GEC Award - deadlines extended to October 31, 2008 and Prize Money increased.

To

All USA Clubs
Executive Board
General Education Committee
Communication Committee

We have received nominations from some Regions/Clubs but not as many as we would have liked. This, notwithstanding, we intend proceeding to choose from the entries received and make the awards as planned. Prize moneys have also been increased to amounts up to $750 per award.

There is angst from some clubs that they have not been advised at all or in a timely manner by their Regional Directors of the GEC Award. This has precluded them from submitting their entries. Unfortunately there is nothing we in the GEC can do to resolve this except by sending this email to all the clubs and hope that the email listing we are currently compiling is accurate.

Such as to provide some respite to the Clubs, we are –

1. extending the closing date for nominations to October 31, 2008.

2. and as an encouragement are increasing the cash awards to amounts up to $750 (but within the overall budget).

We are grateful to the 4/5 Regional Directors who have been participating and who seem to have a long range vision in understanding the value of competing for this award .

These include –

1. spotlight and reward Clubs which are conforming to all rules of good behavior and conduct with respect to its membership, its canines and the general public.

2. encourage every club to a higher standard of excellence in promoting their canines and club activities to both the membership and more importantly, to the general public, thereby helping to dilute any anti-dog sentiment or breed specific resentment.

Nominations can be submitted using the simple 3 page Worksheet given below. Please also see details of the Award given below. Both are printable copies.

The consequence of extending the closing date is that we will be unable to make the selection in time to make the presentations during the November meeting. We have taken this measure to ensure greater participation as clubs should not be penalized for lack of communication.

The awards will be published in the Magazine, Website and Blog along with an analysis on responses ( or lack thereof) from the various regions.

Prizes, including the checks, will be mailed to all winning clubs.

Regards

Rifky Mackeen
Chair - GEC

For a printable copy of Award details - click here (note increase in prize money not reflected)

For printable copy of Nominations Sheet - click here.

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

If you are elected as the President of USA:

Such that we can provide as much information as possible to the membership to make the correct choice, we have with the permission of three aspirants to the position of President, reproduced their answers to some great questions raised in one of the EMail Groups.

The questions cover -

If you are elected as the President of USA:

1. What would be your vision statement?
2. What will be the first thing you would do in office?
3. Where do you see you see USA going if we stay on the current track?
4. In what direction will you lead USA?
5. What will you do to increase member ship?
6. What will you do to increase the sport's popularity?

Their responses are given below.

Your need to click on Read More to access them.

Good Luck to all aspirants who wish to serve the USA and our canines.

Rifky Mackeen
Chair - Nominating Committee




If you are elected as the President of USA:

Answers are shown in alphabetical order of aspirants.

1. What would be your vision statement?

Jim Alloway

Our organization will become one that adheres strongly to our core values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, and respect. We will be an organization that becomes brilliant at the basics, exceptional at communication with members, treats all people with dignity and respect, and becomes the innovator for new ideas, programs, and thoughts. We will continue to thrive, not just survive in the years to come by rekindling enthusiasm for the organization, investing in the organization, adding new programs, increasing education for members, clubs and those unfamiliar with the sport of Schutzhund.

Randall L. Hoadley

My vision for the United Schutzhund Clubs of America is the steward for the German Shepherd Dog (GSD). We need to be the leader in the standard of the GSD. We need to look at enforcing the standards at the SS, Breed Surveys and the Nationals.


Lyle Roetemeyer

My basic vision for the organization has not changed a great deal from my Vice President's report to the General Board in 2003. There I stated and still strongly believe today that "Our principle objective is to be the leader in the United States of America as steward of the German shepherd dog with regard to health, temperament, intelligence and structure." We should also encourage and maintain strong support for other breeds working in our local clubs and maintain a strong role of leadership and support within the American Working Dog Federation. The accomplishment of the principle objective is imperative to future generations being able to own a German shepherd dog with true working temperament.


2. What will be the first thing you would do in office?


Jim Alloway

Not sure exactly what you're looking for, so if I don't answer sufficiently, please clarify and I will re-answer. First, call everyone who is actively campaigning for and supporting me right now … thank them for all of their efforts. Second, call everyone in the office, Executive Board, and Regional directors … introduce myself if I don't already know them. Lots of info gathering and planning would be my first step. If you're looking for what I see as my highest priority … well, not sure yet … but very early on, I'd be putting together our top priorities and drafting game plans for how best to achieve.



Randall L. Hoadley

One of the advantages of having a President that has grown through the organization is that they know the problems. The first thing I would do is reduce expenses in our USA office. We need to reevaluate our Breed Registry and streamline the processes to reduce processing time. We need to automate the office because at this time it is very labor intensive.


