October 1999 Board Minutes

October 11-12, 1999

The Board convened Monday, October 11, 1999 at 11:20 a.m. after the meetings of the various Board Committees. All Directors were present as were the President, Chief Operating Officer, and Secretary.

The Board reviewed the September 1999 minutes. Upon motion made by Dr. Hritzo, and seconded by Mr. Goodman, the minutes of the September 1999 meeting, copies of which were made available to all Directors, were adopted (unanimously).

The Chairman, Mr. Merriam, reviewed the priorities the Board had set for 1999.

Mr. Merriam reviewed the correspondence he had received as Chairman over the past month. A letter from the Delegate Strategic Planning Committee concerning the selection of future Delegate meeting sites was referred to the Board Business and Planning Committee for review.

The Board considered a request from the AKC Museum of the Dog for permission to use the AKC name and logo in conjunction with its upcoming "The Future Dog" exhibit and a related book project. Following a motion by Mrs. Strand, seconded by Dr. Smith, it was VOTED (unanimously) to grant this request.

The Board reviewed the decision made in September concerning programs that would be interpreted as promoting or soliciting assignments. Following a motion by Mrs. Welsh, seconded by Mr. Marden, it was VOTED (unanimously) to make it clear that the discontinuance of such practices would only apply going forward and would not affect any existing contractual agreements.

The Board reviewed its policy concerning staff attendance at Board and Board Committee meetings, which was adopted at the July 1999 meeting. There was agreement that under this policy, the President, at his option, could attend any Board Committee meeting or Board workshop where any AKC staff were in attendance.

There was a discussion on the 2000 World Congress. There was agreement that the dates be moved to Tuesday and Wednesday, October 3-4, 2000, so that participants would have the opportunity to attend any of the all-breed shows held on the following days.

Mr. Kelly presented the Board members with copies of a publication written by Dr. Patricia J. Wilkie and supported by the AKC Canine Health Foundation. The work, Future Dog Breeding for Genetic Soundness, is intended to assist the knowledgeable breeder to breed better dogs. On behalf of the Foundation, he expressed appreciation for the assistance given by AKC's Publication Department in the project.

There was an Executive Session to discuss business matters.

The President, Mr. Cheauré, gave an update on the Raleigh Operations facility renovations.

Mr. Cheauré reported on the presentation of the $15,000 each by AKC and CAR to the Wade, North Carolina SPCA to aid in the care of pets separated from their owners as a result of Hurricane Floyd.

Mr. Slay, staff, was present for and participated in a Board discussion on AKC's voluntary and Parent Club's DNA program.

Mr.Cheauré reported that United Airlines has rescinded its planned embargo on the transport of dogs as a result of the overwhelmingly negative response from dog owners.

The Treasurer, Mr. Marden, gave a financial update. Mr. Murphy, staff, was present for and assisted in giving this report. The Financial Report for September 1999 showed an excess of revenue over expenses of $397,000.

The registration figures for September 1999 (individual and litter registrations) are 139,958 versus 130,961 for September 1998.

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:
  • Ms. Catherine L. Cargo --- Old English Sheepdogs
  • Ms. Darla Lynn Cassidy --- Samoyeds, JS
  • Mr. Philip K. Freilich --- Border Terriers
  • Mr. John D. Landis --- Komondorok
  • Mrs. Dana B. Read --- Lhasa Apsos, JS-L
  • Mr. Del P. Richards --- Basenjis, Beagles, Bloodhounds, Borzois, Dachshunds, Irish Wolfhounds, Salukis, Whippets, Papillons, Pugs, JS
  • Mrs. Donnelle M. Richards --- Basenjis, Beagles, Bloodhounds, Borzois, Dachshunds, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Whippets, Papillons, Pekingese, Pugs, JS
  • Ms. Frances M. Strayer --- Lhasa Apsos
  • Mrs. Pamela A. Winters --- Pekingese, JS

