News for Members & Affiliate Clubs

APRIL 2024

The following is being circulated for your information – From Dogs Australia.

Link directly below from the FCI website.

https://www.fci.be/en/FCI-Welfare-and-Health-for-Dogs-Worldwide-petdoginfo-com-4810.html

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FEBRUARY 2024

Maria Thiry is returning to Canberra and will be conducting Agility Workshops in March.
Se Flyer here.

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Nomination forms are now out for the Dogs ACT Agility Nationals State Team 
Please read all the details carefully on the form.
Nominations close on the 30th April 2024

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JANUARY 2024

Dogs ACT hope that you all had a safe and festive Christmas and New Year.
We would like to congratulate all the members who achieved titles through out the 2023 year.
Here is a summary of all the titles earnt  – 2023 Title List

 

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DECEMBER 2023

Dogs Australia have released the summary from their October 2023 AGM.
It can be found here

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NOVEMBER 2023

REVIEW OF THE RULES FOR THE CONDUCT OF OBEDIENCE TRIALS AND RALLY TRIALS – CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Competitors: This is your chance to have your say on proposals for changes to Obedience and Rally Trial Rules!

The following are scheduled for review over the next couple of years in order for the new rules and regulations to take effect from 1 January 2026.

• Rules for the Conduct of Obedience Trials.
• Rules for the Conduct of Rally Trials.
• Regulations Part 3C – Obedience Trial Judges Training Scheme.
• Regulations Part 3F – Rally Trial Judges Training Scheme.

Submissions are to be received in accordance with the ANKC Ltd Procedure for Reviewing Existing Rules and Documents. Any proposals for changes to these Rules and Regulations must be submitted to the Dogs Australia Administrator by no later than 30 June 2024.

The Dogs ACT representative for the National Obedience Committee is Elaine Temby (elaine.temby@gmail.com). Elaine will coordinate the Rule Review Submissions and Meetings. Communication will be via Facebook page ………

https://dogsact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ANKC-Ltd-Procedure-for-reviewing-existing-rules-and-documents.pdf

https://dogsact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/9.-Obedience-01-01-2021-V2.doc

https://dogsact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ANKC-REG3C_Obedience_oct15.doc

https://dogsact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10.-Rally-Rule-Book-01-01-2021-V3.2.docx

https://dogsact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ANKC-REG3F_Rally_oct15.doc

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OCTOBER 2023

Dogs Australia release results for the Afghan Hound Survey (Minimum Breeding Age) (see result here) & Labrador Retriever Survey (Minimum Breeding Age) (see result here)

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JULY 2023

Request for Service – Catering for the Public
Are you or do you know someone who owns a business or organization in the catering industry.
Dogs ACT is currently seeking a catering company for shows – information can be found here.

REVIEW OF THE RULES FOR THE CONDUCT OF SCENT WORK TRIALS

Competitors: This is your chance to have your say on proposals for changes to the Scent Work Rules!

National proposals for the Review of the Scent Work Rules have been received. The National Scent Work Committee will meet on 18-19 November 2023 to vote on the proposals and finalise the review.
Dogs ACT members (must be financial) are invited to meet to discuss and vote on these proposals to inform how the ACT will vote at the national meeting. The meetings will be held at Dogs ACT meeting rooms, EPIC.

Given the number of proposals that need to be considered across the Rules, it is proposed to hold several meetings (happy to consider other ways to do it – ideas welcome) to discuss the Rules in segments. Monday night was the most popular in the poll I created.

These meetings will work best if attendees make themselves familiar with the proposals and form a view ahead of the meeting.Once we have voted on proposals in each part, we will not revisit those proposals at later meetings (unless there is sound justification for doing so – not being able to attend that meeting is not a sufficient reason).

