugs, Bichons Frises

Mr. David Raper - Bouviers des Flandres, JS

Ms. Barbara Ruth Smith - Irish Wolfhounds, Whippets, JS

That the applications for the following Approved Breed judging applicants be accepted for the breeds indicated:

Mrs. Marcia Adler - Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boxers

Mrs. Sara J. Barkley - Dalmatians

Mr. Alberto Berrios - Akitas, Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Rottweilers

Dr. Albert P. Bianchi - Belgian Malinois Belgian Sheepdogs, Belgian Tervuren, Canaan Dogs, Pulik, Pembroke Welsh Corgis

Mrs. Eleanor (Lee) F. Brown - English Springer Spaniels

Mrs. Mildred K. Bryant - Anatolian Shepherds, Bullmastiffs, Giant Schnauzers, Great Danes, Komondorok, Rottweilers

Mr. Jay Cunningham - Beagles, Greyhounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, Whippets

Mrs. Roberta C. Davies - Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Giant Schnauzers, Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Kuvaszok, Portuguese Water Dogs, Standard Schnauzers

Dr. Thomas M. Davies - Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdogs, Belgian Tervuren, Bouviers des Flandres, Briards, Collies, Pulik, Shetland Sheepdogs

Mrs. Martha V. Dean - Balance of Hound Group
(Basenjis, Basset Hounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeens, Rhodesian Ridgebacks)

Dr. Bernard L. Esporite - Balance of Terrier Group
(Australian Terriers, Bedlington Terriers, Border Terriers, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Lakeland Terriers, Sealyham Terriers, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, Welsh Terriers, West Highland White Terriers)

Mr. Richard F. Fetzer - Basenjis, Basset Hounds, Beagles, Bichons Frises, Chinese Shar-Pei, Chow Chows, Dalmatians, Pharaoh Hounds, Whippets

Mrs. Nancy L. Fingerhut - Balance of Non-Sporting Group
(American Eskimo Dogs, Finnish Spitz, Keeshonden, Löwchen, Schipperkes, Shiba Inu)

Mr. Robert R. Frost - Italian Greyhounds, Australian Cattle Dogs, Bearded Collies, Belgian Sheepdogs, Border Collies, Collies, German Shepherd Dogs, Pulik, Shetland Sheepdogs, Pembroke Welsh Corgis

Mrs. Edna "Katie" Gammill - Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, Giant Schnauzers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Newfoundlands, St. Bernards

Mrs. Bettyann P. Hale - Brittanys, German Shorthaired Pointers, Labrador Retrievers, English Setters, American Water Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, English Cocker Spaniels, Vizslas, Weimaraners

Mrs. Paula Hartinger - Pointers, German Shorthaired Pointers, German Wirehaired Pointers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, English Setters, Gordon Setters, Irish Setters, English Springer Spaniels, Vizslas, Weimaraners

Mrs. Ann D. Hearn - Affenpinschers, Brussels Griffons, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Chinese Cresteds, Havanese, Maltese, Silky Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers

Mrs. Steven D. Herman - German Wirehaired Pointers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Curly-Coated Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Irish Setters, Cocker Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels, Vizslas, Weimaraners

Mrs. Margaret C. Jeffery - Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Dalmatians, Poodles, Schipperkes, Lhasa Apsos, Tibetan Terriers

Mrs. Robette G. Johns - Shetland Sheepdogs

Ms. Shirley Justus - Airedale Terriers, Norwich Terriers

Mrs. Mareth K. Kipp - German Wirehaired Pointers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Curly-Coated Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Gordon Setters, English Setters, Irish Setters, Weimaraners

Mrs. Billie McFadden - Doberman Pinschers, Siberian Huskies

Mr. Edward P. McNamee - Bullmastiffs, Great Pyrenees, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Rottweilers

Mrs. Janis M. Mercer - Italian Greyhounds, Papillons, Pekingese, Pugs, Yorkshire Terriers

Mrs. Carol O’Bryant - Afghan Hounds, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Borzois, Greyhounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Scottish Deerhounds