That the applications for the following Approved Breed judging applicants be accepted for the breeds indicated:
  • Mrs. Catherine Bell --- Anatolian Shepherds, Bullmastiffs, Giant Schnauzers, Great Danes, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Kuvaszok, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Standard Schnauzers
  • Mrs. Eva E. Berg Balance of Sporting Group
    (Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, American Water Spaniels, Field Spaniels, Irish Water Spaniels, Welsh Springer Spaniels), Bulldogs, Chinese Shar- Pei, Chow Chows, Poodles
  • Mr. Kenneth E. Berg --- Chinese Shar-Pei, Chow Chows
  • Mrs. Helen Briscoe --- Alaskan Malamutes, Bullmastiffs, Doberman Pinschers, Mastiffs
  • Mrs. Catherine Di Giacomo --- Bichons Frises, Bulldogs, L�wchen, Schipperkes, Shiba Inu, Tibetan Terriers
  • Mrs. Sharon A. Dok --- English Setters, Afghan Hounds, Beagles, Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeens, Scottish Deerhounds
  • Ms. Barbara E. Ewing --- Whippets
  • Mrs. R. Ellen Fetter --- Brussels Griffons, Chihuahuas, Chinese Cresteds, Italian Greyhounds, Miniature Pinschers, Papillons, Pomeranians, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terriers
  • Mr. Robert Fetter --- Cocker Spaniels, Bearded Collies, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdogs, Belgian Tervuren, Bouviers des Flandres, Briards, German Shepherd Dogs, Old English Sheepdogs
  • Ms. RonnieEllen Fischler --- L�wchen, Tibetan Spaniels, Tibetan Terriers
  • Mrs. Marcia A. Foy --- Brittanys, Pointers, German Shorthaired Pointers, German Wirehaired Pointers, Vizslas, Weimaraners, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons
  • Mrs. Ellen Frost Balance of Sporting Group
  • (Brittanys, German Wirehaired Pointers, Curly- Coated Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, American Water Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, English Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Field Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels, Welsh Springer Spaniels, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons)
  • Dr. Donald A. Gill --- Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdogs, Belgian Tervuren
  • Mr. Clayton G. Haviland IV --- Chinese Cresteds, Pugs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs
  • Mr. Norman L. Herbel --- Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs
  • Mr. Joseph F. Joly III Balance of Toy Group
  • (Affenpinschers, Brussels Griffons, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chinese Cresteds, English Toy Spaniels, Havanese, Japanese Chin, Manchester Terriers, Pomeranians, Pugs, Silky Terriers)
  • Ms. Victoria M. Jordan --- Akitas, Doberman Pinschers
  • Dr. Steve Keating --- Brittanys, Pointers, English Setters, Gordon Setters, English Springer Spaniels
  • Mr. Thomas L. Kirstein Balance of Hound Group
  • (Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, American Foxhounds, English Foxhounds, Harriers, Norwegian Elkhounds, Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeens)
  • Ms. Grace S. Kosub --- Shetland Sheepdogs
  • Mrs. Beth Lachnitt --- Australian Shepherds, Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Pembroke Welsh Corgis
  • Mrs. Marilyn M. Lopatich --- Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boxers, Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies
  • Mrs. Marion D. McPherson --- Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherd Dogs, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Pembroke Welsh Corgis
  • Mr. John A. Mooney, Jr. --- Papillons
  • Mr. Danny J. Moore --- Chow Chows, Poodles
  • Dr. Gareth Morgan-Jones --- English Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Borzois, Irish Wolfhounds, Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeens, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Whippets
  • Mrs. Barbara A. Pessina --- Bearded Collies, Norfolk Terriers
  • Mr. John L. Ronald --- Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies, Standard Schnauzers
  • Mr. Robert Stein --- Border Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, Wire Fox Terriers, Lakeland Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Norfolk Terriers, Norwich Terriers, Welsh Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Italian Greyhounds, Miniature Pinschers, Pugs, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terriers
  • Mrs. Darlene Stuedemann --- Chinese Shar-Pei
  • Mrs. Barbra Tatkin-Walsh --- Whippets
  • Mrs. Doris Elaine Werdermann Balance of Working Group
  • (Anatolian Shepherds, Boxers, Bullmastiffs, Doberman Pinschers, Giant Schnauzers, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Portuguese Water Dogs, St. Bernards, Standard Schnauzers)
  • Mrs. Karen C. Wilson Balance of Terrier Group
  • (Bull Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Miniature Bull Terriers, Sealyham Terriers), Brittanys, English Setters, Gordon Setters, Vizslas, Weimaraners
  • Mrs. Sandra J. Wolfskill Siberian Huskies, Shetland Sheepdogs
That the following named persons, who have completed five group assignments in the first Variety Group, be approved to judge Best in Show:
  • Mrs. Karin B. Ashe (Parkton, MD)
  • Mr. Lee Brown (Metairie, LA)
  • Ms. Denny Mounce (Burton, TX)
  • Mrs. Wanda V. Spediacci (Hayward, CA)
  • Mrs. Barbara Wood (Cranford, NJ)
  • Mrs. Ann F. Yuhasz (Chagrin Falls, OH)
That the following Provisional Junior Showmanship application be approved:
  • Ms. Heather S. Bremmer (Macungie, PA)
That the following Provisional Obedience applicants be approved:
  • Mr. Allan Immerman Utility
  • Mr. Patrick Shelmadine Utility
Upon motion made and seconded, it was VOTED that the following Visiting Judges be approved for assignments at shows as indicated:
  • Mrs. Eleanor Bothwell (Scotland) - Trenton KC - 5/5/00; Windham County KC, 5/14/00
  • Mr. Frank Bothwell (Scotland) - Windham County Kennel Club - 5/14/00
  • Mrs. Maureen Floyd (England) - Labrador Retriever Club of So. CT - 6/2/00
  • Mr. Tony Floyd (England) - Labrador Retriever Club of So. CT - 6/2/00
  • Mr. Christopher Neilson (Canada) - Lone Star Bulldog Club - 3/24/00
  • Mr. Michael Quinney (England) - Classic Toy Dog Club of Western Massachusetts - 5/12/00
Following completion of the report on Judges Applications, Mrs. Welsh, Ms. Scully and Dr. Smith returned to the meeting.