Proposed meeting dates and content as follows:

Mon, 24 Jul 6.30–9.30pm

Part 1 – Preliminary
Introduction, Definitions, Decisions, Divisions and Elements, Titles, Scent Work trials, Exhibit requirements, Entries

Part 2 – Organisation of the Trial
Organisation of the trial, Physical layout of trial venue, Spectators, Photography and recording devices, Competitors, Removal of a dog, Withdrawal of a dog, Search areas, Preparation for the search and set up of search areas
Appendices A, B, C, E – Official forms etc

Mon, 31 Jul 6.30–9.30pm

Part 3 – Conduct of the trial
Demonstration Dog, Conduct of the search

Part 4 – Judges and Judging
Judges, Judging, Scoring, Marks and placings

Mon, 21 Aug 6.30–9.30pm

Part 5 – Search Requirements – Odour Search Division
Containers, Interior, Exterior, Vehicles

New Class proposals
Detective and Fusion class proposals

Mon, 28 Aug 6.30–9.30pm Spare

The combined national submission, and the different parts are posted at the link below:
https://dogsaustralia.org.au/…/2023-rule-review…/

If you have any questions, post here, or email me via jarrah236@gmail.com

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JUNE 2023

AGM – The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Dogs ACT will be held at 7pm on Tuesday 29 August 2023.
Venue: Macarthur Room, Ainslie Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie.

Proxy forms are here

This is the last year that we will be allowing proxy votes as per Association Incorporation ACT 1991
Each financial member is entitled to appoint another financial member as proxy. Associate and Junior members are not entitled to either appoint a proxy or act as a proxy.

This proxy form means you can appoint another Dogs ACT member to vote for you at the AGM. You should check with that person that they are a full current financial member, a resident of the ACT.

No member may hold more than 5 proxies.

You may give or email this form to the Dogs ACT Office. All proxies must be received at least 24 hours before the AGM – i.e. by 7.00pm, Monday 28 August 2023. Dogs ACT is not permitted to accept them after this time and date.

Links/ Background information
The ACT Government has amended the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 to state that a member may vote by proxy at a meeting until February 28th, 2024. Also, that if an association’s rules are inconsistent with this provision, the rules have no effect to the extent of the inconsistency.

Associations Regulation Act 1991

Part 1.4 General Meetings
29. Voting

(1) Subject to subsection (3), on any question arising at a general meeting of the association a member has 1 vote only.
(2) All votes must be given personally or by proxy but no member may hold more than 5 proxies.
(3) If the votes on a question at a general meeting are equal, the person presiding is entitled to exercise a second or casting vote.
(4) A member or proxy is not entitled to vote at any general meeting of the association unless all money due and payable by the member or proxy to the association has been paid, other than the amount of the annual subscription payable for the then current year.

30. Appointment of proxies
(1) Each member is entitled to appoint another member as proxy by notice given to the secretary no later than 24 hours before the time of the meeting for which the proxy is appointed.
(2) The notice appointing the proxy must be in the form set out in appendix 2.

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Nomination forms for election to Council are here.

Dogs ACT Constitution
16.1.2 (Nominations)
Must be delivered to the administrator of the Association not less than seven (7) days before the date fixed for the AGM at which the election is to take place eg: 22nd August 2023

Dogs ACT Constitution
25.5 (Agenda)
Notice of agenda items for AGM’s must be submitted 60 days before the determined date of the meeting. Thus any items for the agenda must be received before 29th June 2023.

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APRIL 2023

Our first heats for the Junior Handlers have been completed at the National Capital Kennel Club Show this month – judged by Mr John Mitchell from QLD.
All junior handler results can be found here

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MARCH 2023

The ANKC Lure Coursing Rules Revision has now commenced.
(Related Attachments –  Lure Coursing Rules 2020 & Judges Course Training Program )
Dogs ACT members are invited to submit proposed rule revisions/changes to be considered as part of the Dogs ACT submission.

All proposals must be submitted to the Convener Dogs ACT Lure Coursing Sub Committee by 31 May 2023. They can be emailed to Dogs ACT or direct to Helen Mosslar on helen@mosslar.net

To be considered the proposal/change must be in the following format
1 – list the current rule including paragraph number,
2 – list the proposed change to the rule using the exact wording of the new rule being proposed, and
3 – provide the rationale for the change.

A meeting will be held in June 2023 to decide which proposals will form part of the Dogs ACT formal submission.

Helen Mosslar
Dogs ACT Lure Coursing Sub-Committee

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Endurance Trial Judges Course is now open. 
Dogs ACT is offering a course for aspirant Endurance Trial Judges.  The course will commence May.  Aspirants must be approved by the Dogs ACT Council.
Information Flyer
Application Form

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Dogs Australia Press Releases
Ehrlichiosis in Dogs
Rottweiler Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis

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February 2023

Canberra Royal 2023 Exhibitor Information
Conformation Exhibitor information

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Dogs Australia Press Release – Respiratory Function Grading Scheme

Please see attached press release form.