Dr. Lee Anthony Reasin - Balance of Non-Sporting Group
(American Eskimo Dogs, Chinese Shar-Pei, Keeshonden, Lhasa Apsos, Löwchen, Schipperkes, Shiba Inu, Tibetan Spaniels, Tibetan Terriers)

Mr. Frank T. Sabella - Basset Hounds, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Harriers, Otterhounds, Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeens, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, American Staffordshire Terriers, Australian Terriers, Border Terriers, Bull Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Miniature Bull Terriers, Norfolk Terriers, Norwich Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Sealyham Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, West Highland White Terriers

Mr. Robert Salsbury - English Cocker Spaniels

Mrs. Kristin M. Scherrer - English Cocker Spaniels

Mrs. Patti A. Long Smith - Balance of Herding Group
(Bearded Collies, Border Collies, Bouviers des Flandres, Briards, Canaan Dogs, Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, Pulik)

Mr. T. Donald Teague - Boston Terriers, Bulldogs

Mr. Paul A. Thomann - Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherd Dogs

Mr. Donovan Thompson - Balance of Herding Group
(Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdogs, Belgian Tervuren, Border Collies, Canaan Dogs, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Pembroke Welsh Corgis)

Mr. Charles R. Tyson - Afghan Hounds, Salukis

Mrs. Lisa Warren - Borzois, Whippets

Mrs. Elaine Young - Afghan Hounds, Basenjis, Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, Greyhounds, Salukis, Whippets, American Eskimo Dogs, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Chow Chows, Finnish Spitz, Keeshonden, Lhasa Apsos, Shiba Inu

That the following named person, who has completed five group assignments in the first Variety Group, be approved to judge Best in Show:

Mr. Eric R. White (Cherry Hills, CO)

That the following Provisional Junior Showmanship judging applications be approved:

Miss Brooke Browne (Manvel, TX)

Ms. S. Marie Cooney (Chelmsford, MA)

Ms. Amanda Pough (Stowe, VT)

That the following Provisional Obedience judging applicants be approved:

Ms. Karen Armstrong Tracking Dog

Mr. Kenneth Blanchard Open

Mr. Roger B. Coor Novice

Mrs. Michelle Illes Open

Mr. Joseph M. Jasinski Novice

Ms. Annette Kittleson Tracking Dog

Mr. Jerry L. Lewis Tracking Dog

Mrs. Terry McGauley Tracking Dog

Ms. Lily Mummert Tracking Dog

Mr. Michael Piefer Utility

Mr. Earl B. Vaughn Novice

Upon motion made and seconded, it was VOTED that the following Visiting Judges be approved for assignments at shows as indicated:

Mr. Michael J. Boothroyd (England) - Middleburg Kennel Club - 10/29/99

Ms. Lotta Brun (Norway) - Saluki Club of Greater San Francisco - 10/23/99

Mr. Michael A. Calhoun (Canada) - Brookhaven Kennel Club - 10/1/99

Mr. Terry Davison (England) - Bulldog Club of Northern California - 10/23/99

Mrs. Adriana Griffa (Italy) - Troy Kennel Club - 10/24/99

Mrs. Lauris Hunt (Australia) - Basenji Club of America - 10/26-31/99

Mr. Michael Lanctot (Canada) - Eastern Dog Club - 12/12/99

Mrs. Susan Llewellyn (United Kingdom) - Lakeshore Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club - 10/15-16/99

Ms. Phyllis McCombie (England) - Bull Terrier Club of Philadelphia - 10/9/99

Mrs. Mary J. O’Donoghue (Ireland) - Mid-Jersey Labrador Retriever Club - 10/21-22/99

Mrs. Angela Williams (United Kingdom) - Mid-Jersey Labrador Retriever Club - 10/21-22/99

Following completion of the report on Judges Applications, Mrs. Welsh, Ms. Scully and Dr. Smith returned to the meeting.

Mr. Slay and Mrs. Fiore, staff, participated in the portion of the meeting dealing with disciplinary actions.

There was a report on the actions taken by the AKC staff during the month of May 1999 on the cancellation of litters and individual registrations.