Mr. Slay, 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 September 1999 on the cancellation of litters and individual registrations.

During the month of September, the registrations of 23 litters were cancelled: 5 because of impure breeding; 1 at the request of the litter owner; 1 because the litter was whelped outside the Unites States and 16 because of the Compliance Audit Program - DNA.

The cancellation of the 23 litters resulted in the cancellation of 20 registered dogs and rendered 83 dogs, members of these litters, ineligible for registration.

Mr. Kelly, Ms. Laurans, and Mr. Marden, 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 five (5) years, effective October 11, 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:

  • Jackie Carmack (Valley, AL) � Multiple Breeds
  • Hubert Rikard (Trinity, AL) � Pug - Boxer

The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended the following individuals from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective October 11, 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:

  • Margie Lynn Hamby (Gadsden, AL) - Multiple Breeds
  • Jung Youb Lee (Anaheim, CA) � Poodle - Chihuahua
  • Brandon and Justin Norris (Remlap, AL) � Shih Tzu - Maltese
  • Austin Osborne, d.b.a. Osborn's Complete Pet Shop (Lawrenceburg, TN) � Multiple Breeds
  • Melvin Pearson (Duncan, SC) - Multiple Breeds
  • Biagio Randazzo (Aguila, AZ) - Multiple Breeds
  • Barbara Richey (Vina, AL) - Multiple Breeds
  • Ed and Mary Karen Steward (Dolan Springs, AZ) - Multiple Breeds
  • Hawk and Lisa Webster (Marion, NC) � Siberian Husky
  • Cheryl York (Verona, MO) � Maltese � Yorkshire Terrier
The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended the following individuals from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective October 11, 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:
  • Brad and Kimberly Christian (Kingsport, TN) - Samoyed
  • Martin and Sheila Johnston (Olive Branch, MS) � Labrador Retriever
  • Audrey Kotschwar (Farnam, NE) - Multiple Breeds
  • Marlene Littrell (Bon Aqua, TN) - Multiple Breeds
  • Jim Moricz (Gary, IN) - Rottweiler
  • Richard Puccini (Albuquerque, NM) - Multiple Breeds
  • Lynn Silvio (Lyndhurst, NY) - Maltese
  • Steve Smith (Dothan, AL) � German Shepherd Dog
  • Ginger Sarah Thompson (Wauconda, IL) - Poodle
It was reported that the following individuals have been suspended for ten (10) years, effective October 11, 1999, and fined $500 each for conduct considered prejudicial to the best interests of purebred dogs in connection with the conviction as indicated:
  • Suzi Harrold (Acme, PA) - based on her conviction in the Court of Common Pleas, Westmore County (PA) of Animal Cruelty. (Multiple Breeds)