Lyle Roetemeyer

The very first thing would be to finish conducting the business of the General Board meeting, but I would also call a meeting of all Executive Board members present after the General Board meeting to address their duties and responsibilities to the organization and discuss a plan that will require each EB member to participate as a member of the team.


3. Where do you see you see USA going if we stay on the current track?

Jim Alloway

One of my main concerns is that so many people feel disenfranchised with the organization. Many members that have called me still send in their dues, but do not feel a real sense of connection or belonging with USA. This is one of our worst threats. I would imagine that without change, this will continue to progress.

Randall L. Hoadley

If we stay on our current track I see USA in a financial crisis within 5 years. At the moment we are already dipping into our cash reserves to cover expenses. Next action will be to increase membership fees without looking at ways to reduce expenses. This is why USA needs a management team with Business background.

Lyle Roetemeyer

This a rather broad question, but I can say for certain that there are as many variables of good and bad so let me start with a positive.

We have been running USA like a business for some time. I would say the decision to run USA more like a business was decided in 1998 when Mike Hamilton was elected President following some very bleak financial years during Gordie Esselmann's presidency. Mike Hamilton's administration inherited a deficit net worth $140,000 and our debts were listed at $245,000. In Fiscal 2003 we began the year with a deficit of more than $30,000 and ended the year with with a positive Cash Reserve of $38,000 and had paid off our debts. Because we are a non-profit organization, the decision was made to invest $18,000 into membership education.

My first full year as President we ended the 2006 fiscal year with a Net Income over $26,000 and we ended the 2007 fiscal year with a Net Income of more than $49,000. At Bill Plumb's suggestion, we invested some of our free cash in Government Secured Bonds which have also added positively to our bottom line. At that time, it was imperative that we maintained extra cash reserves with the upcoming 2008 WUSV Championship and some uncertainty with respect to funding. Last year the membership exceeded our expectations for donations, with event sponsorship income led by the $30,000 contract I secured with Royal Canin. I felt confident that it was time to reinvest some of our cash reserves by placing them into member education and also upgrading some of our technology at the office.

While we are running USA like a business, we should never lose our focus of the fact that we are a non-profit dog club.

Discussions with the SV with respect to our continued working relationship have been friendly and positive. We have not only been active participants in the championships and shows, but have also been active participants in the WUSV meetings and WUSV Judges meetings. Through our efforts as members of the AWDF we have actively participated in the FCI working commission meetings, FCI Judges meetings and I recently had the opportunity to have a meeting with the Secretary General of the FCI, Yves De Clercq. USA Director at Large and AWDF President Al Govednik and USA National Breed Warden Tim Burke were also in attendance.

We have continued promotion of our Youth Program and have created a a real Youth Scholarship Program through the formation of a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that should bring more youth members into our local clubs. We have had several other organizations ask permission to use our Helper Program for their organizational needs.

There have been several high-profile disciplinary cases over the past two years that have caused bitterness and internet chat room fuel. Our system of dealing with disciplinary issues came under fire as there was more than one occasion an Executive Board member was found guilty. One of the most important character traits of leadership is being able to do what is right even when it is not the most popular thing to do. On more than one occasion I have consulted legal advice from our USA Attorney to make sure that disciplinary cases are being dealt with correctly and fairly.

We have addressed needs for changes through our committees and the EB when member concerns have arisen, but many of those changes can only be voted upon at the General Board meeting. There will be bylaw changes presented to the membership that will address our organizational needs with respect our disciplinary process and the litigious society of today. The Breed Advisory Committee updated the guidelines for our Sieger Show after the membership made it known that they wanted changes. The Sieger Show will be run using less paid help, which will result in a more profitable show. Since becoming President, we have gone from no sponsorship monies for our national working championships to budgeting up to $12,000 in expenses to be split equally between the events. The magazine quality has improved and, while still unprofitable, the gap between income and expense has been narrowed considerably. The web site is being updated daily and is being structured for future concepts that will make information more accessible and user friendly for the members.

4. In what direction will you lead USA?

Jim Alloway

To start, integrity above all else. In my company, we don't tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing. USA should be no different. My background is in organizational management. I'm all for implementation of processes/procedures that will enable us to measure, year- over-year, our progress and development. Further, as addressed above, I think it is imperative that we reenergize and reinvigorate members.


Randall L. Hoadley

The first direction I would take is to communicate with the membership. This can be done through the website and a USA egroup. The next direction is one club one vote. We can no longer allow a few clubs to make the decision for all clubs.