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January 2023

ANKC have released the amended international breeding rules of the FCI
Amended Breeding Rules of the FCI

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December 2022

Nominations are now open for the Retrieving & Field Trial “HALL OF FAME” 2023

In the first twenty years of elections, Dogs Australia has received nominations for 57 dogs and 43 people to be considered for induction into the Retrieving & Field Trial Hall of Fame.
From the nominations received 35 outstanding dogs and 26 exceptional people have been inducted.

Nomination forms can be found on the Dogs Australia website [LINK]

Nominations close on the 31st May 2023 at respective members body office for forwarding to Dogs Australia.

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October 2022

The ANKC announces that these documents have been published by the FCI:

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Review of the Rules for the conduct of Scent Work Trials:

Following is information about the Dogs ACT submission:

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September 2022

Members who are interested in becoming a Trick Dog Judge are invited to complete the application form and send it to admin@dogsact.org.au, cc to the ACT Coordinator, Niccola Hardaker at dwd.bdoc.asn.au by Close of Business 10 October 2022. If you have any questions, or would like a copy of the form, please email or message Niccola. Training is planned to start A.S.A.P.!

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August 2022

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Dogs ACT will be held at 7pm on Tuesday 30 August 2022. The venue is the Macarthur Room, Ainslie Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie.

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The names of candidates for election at Dogs ACT AGM 2022 are:

President: David Dawes
Judith Woolley
Kristy Neiberding

 

Treasurer: Elaine Temby
Clive Styles
Kirstin Henderson

 

Council Member: Heather Swinbourn
Suzana Styles
Cathy Stirling
Melanie Crossley
Fran Coventry
David Dawes
Elaine Temby
Robyn Dodds
Linda Stevens
Clive Styles
Natasha Davies
Kirstin Henderson

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The position of Junior Vice President became vacant during the year and Council filled the position as a casual vacancy. In accordance with rule 15.4 of the Dogs ACT Constitution this position is therefore up for election at the AGM. Due to a misunderstanding this was not advertised to members as a vacant position. Given how close we are to the AGM the returning officer has advised that nominations for the JVP position can be received at the AGM (rule 16.3).

Nomination forms for election to Council are here.

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AGM – Proxy forms    here

Each financial member is entitled to appoint another financial member as proxy. Associate and Junior members are not entitled to either appoint a proxy or act as a proxy.

This proxy form means you can appoint another Dogs ACT member to vote for you at the AGM. You should check with that person that they are a financial member, resident of the ACT and not an Associate or Junior member.

No member may hold more than 5 proxies.

You may give or email this form to the Dogs ACT Office. All proxies must be received at least 24 hours before the AGM – i.e. by 7.00pm, Monday 29 August 2022. Dogs ACT is not permitted to accept them after this time and date.

Links/ Background information

The ACT Government has amended the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 to state that a member may vote by proxy at a meeting for this year. Also, that if an association’s rules are inconsistent with this provision, the rules have no effect to the extent of the inconsistency.

Associations Regulation Act 1991

Part 1.4 General Meetings

29 Voting

(1) Subject to subsection (3), on any question arising at a general meeting of the association a member has 1 vote only.

(2) All votes must be given personally or by proxy but no member may hold more than 5 proxies.

(3) If the votes on a question at a general meeting are equal, the person presiding is entitled to exercise a second or casting vote.

(4) A member or proxy is not entitled to vote at any general meeting of the association unless all money due and payable by the member or proxy to the association has been paid, other than the amount of the annual subscription payable for the then current year.

30 Appointment of proxies

(1) Each member is entitled to appoint another member as proxy by notice given to the secretary no later than 24 hours before the time of the meeting for which the proxy is appointed.

(2) The notice appointing the proxy must be in the form set out in appendix 2.

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Nomination forms for election to Council are here.

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If you hear of any (financial) members who have not received emails about the AGM, please ask them to email the Office. We will update our records – thank you for advising us!