During the month of May, the registrations of 38 litters were cancelled.

The cancellation of the 38 litters resulted in the cancellation of 23 registered dogs and rendered 167 dogs, members of these litters, ineligible for registration.

Of the 38 litters cancelled: 8 were cancelled for impure breeding, 29 were cancelled following inquiries/investigations and 1 at the request of the owners.

It was VOTED to officially reprimand the Rogue Valley Retriever Club for holding an improper disciplinary hearing in connection with its May 1, 1999 field trial.

Mr. Marden and Mr. Kelly, members of the Board Discipline Review Committee, left the meeting. The following actions were taken or reports given:

The following actions taken by the AKC Management Disciplinary Committee were reported:

The AKC’s Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended the following individuals from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective June 7, 1999, and imposed fines of $500 each for failure to comply with the recordkeeping and identification requirements of Chapter 4 of the Rules Applying to Registration and Discipline.

Frances Cunningham (Dickson, TN) - Multiple Breeds

Steve Cunningham (Dickson, TN) - Multiple Breeds

Kandi Czichos - Simpson (Axtell, TX) - Multiple Breeds

Linda Feather (Spotsylvania, VA) - Multiple Breeds

Angie Fernandez-Serra-Carlock (Carolina, CA) - Cocker Spaniel

Jackie Gordon (Kempner, TX) - Multiple Breeds

Kathryn Kelly (Lebanon, MO) - West Highland White Terrier - Miniature Pinscher

Kitty Kelly (Lebanon, MO) - Miniature Pinscher

Rebecca Pennell, d.b.a. Pets Etc. (Wilkesboro, NC) - Multiple Breeds

Rex Pennell, d.b.a. Pets Etc. (Wilkesboro, NC) - Multiple Breeds

Vivien Samuel (Riverside, CA) - German Shepherd Dog

William Samuel (Riverside, CA) - German Shepherd Dog

Betty Souza (Phillipsburg, MO) - Multiple Breeds

Josh Souza (Phillipsburg, MO) - Multiple Breeds

Lew Souza (Phillipsburg, MO) - Multiple Breeds

Beverly Woog (Metamora, MI) - Shetland Sheepdog - Rottweiler

Misty Woog (Metamora, MI) - Shetland Sheepdog

Nikki Woog (Metamora, MI) - Shetland Sheepdog - Rottweiler

The AKC’s Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended the following individuals from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective June 7, 1999 and imposed a $500 fine each for having refused to permit an inspection of records and practices, as provided by Chapter 4, Section 7 of the Rules Applying to Registration and Discipline:

V.J. Artman (La Place, LA) - Poodle

Elora Carlson (Denver, CO) - Multiple Breeds

Leslie Carter (Buffalo, MO) - Multiple Breeds

Patricia Cheatham-Shabazz (Phoenix, AZ) - Chihuahua - Pomeranian

Beverly Chesser Bishop (Augusta, GA) - Multiple Breeds

Debby Ellerbe (Shepherd, TX) - Multiple Breeds

Cynthia Higgins (Liberty, MS) - Multiple Breeds

Johnny Marquez (Albuquerque, NM) - Multiple Breeds

Denise Melbow (Climax, MI) - German Shepherd Dog - Cairn Terrier

Peter Melbow (Climax, MI) - Multiple Breeds

Lisa Reed (Bloomingdale, MI) - Multiple Breeds

William Roberts (Clarksboro, NJ) - Multiple Breeds

Jean Simmons (Jefferson, MD) - Irish Setter

Barbara Stumpff (Cassville, MO) - Multiple Breeds

It was reported that the following individuals have been suspended for an additional ten (10) years, effective June 7, 1999, and fined an additional $500 each for conduct considered prejudicial to the best interests of purebred dogs in connection with the conviction as indicated:

Frances Cooke (Dover, DE) - based on her conviction in Superior Court Kent County (DE) of Animal Cruelty. (Multiple Breeds)