Lyle Roetemeyer

In the direction of obtaining the principle objective in the Vision Statement. On a world level, I will continue building upon the friendly working relationships with the leadership of the SV, FCI, and the members of the WUSV and the FCI Working Commission. Nationally, I will continue to work with the leaders of the member clubs of the AWDF and continue friendly discussions with the WDA leadership. By building stronger relationships with all of these organizations it will give us greater opportunities to achieve our goals to protect and preserve the working heritage of the German shepherd dog. Those relationships will continue to be needed as we step up our efforts to fight off BSL and other anti-dog legislation that is founded upon a lack of understanding of canine behavior and how our training programs play a major role in breeding dogs with proper temperament.

5. What will you do to increase member ship?

Jim Alloway

Provide as much value to our members as possible. Provide as much information to all members as possible. (i.e. When/Why/How major decisions have been made.) Ensure that there is a level playing field for all competitors. Invest heavily in junior programs and greater education for clubs/members. Raise more money so that we have the opportunity to market/advertise in new areas.

Randall L. Hoadley

Increasing membership is by producing a product everyone supports. Our best way to increase membership is through our breeders because they come in contact with GSD enthusiast. I would also challenge each member to recruit one new member. By doing this there would be no reason to increase membership dues.


Lyle Roetemeyer

We are already doing some things. We started advertising USA in Dog World last year and early this year. We also have advertisement planned for other large publications this winter and into next year. The Youth Scholarship Program will be publicized now that it is a reality, and that should draw new members.

Most importantly, however, is the development of a continuing educational program for local club officers and particularly the training directors. Craig Groh and I have started putting some ideas together for what we feel is a long overdue and very necessary link between our local clubs and our national organization. The ongoing education will not only include training tips and theories from successful trainers but as importantly will address the need for local clubs to be friendly and accessible to new members and interested individuals. We will offer suggestions for safety for all involved while placing emphasis on how our dogs or training may be perceived by the first-time visitor to a local club.

6. What will you do to increase the sport's popularity?

Jim Alloway

In my opinion, the toughest thing for new members is the intimidation factor they face when they come to clubs. This can be addressed in education to clubs on how to ease new people into the water and decrease the intimidation. Also, as discussed above, members who no longer feel energized by the organization or sport, aren't as enthusiastic when new folks come out. My inclination is to get the organization running as smoothly as possible, fulfilling the above vision, and then as clubs strengthen from within, new people will find greater value in the clubs and sport. My hope and thought is that a lot of good people who were in the sport will come back to USA. From there, we will continue to invest in youth, advertise more, seek sponsorship in less conventional areas than we've done before, and continue to put more effort, time and money into clubs.

Randall L. Hoadley

The organization needs a PR committee to help in this area. The PR committee would be in charge of advertising and promoting the sport and the organization and helping in bolster our image with the public. It is time our organization grow with the times. It is time for change.

Lyle Roetemeyer

Encourage everyone to understand the role of the trial as an evaluation tool for selection of breeding dogs that have sound temperament. I also feel strongly that the aforementioned educational program for local club training directors and officers will not only increase membership but will also increase the popularity of our working breeds and events. This should include materials and DVD's for local clubs to use when they do demonstrations for local schools and civic clubs.

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

Candidates for 2008 proposed by Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee has afforded all potential candidates, irrespective of whether they are included in this list or not, the opportunity of declaring their intentions and publishing their resumes and achievements in the Magazine, website (http://www.germanshepherddog.com/) and this Blog . The resumes received to date are contained in previous Blog posting (see previous postings below)


Click on Read More for Slate of Candidates proposed by the Nominating Committee.




Proposed Slate of Candidates

All names are shown in alphabetical order and not in order of any preference.

USA Officers

President –

There were two presidential aspirants this year. We have interviewed them, reviewed their resumes and their proposed goals and plans for the USA. This, notwithstanding, we were unable to choose one candidate over the other as both scored equally when we applied our evaluation criteria. As such we are nominating both names so that the membership can make their determination.

(In alphabetical order and not in any order of preference)

Randall Hoadley

or

Lyle Roetemeyer


Vice President - Craig Groh

Treasurer - Bill Plumb

Secretary - Sara Wallick

Director of Judges - Mark Przybylski

National Breed Warden - Tim Burke

Directors at Large

Al Govednik

Terry Macias

Frank Phillips

Howie Rodriguez

Nathaniel Roque


Auditing Committee

Gordon Esselmann

Kay Koerner

Kris Taves


Board of Inquiry

Jim Alloway

Chris Bettin

Terry Fisk

Gail Kendall

Jan Mountjoy

Thomas Payne

Thomas Shaftoe


Judges Committee

Floyd Wilson


World Championship Committee

Gary Hanrahan

Lisa Jacquin

Howie Rodriguez

Thomas Vollrath



Submitted to USA Secretary
by Rifky Mackeen
Chair – Nominating Committee

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

GEC Award

Want to win cash and other prizes for being the BEST club in your region and possibly the President's award (more cash and other prizes)for being the TOP USA club in the country.