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FCI General Meeting, Main Decisions, 20-21 January 2022, here

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March 2022

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DOGS ACT have been given instruction to keep our gates locked for another week. Unfortunately this means the office will be closed this week Tuesday 29 – Thursday 31 March.

While we are closed, we are still available via phone and email. Please send through your paperwork and call the office as required. We apologise for any inconvenience

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DOGS ACT have been given instruction to keep our gates locked. Unfortunately this means the office will be closed this week Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 March.

While we are closed, we are still available via phone and email. Please send through your paperwork and call the office as required. We apologise for any inconvenience.

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Dogs Victoria are running a Virtual Dog Show in support of the Ukrainian Kennel Union, on Show Manager. Details are here.

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February 2022

Will you be attending Dogs Vic events? Read their Notice

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Dogs ACT is planning to conduct Scent Work Judges’ Training in 2022. The course is expected to commence in March 2022, and conclude in September 2022.

The documents for this course are:

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Dogs ACT gives very sincere thanks to EPIC for their attention and care to the state of our grounds, particularly our rings, during recent weeks!!

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The Dogs Australia Statement in response to the calls for some of Australia’s most popular breeds to be banned, is here.

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Press Release – Dogs Australia Statement on Norwegian Government Breed Bans is here

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January 2022

ACT Ladies Kennel Club & Canberra All Breeds Kennel Club would like to say a heartfelt “THANK YOU” to A la Carte and a local business man, who wants to remain anonymous for their sponsorship of their Christmas Fun Day.

It was a very successful day and “Thank you” just doesn’t seem enough.

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Please be advised that the office will be closed on Wednesday 26 January 2022 Australia Day Public Holiday.

The office will be open on Thursday 27 January as per usual.

“Celebrate Australia Day”

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Effective immediately, the suspension of Mr Peter Miller occurring on 9 October 2020 and the suspension of Mr Peter Miller, Ms Robyn O’Keefe and Ms Danielle Small occurring on 23 October 2020 is revoked and they are unconditionally reinstated in good standing.

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DECEMBER 2021

Dogs ACT Executive Council and Admin, wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas. We thank you for your support during yet another difficult year.
The office will close at: 2:30pm Thursday 23rd December 2021 so get your last minute paperwork in to the office. We reopen at: 9:30am Monday 11th January 2022.
In 2022 may we see more smiles and less worrying!
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From the ANKC: In accordance with Item 7.2.1 of the October 2021 ANKC Board meeting minutes an online survey is now available from the link provided below where ANKC is seeking feedback from owners of Rottweilers regarding the following proposal.

The current regulation under Regulations Part 6 The Register & Registrations is as follows:

8.9 Rottweiler

8.9.1 For litters of Rottweilers born where the parents have been born after 1.1.97, these parents must show results of X-rays for hips and elbows. (Amended 10/13 – 5.6.4)

Proposal to add as 8.9.2:

Effective immediately, any Rottweiler born a Natural Bobtail will be eligible to be registered on the Limit Register only and flagged NOT TO BE UPGRADED.

Rationale:

The adopted standard (FCI Standard No: 147) for the Rottweiler within Australia has now been updated as of 24 July 2018. A significant change to this updated standard is that it now reflects the length of the tail: “while positioned along the leg, the tail reaches approximately to the hocks or is a bit longer”, and the Natural Bobtail is listed as a disqualifying fault.

The following referenced attachments are available from the links provided below:

  1. Section of FCI Standard No: 147 – 24/7/2018 listing Natural Bobtails as a Disqualifying Fault.
  2. Copy Email from Prof Peter Friedrich outlining the ADRK reasons for not recognising NBT’s in the Rottweiler population.

The online survey can now be accessed from:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HR7JS7K

The link is also available from the ANKC website at:  https://ankc.org.au/AboutUs/?id=3319

Please note responses to the survey are required by COB 7 March 2022.