Reed Evans (Garden City, MO) - based on his conviction in Circuit Court of Cass County (MO) of Animal Abuse. (Multiple Breeds)

Christopher Summers (Garden City, MO) - based on his conviction in Circuit Court of Cass County (MO) of Animal Abuse. (Multiple Breeds)

Philip Walter (Dover, DE) - based on his conviction in Superior Court Kent County (DE) of Animal Cruelty. (Multiple Breeds)

It was reported that the following individuals have been suspended for ten (10) years, effective June 7, 1999, and fined $500 each for conduct considered prejudicial to the best interests of purebred dogs in connection with the conviction as indicated:

Roy Hockett (Canon City, CO) - based on his conviction in Eleventh Judicial District (CO) of Animal Cruelty. (Mixed Breed)

Wesley Keddington (Berkeley Springs, WV) - based on his conviction in Magistrate Court of Morgan County (WV) of Animal Cruelty. (Mixed Breed)

Mary Lehman (Jersey Shore, PA) - based on her conviction in Magisterial District Court (PA) of Animal Cruelty. (Multiple Breeds)

Ruth McBride (Houston, TX) - based on her conviction in Criminal Court, Harris County (TX) of Animal Cruelty. (Siberian Husky)

Sanford Randall (Monticello, UT) - based on his conviction in Monticello Justice Court (UT) of Animal Cruelty. (German Shepherd Dog)

Steven Shambaugh (Berkeley Springs, WV) - based on his conviction in Magistrate Court of Morgan County (WV) of Animal Cruelty. (Mixed Breed)

John Talbert (Berkeley Springs, WV) - based on his conviction in Magistrate Court of Morgan County (WV) of Animal Cruelty. (Chinese Shar-Pei)

Nancy Talbert (Berkeley Springs, WV) - based on her conviction in Magistrate Court of Morgan County (WV) of Animal Cruelty. (Chinese Shar-Pei)

Lisa Marie Widmyer (Hagerstown, MD) - based on her conviction in Magisterial District Court (MD) of Animal Cruelty. (Mixed Breed)

The AKC’s Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Karen Bailey (Strasburg, OH) from all AKC privileges for a period of five (5) years, effective June 7, 1999 and imposed a $500 fine for having entered, or caused to be entered, a female Cocker Spaniel which was ineligible to compete because it had been changed in appearance by artificial means as the result of bands on its teeth. (Cocker Spaniel)

The AKC’s Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended John Bennett (Lewisberg, TN) from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective June 7, 1999 and imposed a $500 fine for having submitted, or caused to be submitted, two litter registration applications which he knew, should have known, or had a duty to know, contained false certifications. (Multiple Breeds)

The AKC’s Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Becky Brantley (Kaufman, TX) from all AKC privileges for a period of two (2) years, effective June 7, 1999 and imposed a $300 fine for having submitted, or caused to be submitted, a litter registration application and rejection form which she knew, or should have known, did not contain the personal signature of the sire’s owner. (Labrador Retriever)

The AKC’s Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended April Brashers (Aurora, MO) from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective June 7, 1999 and imposed a $500 fine for failure to comply with the rules and regulations for recordkeeping and identification and for failure to maintain her dogs and facilities in a condition acceptable to the American Kennel Club. (Cocker Spaniel - Dalmatian)

The AKC’s Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Cecil Brown (Aurora, MO) from all AKC privileges for a period of five (5) years, effective June 7, 1999 and imposed a $500 fine for failing to maintain his dogs and facilities in a condition which meets AKC standards. (Schipperke - Miniature Pinscher)

The AKC’s Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Denia Brown (Aurora, MO) from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective June 7, 1999 and imposed a $500 fine for failure to comply with the rules and regulations for recordkeeping and identification and for failure to maintain her dogs and facilities in a condition acceptable to the American Kennel Club. (Multiple Breeds)

The AKC’s Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Elsie Brown (Aurora, MO) from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective June 7, 1999 and imposed a $500 fine for failure to comply with the rules and regulations for recordkeeping and identification and for failure to maintain her dogs and facilities in a condition acceptable to the American Kennel Club. (Schipperke - Dalmatian)