Please review the details below and submit your nomination to your Regional Director copying the General Education Committee at gec@usa-blog.org.

Deadlines have been extended.

Please click on Read More for details.

July 15, 2008

To - All Regional Directors
Copy - Executive Board, GEC, Other Committee Chairs and USA Office

Regional Directors' and President's Awards
Sponsored by the General Education Committee

The General Education Committee of the USA is pleased to advise the creation of eleven awards to be granted annually to showcase member clubs of the USA. There will be ten Regional awards and one National Presidents award.

These awards are intended to spotlight and reward Clubs which are conforming to all rules of good behavior and conduct with respect to its membership, its canines and the general public.

In addition these awards are designed to encourage every club to a higher standard of excellence in promoting their canines and club activities to both the membership and more importantly, to the general public thereby helping to dilute any anti-dog sentiment or breed specific resentment.

Comments from the Regional Directors in particular or any other of the addressees is much welcome prior to the information being circulated to the clubs and the membership. This will be done by next week.

It is envisaged that all nominations will be submitted by end of August 2008 and that the selection by the Regional Selection Committee will be completed by end September 2008. The winning clubs will be determined by October 15, 2008 so that awards can be made in November 2008 based on compliance with the criteria in 2007.

Details of the process and procedure are laid out below. This is also given in the attachment. Our thanks to all members of the GEC and in particular Marnie Rose and Melinda Dalby who led this effort. We are also grateful to other USA members who vetted the drafts and provided positive and constructive input.

Regards

Rifky Mackeen
Chair - GEC
Tel 201-220-7000

.......................

Nomination Process

A club may nominate themselves for the award or Members of the Regional Selection Committee ("RSC" - see below) can also nominate to the pool, a Club or Clubs, which in their opinion are worthy of consideration. All such nominations should be sent to the RSC and copied to the Chair of the General Education Committee.

Selection Process

Regional Directors' Award

A Regional Selection Committee ("RSC") consisting of the Regional Director, the Regional Breed Warden and Regional Training Director will be tasked with ensuring that all such clubs so nominated are evaluated using the selection criteria laid out below. In their due diligence process they may need consult the Judges Committee and the Board of Inquiry as well.

A simple majority vote is taken in case there is a tie and the Club which in the opinion of the RSC has the highest score by conforming/meeting with most of the selection criteria will be submitted to the General Education Committee ("GEC") for final evaluation and confirmation. The decision of the GEC determined by a simple majority vote of all GEC members is final and binding.

In keeping with the spirit of these awards; the GEC does not expect nor will it entertain any appeals from Clubs which consider that they have not had been fairly judged by the Regional Selection Committee.

President's Award

A Selection Committee consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary and two active members of the GEC will choose, by simple majority approval, one of the Regional Clubs as the winner of the Presidents Award. This nomination will also need simple majority approval of all members of the GEC. The Club so selected maybe the one having the highest score but given the regional bias or weighting; the Selection Committee will take other aspects into consideration.

Form of Awards

Regional Directors Award


-Plaque/Trophy for Club House
-Certificates for Club and members and/or Pins/Badges for each member
-Cash award of $150 to be used for the purchase of equipment.

Presidents Award


- "GEC" Challenge Trophy
- Plaque/Trophy for Club House
- Certificates for Club and members and/or Pins/Badges for each member
- Cash award of $250 to be used for the purchase of equipment or to subsidize the entry fee into any National event.


Selection Criteria for Regional Directors Award

1-Compliance with USA rules:
The club can have NO valid Board of Inquiry complaints against it.
A published list of club officers is required.

1 point
5 pts for having a Club Legislative Liaison to handle Breed Specific Legislation or Anti Dog legal issues.

Annual membership fees?

1 point for $500 or above, 2 pts for $400 and above, 3 pts for $300 and above, 4 pts for $200 and above and 5 pts for under $200

Availability of a helper training program?

o 5 pts

2- Community Activity:


Education and helper demos orchestrated by the club for the membership.

1 pt per demo for the calendar year with an additional 5 pts awarded if there are more than 5 such demo's held in the same calendar year. These points will be doubled if these programs are targeted at the general public.

Recognition of volunteer work done with recognized rescues/ and shelters/ individuals.

2 pts per entity.

3-Member Demographics

How many H.O.T. s and Youth Members (with Sch 1) are in the club?

Points awarded will be based on the following grid for number of HOT and Youths ( as a percentage of the total Club membership)

Take the total number of qualifying HOT's and Youths and express it as a percentage of the total membership.

E.g. 3 qualifying HOT's and 1 qualifying Youth in Club with membership population of 25.