 

ANKC Regulations Part 6 – The Register & Registration has been updated with decisions from the October 2021 Board meeting as follows:

New Clauses 6.3.4.11 and 6.3.4.12 – refer Items 7.5.4 and 7.5.5 of the October 2021 Board meeting minutes

‘6.3.4.11 Effective from 1 July 2022 any dog identified on the pedigree database as Natural Bob Tail, will have NBT included as part of the printed information that appears as part of a dog’s registered name or number, ensuring that this information is included in relation to their official identification. (10/21, 7.5.4)’

‘6.3.4.12 Effective from 1 July 2022 the identification code LST noting a Legally Shortened Tail is to be endorsed on the registrations of all dogs that have been previously registered under Vet Certification that they have a Legally Shortened Tail. (10/21, 7.5.5)’

New Clause 6.10.4 – refer Item 9.4 of the October 2021 Board meeting minutes

‘6.10.4            In addition to compliance with 6.10.1 any Dobermann applying to be registered as a Natural Bobtail (NBT) must also show DNA proof of purity of breed effective from 1 January 2022. (Added 10/21, 9.4)’

Section 10 – Recognition of New Breeds

Add Section 10 Recognition of New Breeds – refer Item 5.20 of the October 2021 Board meeting minutes

The ANKC website will be updated with the amended regulations.

 

NOVEMBER 2021

Nominations are called for the ANKC’s Retrieving and Field Trial “Hall of Fame”. Information on the two categories is here. Nominations close on 31 May 2022.

First category is Outstanding Gundogs. Second category is Prominent Persons.

 

Dogs SA is seeking interest in applicants for the position of Executive Officer, the position description is attached. Applications close on 20 December 2021.

 

OCTOBER 2021

Revised Conformation Show Calendar approved by Council is here

 

On Sunday 24th Oct 2021, the ANKC updated their members on changes to the Australian organisation.

For all news regarding the ANKC update, more information can be found here.

There has always been a fair amount of assumptions made about the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs, so a series of the FCI Podcast Channel titled “Inside the FCI” aims to shed light and dispel assumptions about this international organisation that stands for Pedigree Dogs Worldwide!  The first episode goes straight to the centre of the FCI, with an interview with Mr Yves de Clercq, its Executive Director, finding out more about the workings of the FCI HQ in Thuin, Belgium, his role and that of the permanent staff.

Gopi Krishnan delves deep to get Mr. de Clercq’s views on the organisation, looking at its past, present and plans for the future, to truly understand the nerve centre and to give a clearer and in-depth view on the FCI.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGXUTNyn1f8&ab_channel=FCIforYOUtube

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Dogs ACT Annual General Meeting – Tue 9th November 2021 – 7pm Mallee Pavilion

Here is a nomination form for positions vacant.

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The FCI are conducting a series of podcasts & the first one came out on 14OCT21. It was titled “Brachy Breeds & BOAS: Seeing Beyond the Nose” & was most interesting. Parties involved were Dr Jane Ladlow, Wenche Charlotte Skogli, Bill Lambert & FCI President Dr Tamas Jakkel & of course hosted by Attila.
If you wish to see it – check here on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB8fckCv-tU…
OR listen at Anchor at https://anchor.fm/the-fci-podcast

 

SEPTEMBER 2021

Dogs ACT hopes that its members are doing ‘OK‘. Tue 14th Sept the ACT Government announced that the current lockdown we are all facing was to be extended for another 4 weeks, taking us to midnight Friday 15th October before we are able to continue ‘Covid normal’. We hope that you, our members, are not facing undue stress or pain while in the lockdown.  Do you have friends & family to talk to, even if only via your phone or tablet; those who are on their own, have to work from home, home school & other actions taken during this time must take time out for themselves each day. There are also agencies/organisations that can assist you if you feel bad such as Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), and Lifeline (13 11 14) to name just a couple.  Please seek help if you need it.  We want to see you out & about again once everything is open!

In the meantime, please take care of yourself! We care about you.

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The High Court have made a ruling regarding the use of a company’s FB page by those who post on them whereby the company is liable for costs,. damages etc if a post is found to be offensive in any way.  This ruling, while talking of a specific company, will set a precedent for many more such court cases & also may impact on your social media pages.  If you are responsible for the social media sites for a Club/Affiliate Dogs ACT urges you to monitor these pages & sites rigorously so that the Affiliate does not get embroiled in such issues.  An article from the ABC is located here which talks of this High Court ruling – for your information.