  • Musetta Shores (Odessa, NY) - based on her conviction in Veteran Town Court (NY) of twenty-seven (27) counts of Animal Cruelty. (Multiple Breeds)

  • Lou Ann Walker (Summerville, SC) - based on her conviction in Dorchester County, Magistrates Court (SC) of eight (8) counts of Ill Treatment to Animals. (Shih Tzu)
The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Robert Creelman (Murphy, NC) from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective October 11, 1999, and imposed a $500 fine for having submitted, or caused to be submitted, two (2) 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 Mistianne Jacobs (Angier, NC) from all AKC privileges for a period of two (2) years, effective October 11, 1999, and imposed a $300 fine for having submitted, or caused to be submitted, a registration certificate which she knew, or should have known, did not contain the personal signature of the co-owners. (American Staffordshire Terrier)

The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Tonya Luther (Ainsworth, NE) from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective October 11, 1999, and imposed a $500 fine for having submitted, or caused to be submitted, three litter registration applications which she knew, should have known, or had a duty to know, contained false certifications. (Multiple Breeds)

The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Catherine Steinhauser (Stuart, NE) from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective October 11, 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. (Multiple Breeds)

The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Carolyn and Donald Surritte (West Plains, MO) from all AKC privileges for a period of ten (10) years, effective October 11, 1999, and imposed a $500 fine for failure to comply with the rules and regulations for recordkeeping, and failure to maintain her dogs and facilities in a manner which meets AKC standards. (Multiple Breeds)

The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Josh Timmons (McAlester, OK) from all AKC privileges for a period of two (2) years, effective October 11, 1999, and imposed a $300 fine for having submitted, or caused to be submitted, a registration certificate which he knew, or should have known, did not contain the personal signature of the recorded owner. (Pembroke Welsh Corgi)

Upon completion of the above reports, Mr. Kelly, Ms. Laurans and Mr. Marden 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.

It was moved by Mr. Goodman, seconded by Ms. Scully and VOTED (unanimously) to approve the Delegate credentials of the following persons, whose credentials have been published in two consecutive issues of the GAZETTE:
  • R. Karen Barnes, Midland, MI
    to represent Kuvasz Club of America
  • Judith V. Daniels, Acton, CA
    to represent Mt. Baker Kennel Club
  • Geraldine R. Gaugler, Barberton, OH
    to represent All-Breed Training Club of Akron, Inc.
Mr. Goodman reported that the Delegate credentials of the following persons are to be published in the November and December 1999 issues of the GAZETTE:
  • Joan L. Fisher, Redding, CT
     to represent Longshore-Southport Kennel Club, Inc.
  • Kathleen Kanzler, Chateaugay, NY
     to represent Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc.
  • Barbara J. Paul, Easton, MD
     to represent Talbot Kennel Club
  • Georgia L. Rush, Bellbrook, OH
     to represent Dayton Kennel Club, Inc.
The Board considered a staff proposal for a policy statement on visiting judges. Following discussion, staff was directed to prepare a recommendation for Board action at the November meeting.

The Board considered a proposal to make the Jack Russell Terrier eligible for breed competition in the Terrier Group. Following a motion by Ms. Scully, seconded by Mr. Goodman, it was VOTED (unanimously) to make the Jack Russell Terrier eligible to compete in the Terrier Group for shows held on and after April 1, 2000.

Dr. Battaglia gave a report from the Business and Planning Committee. The committee had reviewed and was tracking progress being made on the web site, new products and system upgrades.

Following a motion by Dr. Battaglia, seconded by Mr. Marden, it was VOTED (unanimously) to approve the allocation of $39,096 from Special Reserve #1, Education and Grants, for the production of a 30-minute educational video on gun safety. The video will be used by Performance Events Field Staff to facilitate judges' seminars, sports shows and club events and it will be available for purchase by the public. Viewing of this film by the Event Committee and the event's gunners within twelve months of the event will be mandatory.