Percentage is 4/25 times 100 = 16 %.

Points awarded from grid = 3

Percentage Points awarded

1 -10 1
11-20 3
21 -30 5
31 - 40 7
41 - 50 9
51 - 60 11
61 - 70 14
71 - 80 17
Over 81 20

Availability of a Youth program?
o 1 pt per youth participating.

Are all breeds allowed?

o 10 pts

Is there a program encouraging membership in the USA for non-Club visitors and observers?
o 5 pts

4-What is the number of and quality of trials and conformation shows?

o 1 pt per trial, 1 pt per conformation shows?
o 2 pts for shows or trials held and considered of above average standard as determined by the Judge.

5-Good Sportsmanship

Good conduct by club members not just at their own club trial, but at other trials as well. The RSC will use their own criteria to make such a determination.
Any valid complaints or negative comments against the Club by Judges, Members or Public brought to the attention of any of the members of the RSC.

o Minus 3 pt per negative comment from a Judge.

o Minus 2 pt per negative comment from a Member of the Public

o Minus 1 pt per negative comment from a Member of the USA.

Other Comments

Presidents Award - The main prize for this award will be called the GEC Challenge Trophy until a corporate sponsor is found to underwrite the annual cost of these awards. The 2008 Awards are being budgeted at around $2000/$2500 and will be underwritten by the GEC until such sponsor is found. The GEC's name will be replaced by the sponsor's name (e.g. Royal Canin Challenge Trophy). The Trophy is a "Challenge" Trophy and will be returned by the winning Club after one year. The winner's details will be suitably inscribed in the base of the Trophy on an ongoing basis.

It is envisaged that the awards will be offered annually based on compliance with the selection criteria in the preceding year. For instance the 2008 awards will be based on applying the criteria for activities in 2007.

The 2008 awards will be presented at the Annual Meeting scheduled for November 2008 and so on. There will be deadlines laid for submission of each phase of the award process.

It is also probable that the GEC may change the selection criteria for each Award year based on feedback as to how practical they are in application.
Regions could, if they so desire, elect to notparticipate in these awards. This decision will be made by the Regional Selection Committee and submitted to the GEC.
Any interpretation of the Rules and criteria will be made by the GEC.

Winning Clubs can publish their awards in any media meant to promote the interests of the Club and the USA. Likewise the GEC will also publish such details in the Magazine, Website and Blog and in other media to showcase such activity and such Clubs.

end

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

German Sieger Show - 2008

VA 1 Vegas du Haut Mansard




VA 1 Lana von der Zenteiche

Working Class Males

VA 1 1290 Vegas du Haut Mansard
VA 2 1034 Odin vom Holtkämper Hof
VA 3 1216 Negus vom Holtkämper See
VA 4 1037 Ilbo vom Holtkämper See
VA 5 1237 Ingodds Agassi
VA 6 1028 Yerom vom Haus Salihin
VA 7 1023 Yukon von der Bastillie
VA 8 1049 Quantum vom Fiemereck
VA 9 1050 Furbo degli Achei
VA 10 1005 Godalis Tino
VA 11 1188 Nando vom Gollerweiher

For complete details - click here


Working Class Females

VA 1 2019 Lana von der Zenteiche
VA 2 2045 Zambia vom Milewo
VA 3 2070 Viana vom Fichtenschlag
VA 4 2056 Anika van de Herdersfarm
VA 5 2036 Chanel degli Achei
VA 6 2024 Schiwa vom Osterberger-Land
VA 7 2146 Ussi von Pallas Athene
VA 8 2244 Lea d' Ulmental
VA 9 2071 Tiana vom Fichtenschlag
VA 10 2120 Celin vom Suentelstein
VA 11 2091 Alisha vom Eichenplatz
VA 12 2253 Biene vom Valtenberg


For complete details - click here

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

Posting by the Nominations Committee

Candidate Information.

The Nominations Committee has afforded all potential candidates the opportunity of declaring their intentions and publishing their resumes and achievements in the Magazine, website and in this blog.

Resumes on an “as received basis” are posted in sections below this summary posting.


All names are shown in alphabetical order and not in order of any preference.

President – 2

Randall L. Hoadley

Lyle Roetemeyer

Treasurer - William Plumb

Director of Judges - Mark F. Przybylski

Directors at Large - 2

Al Govednik

Nathaniel Roque

Board of Inquiry - 6

Jim Alloway

Chris Bettin

Terry Fisk

Gail Kendall

Jan Mountjoy

Thomas Payne

See the sections below for the resumes.

The Nominating Committee thanks these candidates for their proactive efforts to keep the members apprised of their suitability and also wishes to thank the Magazine, Website and General Education Committees for publishing the content.