 

AUGUST 2021

Members, we wanted to let you know that events that had been planned for you but due to Covid-19 have been postponed/suspended or cancelled are still being planned & approved.  We have here a list of those conformation shows and dog sports events which have already been approved by Council, since 1st July 2021,  so that you can future plan your calendars. These lists are fluid as month by month & week by week we are unsure of whether events will take place.  We will change the lists as & when necessary so that you can keep yourselves up to date with planning for exciting events. We appreciate your patience but we all continue to plan & only postpone when affiliates advise it is too dangerous to hold them.

Canberra is  under lockdown until 2nd September but we all hope that this will get us to open up the calendar of events again.  Remember to keep checking our calendar for events all dog sports & dog shows coming up in the next year.  As you can see the dog sports calendar is full in comparison as conformation shows are held on Dogs ACT’s grounds which are in the middle of the ACT Government’s health testing environment.

JULY 2021

Members please be aware that with summer on its way & interstate travellers moving across Australia rather than travelling overseas, the incidences of the disease EHRLICHIOSIS will spread to the southern States.  Dogs ACT posted an article about this in its March newsletter but have reprinted it in the July newsletter for your information.  ANKC have now produced a News Release & it is located here – please read it.

JUNE 2021

Are you an affiliate wanting to run a Scent work trial?  Then please find attached a guide to walk you through the processes of how to go about this.

MAY 2021

The ACT Government has stated that from 01 July 2021 they are commencing a ban on plastics. On this date they will ban all single use plastics. For more information please see their website here & check what you can/cannot obtain.  Dogs ACT will be following these guidelines.

If you are a Club wanting to run a Scent work trial – there is a Guide which you can use & was drawn together by the ANKC National Scent Work Committee. There is also a one page document here which asks what is scent work?

APRIL 2021

Are you a fan of the new Scent work sport? Do you want to check it our & see how much fun you & your dog can have? Dogs ACT are holding their first scent work element trial on 13th May 2021.  The schedule for it is here.  Check it out – this is exciting!

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Are you checking your newsletter? Each month Dogs ACT newsletter is posted on a separate page for Members.  If you have anything you wish to submit please send the information to the office at admin@dogsact.org.au

Want a steward for your event?

The updated Stewards List is here and includes all stewards available for your event. They cover all dog sports & dog shows.

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JANUARY 2021

Dogs ACT office reopened 5th January 2021. Normal hours apply each week however Dogs ACT is still within an Emergency Response Centre.  Members must therefore remember to check in before getting to the counter,  and follow the instructions for our office Covid plan to keep everyone safe.

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DECEMBER 2020 

Sat 12th/Sun 13th saw the ACT Ladies & Canberra All Breeds Kennel Clubs run 4 successful shows under trying circumstances. It was the first shows since the Royal Canberra Show in late Feb20 but due to the diligence of its members they were able to combat the strict Covid-19 requirements.  Everyone was glad of the events & exhibitors came from VIC, NSW, ACT & QLD…a success indeed!

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Dogs ACT successfully ran their show training & socialisation classes each Wed until 9th Dec (16th Dec was cancelled due to torrential rain most of the day).  We would like to thank all of those participants & we did see the benefits from week to week of their classes.

A special mention must be made to Carrie Paine who trained all comers & would ensure that everyone got exactly what they wanted from the classes & felt individually given attention.  Thanks Carrie – you are one of a kind!

NOVEMBER 2020 – TRAINING CLASSES WED 

Dogs ACT continues their show training & socialisation classes each Wed evening at 6pm for all members.

Cost is $5 per dog. Due to Covid restrictions we need to know who is coming so please register your interest via Show Manager at the following link.  Classes are from beginners to advanced with all classes being separate.

https://www.showmanager.com.au/activity/312

We look forward to seeing you there! All welcome!

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OCTOBER 2020 

Champ Shows in December?

The ACT Ladies & Canberra Kennel Clubs are attempting to put on 4 champ shows on the weekend of 12/13 Dec 20.

Latest message from the clubs is as follows:

Our Christmas shows are waiting for approval from the ACT Government (Event Exemption required due to expected exhibitor & attendee numbers). This is anticipated around mid November. Entries will be able to open at that time, so watch this space!!!

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – TUE 27OCT20

The Annual General Meeting of Dogs ACT was held on Tue 27Oct20 at the Mallee Pavilion at 7.30pm.