The AKC’s Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Shauntell Brown (Aurora, MO) from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective June 7, 1999 and imposed a $500 fine for failure to comply with the rules and regulations for recordkeeping and identification and for failure to maintain her dogs and facilities in a condition acceptable to the American Kennel Club. (Schipperke)

The AKC’s Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Susan Harb (Raleigh, NC) from all AKC privileges for a period of two (2) years, effective June 7, 1999 and imposed a $300 fine for having submitted, or caused to be submitted, three litter registration applications for puppies from three Golden Retriever litters, which she knew, or should have known, did not contain the personal signature of her co-owner. (Golden Retriever)

The AKC’s Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Michael Morris (Shelby, NC) from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective June 7, 1999 and imposed a $500 fine for having submitted, or caused to be submitted, two litter registration applications which he knew, should have known, or had a duty to know, contained false certifications. (Multiple Breeds)

The AKC’s Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Margie Smith (Mount Mourne, NC) from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective June 7, 1999 and imposed a $500 fine for having submitted, or caused to be submitted, two litter registration applications which she knew, should have known, or had a duty to know, contained false certifications. (Poodle)

The AKC’s Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Russell Smith (Mount Mourne, NC) from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective June 7, 1999 and imposed a $500 fine for having submitted, or caused to be submitted, two litter registration applications which he knew, should have known, or had a duty to know, contained false certifications. (Poodle)

Judy Ball (Fayetteville, GA) was suspended by the Event Committee of the Atlanta Obedience Club for failure to control her dog at its April 24, 1999 obedience trial. The AKC Management Disciplinary Committee imposed a suspension of two months, effective April 24, 1999, and a $200 fine.

Upon completion of the above reports, Mr. Marden and Mr. Kelly returned to the meeting.

Mr. Goodman gave the Events and Clubs Committee Report on fines assessed clubs for late submission of date applications and judges panels.

Mr. Goodman reported that thirty-four scholarships had been awarded as part of the Junior Showmanship Scholarship program. The awards totaled $25,000. The Board requested staff input on possibly increasing the amount available to provide for a higher minimum award.

Mr. Goodman gave an update on progress made by the various superintendents to comply with AKC’s requirement that they be in a position to electronically transmit results for events held after January 1, 2000. In July, the Board will consider steps to be taken if any superintendents are not in compliance by the deadline.

It was moved by Mr. Goodman, seconded by Dr. Hritzo, and VOTED (unanimously; absent, Ms. Laurans) to approve the Delegate credentials of the following persons, whose credentials have been published in two consecutive issues of the GAZETTE:

Peggy Anderson, N. Billerica, MA to represent Concord Dog Training Club, Inc.

Susan DeSilver, Northford, CT to represent Gordon Setter Club of America, Inc.

Dixie J. Howell-Hirsch, Silverado, CA to represent Santa Cruz Kennel Club, Inc.

Robert Neff LaBerge, Lawrenceville, GA to represent Lawrenceville Kennel Club, Inc.

Barbara Woelfel Lopez, Killingworth, CT to represent Old Pueblo Dog Training Club, Inc.

Leo J. Plourde, Oakdale, CT to represent Shoreline Retriever Club

Mr. Goodman reported that the Delegate credentials of the following persons are to be published in the July and August 1999 issues of the GAZETTE:

Anne Gallant, Ph.D., Averill Park, NY to represent Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America

Daniel J. Smyth, Burlington, NJ to represent Burlington County Kennel Club

The Board considered a proposal to institute course and stock specific titles for Herding Trials. There are currently three courses, A, B, and C, each of which tests different skills for handlers and dogs. The three varieties of livestock also provide different challenges. The livestock specific titles would be designated by lower case letters after the trial titles. Following a motion by Mr. Marden, seconded by Ms. Scully, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent, Ms. Laurans) to institute Course Specific and Stock Specific titles, effective January 1, 2000.