Readers have the ability to post comments. Any comments considered to be personal or offensive to the candidates or detrimental to the USA will be edited or deleted.

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

Section - President

President

Two candidates

Please click on read more for their details.



All names are shown in alphabetical order and not in order of any preference.


Randall L. Hoadley

My name is Randall L. Hoadley, and I hereby declare my intention to run for the President of The United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USA). I have been a member of USA since 1988. I am currently a member of the South Central Region and my club is DFW Working Dogs, Inc. a 501 C-4 club. Some of my accomplishments in Schutzhund are as follows:
I have trained HOT dogs, Niko Vom Haus Ledda (Niko) and Arak Von Der Daelenberghutte (Arak) to win Regional Championships and National Competitor Niko and Arak were both dogs V’d tracking. I have also trained other dogs to the Sch 3 club such as Ellessar Vom Haus Ledda (Ellessar) and helped many teams to IFR, FCI and WUSV events. Those teams went to these events and passed the events.
I am the Training Director of DFWWorkingDogs, Inc. where year after year we maintain at least an 88% pass rate while averaging 25 titles per year. When USA formed the Helper Program I became a USA Teaching Helper. As a helper I have done helper work at clubs, multiple regional events and helper work at the National level for both USA and AWDF events. Was also one of two South Central helpers to complete the helper program that was designed to replicate the SV helper program.
South Central Region Regional Director before becoming the USA Vice President. Entered the USA Judges program and completed the program in one year.
Career:
I am a University of Texas at San Antonio graduate as an accountant with extensive experience gathering and consolidating financial information in multi-national environments. I have a proven track record in managing large teams of professionals in challenging and high profile situations. I have a reputation for completing projects in a timely fashion with accurate results and I hold myself to the highest professional standards of integrity.
Throughout my career as an accountant I have grown from an staff accountant to the Chief Financial Officer of large corporations and presently am on the path to Executive Vice President of Finance for a multi-million and multi-entity organization with employees stationed all over the world. As President of USA I will work to achieve the following goals:
• Bring back accountability to the organization and its members.
• Increase membership substantially each year which will increase revenue.
• Re-evaluate the Breed Registry Program – cost-benefit analysis.
• USA underwrites all National Events.
• Set guidelines/policies for all rules and regulations that are applied equally across all members.
• Communication will be greatly increased to all members of the organization.
I would like to thank the nominating committee for reviewing and requesting my intention to run for President of USA. If you have any questions you can contact me at 214-440-7447 to discuss.

Lyle Roetemeyer

I am 53 years old. My wife Debbie and I have been USA members since 1982. We have been married for 34 years and live in White Bluff, TN. We have two daughters. Amoreena joined USA in 1989 and is actively training. She is the proud mother of two of our grandsons Dylan and Mason. Dylan and Mason have been members of USA since 2005 and 2006 respectively and are active training their German shepherd dogs in the Cumberland Valley SchH and Police Club. Our youngest daughter Amber recently took a break from Schutzhund to raise our newest grandson Gunner. Gunner is 11 months old and already loves the German shepherd dogs. We are active in the local community and were heavily involved with coaching and board duties with the local Little League for several years as our children were growing up. We are still involved in the community with our local USA club and local law enforcement with educational seminars and demonstrations for the local school children.
I have been employed by the Kroger Company since 1984. I have served in the capacity of store and department management since 1988 and have been utilized for special projects within our division. I currently manage a department with eight employees that averages over 3.6 million dollars in retail sales per year. As a Kroger employee, I have completed many business, marketing and leadership courses that are relative to the business of USA.
I was a charter member of the River City Schutzhund Club in Evansville, IN that was formed in 1982. I served as co-training director and club helper. In 1983, I attended my first USA General Board Meeting in Peoria, IL as a delegate for River City. My family moved to Bowling Green, KY in 1984 and we joined the Western KY Schutzhund Club where I served as club training and trial helper under the direction of Gene England. We later moved to White Bluff, TN and started the Cumberland Valley Schutzhund & Police Club. I have trained and titled seven GSD's. Two of my GSD's, I trained from puppy to SchH 3. I have been a trial helper at one national event and several regional events and have trained several club helpers. Two of my club helpers were selected as trial helpers for numerous regional events and three national events. I am a USA Teaching Helper.
I have served as Trial Chairman at 2 Regional Championships (1996 and 2001), a regional conformation championship (2002), an AWDF Championship (2005), a USA World Qualifier (1999), a USA GSD Championship (2002), a USA HOT, Youth and OB Championship (2006), a USA GSD National Championship (2004) and the USA Sieger Show on successive weekends. That makes five national events and three regional events that I have served as trial chairman and served as the local club co host chairman at the 2004 Sieger show. I was responsible for bringing Royal Canin on board to sponsor the 2004 USA Sieger Show and GSD National Championship and eventually brought them on board as USA's Primary sponsor.
I also was responsible for bringing them on board as main sponsor of the 2008 WUSV Championship. My work bringing Royal Canin on board with USA has netted our organization more than $130,000 in sponsorship funds since 2004.
I have been a delegate at many USA General Board meetings during my 25 year plus USA membership before being elected to the position of USA Mid Eastern Regional Director in 1999 and again in 2001, USA Vice President in 2002 and 2004. While serving as Vice President I also served as Chair of the Helper Committee and was responsible for bringing the current committee into being. With their help we introduced our current USA Helper Program. I assumed the position of USA President in 2005 when Jim Elder resigned as President and I was elected as USA President in 2006.
Before becoming a member of the EB in 1999, I served as Assistant Mid Eastern Regional Director. In 1994, I was elected as to the position of National Helper Director. I served 4 years as a member of the Board of Inquiry. I served six years as a member of the Nominating Committee. Four years as chair of that committee. I also served two years as a member of the Judges Committee. My vast experience as a member of many of USA's elected committees before becoming an EB member have given me a thorough knowledge of the working parts of USA. As President, my appointments to committees and formation of new committees have proved extremely valuable to USA. I have also initiated friendly and open discussions with the President of the WDA.
I have been delegate for USA to the AWDF since 2001. I was elected as Vice President of the AWDF in 2006. Through USA's strengthening of our involvement in the AWDF and my dedication to open and honest discussion with the leadership of the WUSV, SV and the FCI Working Commission we have developed healthy and harmonious relationships and the support that is necessary to maintain USA's position in both the national and world communities.