Candidates standing for nomination were voted on & several positions filled.

Information of the current Council can be found on this page https://dogsact.org.au/about-us/council-members/

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SEPTEMBER 2020 – COVID-19 effects on Events

ACT Heath declared a health emergency in March 2020 when the coronavirus hit Australia.  As such EPIC (Exhibition Park in Canberra, previously known as Canberra Showgrounds) became the ACT Emergency Response Centre.

Dogs ACT leases premises & grounds (grassed areas) within EPIC precincts. We are able to open during our normal office hours

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AUGUST 2020 – Fake Dogs ACT Insurance

Dogs ACT have been advised that the Assoc Insurance (Aust) P/L has registered the names of all Canine Controls (except Dogs Tas) including Dogs ACT.

This is NOT the Dogs ACT official insurer.  If you have any questions or are approached by this association please send your approach to the Dogs ACT office at admin@dogsact.org.au

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URGENT NOTICE – MAR 2020
CANCELLATION OF ALL DOGS ACT EVENTS & CLOSURE OF GROUNDS UNTIL SUNDAY 3 MAY 2020 INCLUSIVE
Please be advised that from today, Tuesday 17 March 2020 until Sunday 3 May 2020, inclusive – all DOGS ACT events are to be cancelled or postponed and DOGS ACT grounds are to be closed for all meetings or gatherings of more than five (5) people. Further, the situation regarding COVID-19 will be reviewed no later than Monday 27 April 2020.

Further to the above: The Dogs ACT July Extravaganza scheduled for 2 – 5 July 2020 is hereby CANCELLED!

STATEMENT:
The health and well-being of all DOG ACT Members and Staff is our priority. In view of the declaration by the ACT Government of a Public Health Emergency on 16 March 2020.

DOGS ACT advises that all DOGS ACT events scheduled from Tuesday 17 March 2020 until Monday 3 May 2020 inclusive, are to be cancelled or postponed and that DOGS ACT grounds are closed for all meetings or gatherings of more than five (5) people.

DOGS ACT further advises that the situation regarding COVID-19 will be no later than Monday 27 April 2020, when further advice will be issued.

RATIONALE:
The COVID-19 pandemic is now moving extremely rapidly with infections increasing throughout the community, ie, community transmission is now becoming more common. Many of our members belong to the at risk group, especially those with other health issues.

People are being advised not to be in groups of over 500, but if one is in a high risk group, they should not attend any non-essential meetings or gatherings.

Regular attendees at DOGS ACT events could prove to be ideal vectors, ie, spreaders of this type of disease, as they may attend multiple events across the country, possibly being repeatedly exposed, thereby potentially repeatedly exposing others.

All Agricultural shows have been cancelled and, therefore, the DOGS ACT Council believe the only option for us is to take a similar step to cancel all events from Tuesday 17 March 2020 until Sunday 3 May 2020 inclusive.

We could be considered grossly negligent if we fail to be proactive in this rapidly developing pandemic. We do not need to lose any of our members to this serious condition.

If you need to cancel or change your booking of an event or camping, please email the Office at admin@dogsact.org.au

The Office will be closed for public access during this time. Members may contact the office by phone, email and post.

FURTHER TO THE COVID-19 NOTICE
The definition of all DOGS ACT events relates to:
• All EVENTS
• Conformation Shows
• Agility
• Dances with Dogs
• Endurance
• Gundogs & Retrieving
• Junior Handlers
• Lure Coursing
• Obedience
• Tracking
• All Dog Training
• Judges Training
• Meetings (only ones held at Dogs ACT Offices)

Conducted by DOGS ACT Affiliates, Associate Affiliates and any Members of DOGS ACT.

The listing of DOGS ACT EVENTS can be accessed on the DOGS ACT Website under CALENDAR, CLUBS, EVENTS – dogsact.org.au

References and Resources:
Australian Government Health Department:- https://www.health.gov.au/news/launch-of-the-coronavirus-covid-19-campaign
• ACT Government Health Department:- https://health.act.gov.au/public-health-alert/updated-information-about-covid-19
• World Health Organisation:- https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
• Frequently asked questions about coronavirus (COVID-19):-
https://www.health.gov.au/news/read-our-frequently-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-covid-19