The Board considered a proposal to amend the Herding Regulations to permit participation by the event Chairperson. Following a motion by Dr. Battaglia, seconded by Mr. Kelly, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent, Ms. Laurans) to amend the third paragraph of Chapter 1, Section 6 of the Herding Regulations, effective September 1, 1999, to read as follows:

"The Herding Secretary and Chairperson shall be ineligible to judge any event at which they act in these official capacities, but members of their families are eligible to judge such events. Dogs owned or co-owned by the Herding Secretary are not eligible to be entered at any event in which they act in these official capacities, but members of their families are eligible to enter such events."

Dr. Battaglia gave a report from the Business and Planning Committee. The committee had reviewed all pending projects and was prepared to make recommendations in July on procedures to assure their completion.

Mrs. Strand gave a report from the Public Affairs and Marketing Committee.

The Board considered a proposal to institute AKC Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE Awards). These awards would be presented to honor purebred dogs that enrich, inspire, or contribute to the lives of individuals or communities. The awards will recognize contributions made on a daily, ongoing or one-time basis. The criteria are as follows:

Eligibility

Any AKC-registered or registrable dog. AKC staff and their families, officers and their families and Board members and their families are not eligible.

Number of Awards

Three to four to be given annually; the number will vary depending on the caliber of entries in any given year. We will send Certificates of Recognition to all who are recognized throughout the year and then choose the three to four most outstanding candidates for the annual Excellence awards.

To Be Considered

Public Relations will conduct research throughout the year, searching the Lexis/Nexis databases and reviewing clipping service submissions for dogs who merit consideration.

Recommendations accompanied by a photo and 500-words-or-less description of how the dog has demonstrated excellence will also be accepted from clubs and individuals.

Schedule

Explanation of the contest and call for entries will be announced at the beginning of National Dog Week in early September when the media is receptive and eager to cover programs that focus on dogs. Closing date for annual entries will be June 30, 2000 and announcement of awards will be made in conjunction with the September 2000 Delegates meeting and National Dog Week, 2000, again when the media is looking for dog stories.

Publicity

This project requires extensive publicity. Publicity will target the dog fancy through the AKC website, Gazette, AKC Afield, the Public Education Corner newsletter and other internal resources and club mailings. Also, major publicity efforts will target the general public and the average purebred dog owner through op ed articles and releases to major mass media, e.g., Reader’s Digest, Ladies Home Journal, McCalls, USA Today, et al.

As dogs receive Certificates of Recognition, the PR department will send releases to the owner’s local media to announce the recognition and once again detail the program.

Announcements of annual honorees will also be directed to the recipients’ local media and directed to the fancy and the general public through AKC internal resources and national media outlets.

Judging

A selection committee will be comprised of a member of the Public Relations department, Public Education department, the CGC department and select executive staff.

Awards

A cash award of $1,000 with encouragement for it to be used to offset expenses and maintain the dog’s participation in therapy, search and rescue or other activities for which the dog was recognized.

An engraved collar medallion for the winning dogs.

A dog coat, embroidered with AKC logo and ACE designation. In addition to the four Year 2000 ACE honorees, coats will be presented to each of the top-20 nominees.

Awards will be announced at the September Delegates Meeting. Regional presentations will be made to each honoree by AKC in coordination with local clubs at dog shows or other appropriate venues by the end of October.

A plaque will be placed in the AKC library listing each year’s honorees, the name of the breed and the owner. The library will also maintain a permanent binder of honorees’ photos, entry information and significant accomplishments.

Following a motion by Mrs. Strand, seconded by Ms. Scully, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent, Ms. Laurans) to approve the program, with an annual budget of $32,839, for the year 2000.

Mr. Sprung gave a report on ongoing sponsorship and marketing initiatives. It was reaffirmed that under previously adopted Board policy, staff was to proceed with such initiatives, keeping the Board apprised of progress. Prior Board approval is not required for each initiative.

There being no further business to come before the meeting, and upon motion made and seconded, it was

VOTED: To adjourn at 3:58 p.m., Monday, June 7, 1999.

Adjourned

Attest:

James P. Crowley
Executive Secretary