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

Section - Treasurer

Treasurer

One candidate

Please click on read more for details.



William Plumb

USA Member since 1996, USA Treasurer since 2000 In 2000 I retired after a 30 year career in Banking and Structured Corporate Lending with my final position being Senior Vice President. I also served five years in the U S Coast Guard and I was a Police Officer for a little over 5 years. I am a graduate of Wayne State University School of Business with concentrations in Finance and Economics. I am currently President of the Libertyville (Illinois) Police Pension Fund Board.
When I first became Treasurer in 2000 I found that, much to my surprise, USA was in deep financial trouble. Our regular income was less than our ongoing expenses. We did not have enough cash to pay our bills so we were living on our credit card. We had been kept afloat by the Lifetime Member program. Not long after becoming Treasurer we were hit by taxes and penalties by the IRS for a past audit that was contested at the time and we lost. We did not have the cash to pay the IRS so we set up a payment plan. The Officers and Directors faced up to the problem once we analyzed our finances and found our problems. Our members came through with contributions so we could pay the IRS debt early and we were able to get a refund of part of the penalties.
We now have substantial cash reserves and the results of our last IRS audit yielded only some minor comments.
The position of Treasurer is now proactive instead of reactive. If reelected I will continue to operate in that mode. We do not want to ever again get in the position we were in the late 90's and 2000.

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

Section - Director of Judges

Director of Judges

One candidate

Please click on read more for details.




Mark F. Przybylski

In over 30 years in Schutzhund and a member of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America, I have had many personal accomplishments that I am proud of as so many of us do, however, the things that I have done to help and hopefully improve the organization are more important to me personally.

As USA Director of Judges, I introduced and incorporated women into the USA Performance and Breed Judges program that are respected and very much in demand as judges.

Along with past USA Judges committees, we have streamlined the USA Performance Judges program for USA Apprentice Judges and closed some loopholes that it had and made it more comprehensive.

In my tenure as USA Director of Judges, we have named 11 USA Performance Judges and 3 Breed Judges.

The USA Performance Judges program has also added a fast track for judges from other organizations to join the ranks of USA Performance and Breed Judges.

I have also received requests from judges and members from other organizations and foreign countries to join the USA Judges program and currently have accepted one individual from the SV as a USA Performance Judge and another from Canada as a USA Apprentice Performance Judge.

USA Judges are constantly being requested for foreign assignments and this has not been just the arena for a few, but all USA Judges with the qualifications are included in the selection process for International events.

The USA Judges committee has become a more viable entity and communicates frequently amongst one another and all decisions are discussed and arrived at through majority opinion with each person being given their say and respected in what they say.

Increased attendance at the annual USA Judges meeting which has helped to provide for more consistent judging overall by all of our USA Judges.

Also, with respect to the USA Judges meeting, have tried to help USA financially by putting a cap on expenses per judge for this meeting instead of trying to cover all expenses incurred by attending this meeting.

We have instituted a USA Judges Teaching Judges program which should provide better mentors for our USA Judge Apprentices.