The Board considered a request from the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America for the retirement of the kennel names Overhill (Mrs. William Kirby) and Cliffield (Sarah H. Swift). Following a motion by Dr. Battaglia, seconded by Dr. Hritzo, it was VOTED (unanimously) to consider the request at this meeting, waiving the prior notice requirement. Following a motion by Dr. Hritzo, seconded by Dr. Mays, it was VOTED (unanimously) to approve this request.

Ms. Scully reported that she had attended the AKC Wrodl Coonhound Hunt in Stanford, KY.

Meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m., Monday, October 11, 1999.


Meeting reconvened on Tuesday, October 12, 1999, at 8:20 a.m. All Directors were present, except Dr. Mays. The President, Chief Operating Officer, and Secretary were also present.

The Board considered a request from the Progressive Dog Club to permit it to hold classes for Yorkshire Terriers at its February 2000 show. Since 1993, Progressive has held its Toy show on the Friday preceding Westminster. Except for 1999, when there was a temporary date change, AKC has not permitted Progressive to have classes for Yorkshire Terriers. This was the result of an appeal to AKC by the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, which for many years prior to 1993 held its National Sweepstakes on this Friday date. Subsequent to 1993, the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America began to hold some regular classes on the date. The Progressive Dog Club previously appealed this decision in 1995 and the appeal was denied. Staff recommended that the current appeal be denied. Following a motion by Mr. Goodman, seconded by Ms. Scully, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent, Dr. Mays) to deny the Progressive Dog Club's request.

Mrs. Strand gave a report for the Public Affairs and Marketing Committee. The committee's top priority is the filling of the top Public Relations position. The committee also discussed registration process enhancements. The committee approved a test program for offering Homeowners and Automobile Insurance to AKC constituents and sent the proposal to the Business Committee for implementation. The committee also received a staff report on efforts to institute an AKC Invitational Dog Show.

Mrs. Welsh gave a report from the Judges Review Committee. Following discussion, the Board adopted the committee's recommendation and VOTED that applications for the following judging applicants be accepted:
  • Mrs. Lucrecia P. Dye Havanese, Japanese Chin, Papillons, Silky Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers
  • Merrill Cohen American Staffordshire Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers
The Board reviewed the report and recommendations of the Breeder's Education Committee. The committee recommended that AKC establish a multi-faceted Breeder's Education Program. This was to include a generic breeder's packet which would be sent to Parent Clubs to assist in their development of breed-specific packets. Ms. Laurans, the committee Chair, recommended that the development of this program be placed with the Judges' Education Department. She also requested that the report be made part of the Delegate handouts at the December 1999 meeting and that it be put on the website. A financial report on the committee's work was to be made at the November meeting.

Following a motion by Ms. Laurans, seconded by Mr. Goodman, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent, Dr. Mays) to consider the implementation of the recommendations in the report at this meeting waiving the usual prior notice requirement. Following a motion by Ms. Laurans, seconded by Mr. Goodman, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent, Dr. Mays) to accept the report and recommendation and to refer the matter to the President for implementation using the guidelines recommended by the committee.

Dr. Battaglia reported on a News Release about CAR's efforts to assist rescue work to the networks and local print and news media. He also reported on the effort to help clubs and the North Carolina community prepare their animals for future storms through CAR's microchip program.

The Board recessed for a workshop to discuss the Judging Approval process, the approval of professional handlers and proposed Bylaw amendments on discipline.

The Board came back into regular session.

Following a motion by Mrs. Welsh, seconded by Mrs. Strand, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent, Dr. Mays) to consider a new judges approval system, waiving the usual notice requirement.

Following a motion by Mrs. Welsh, seconded by Ms. Scully, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent, Dr. Mays) to adopt the new judges approval system, which is attached to these minutes. The effective date is for applications received on and after January 1, 2000.

Following a motion by Mrs. Strand, seconded by Ms. Scully, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent, Dr. Mays) to adopt in concept the development of an apprenticeship and a mentor program which would become part of the judges approval system. Staff is expected to develop a formal proposal for these programs within the next 18-24 months, based upon a draft proposal presented to the Board at its August 1999 meeting.

The Board again recessed for its workshop.

After coming back into regular session, there being no further business to come before the meeting, and upon motion made and seconded, it was VOTED: To adjourn at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 12, 1999.

Adjourned

Attest:

James P. Crowley
Executive Secretary