We have also made it a constant that USA as other countries already did, make sure that USA Judges are the major factor in selecting the USA World team by being two of the three judges at every one of our national events, thereby insuring that we as an organization choose our world team.

There may be things that I have left out, but the above are there to highlight some of the things I have or tried to accomplish, thank you for your time and cooperation in the past and most of all, your friendship through the years.


Mark F. Przybylski - GENERAL INFORMATION

 Became USA member in April / 1978
 Joined Mo-Kan Schutzhund Association as Founding member in 1978
 Entered First Schutzhund Trial in April, 1980
 Training Director/Mo-Kan Schutzhund Association since 1981
 President/Mo-Kan Schutzhund Association since 1990
 USA Mid-Central Regional Director from 1988 to 1996
 USA Director of Judges from 1996 to Present
 Member of USA Executive Board from 1988 to Present
 Qualified 2 dogs for the USA National Championship
 Two – time member of the USA SchH 3 Club
 Member of USA Breed Advisory Committee from 1996 to Present
 Member of USA Helper Committee from 2001 to Present
 USA Teaching Helper – 2004 to Present
 1996 – Trial Chairman / Mid-Central Regional Championship
 1997 – Trial Chairman / USA SchH 3 National Championship
 1998 – Trial Chairman / USA World Qualifier
 2000 – Trial Chairman / USA World Qualifier
 2000 – Show Chairman / USA Sieger show



( HELPERWORK )

 Helper at numerous local trials and Regional Championships
 1985 USA National Schutzhund 3 Championship ( Front Half )
 1986 USA World Qualifier Zone Trial ( Back Half )
 1988 USA North American Schutzhund 3 Championship ( Back Half )
 1989 USA National Schutzhund 3 Championship ( Back Half )
 1990 USA World Qualifier ( ALTERNATE )
 1994 AWDF Championship ( Schutzhund 3 category ) ( Back Half )
 1996 USA World Qualifier ( Front Half )


( TRACKLAYER )

 Tracklayer at numerous local trials and Regional Championships
 1987 USA National Schutzhund 3 Championship
 1989 USA North American Championship
 1992 USA FH Championship
 1994 USA North American Schutzhund 3 Championship
 1994 USA National Schutzhund 3 Championship
 1997 USA North American Championship
 1998 USA World Qualifier
 2000 USA World Qualifier


( JUDGING )

 Received USA Judges license in May / 1992
 Judge on the average about 8 trials per year
 1995 Judge at USA National FH Championship
 1995 Protection Judge at USA National Championship ( SchH 1 & 2 )
 1995 --- Judged in Australia
 1995 Seminar : Schutzhund Training : Melbourne, Australia
 1996 Tracking Judge at USA National SchH 3 Championship
 1998 Judge at the National Championship of South Africa
 1998 Seminar : Schutzhund Training : Johannesburg, South Africa
 1999 Obedience & Protection Judge at USA World Qualifier
 2000 Performance Judge at USA Seiger show
 2001 Performance Judge at USA Sieger show
 2001 Protection Judge at USA SchH 3 National Championship
 2002 Seminar : Schutzhund Handling & Training : Mexico
 2002 Performance Judge at USA Sieger show
 Judged over 15 USA Regional Championships to date
 Elected USA Director of Judges in 1996 to Present
 2004 Performance Judge at USA Sieger show
 2005 Performance Judge at USA Sieger show
 2005 Judge at the National Championship of Australia in Melbourne
 2005 Seminar : Handling and Training : Melbourne, Australia
 2006 Performance Judge at USA Sieger show
 2006 Obedience Judge at the USA H. O. T. National Championship
 2006 Obedience Judge at the USA National German Shepherd Dog Championship
 2006 Named as FCI – recognized judge
 2006 – USA Teaching Judge – inaugural year
 2007 Performance Judge at USA Seiger show
 2007 Attended FCI Judges meeting – Dortmund, Germany
 2008 Protection Judge at AWDF National Championship
 2008 Performance Judge at USA Seiger show
 2008 Protection Judge at the USA national German Shepherd Dog Championship


( COMPETITION )

 1980 – Entered 1st Schutzhund Trial ( Hans Rudenauer )
 1982 – 1985 Competed w/ import Yazz v.d. Jagerbuche SchH 3
 1983 – Qualified for the USA SchH 3 National Championship w/ Yazz v.d. Jagerbuche SchH 3
 1984 – Obtained BH and SchH 1 on Quino v. Fichtenschlag ( 1st dog from scratch )
 1985 – Obtained SchH 2 on Quino v. Fichtenschlag
 1986 – Obtained SchH 3 on Quino v. Fichtenschlag
 1987 – Obtained SchH 3 on Britta von Klemenz
 1987 – 1990 Obtained SchH 2, SchH 3, BH, WH & IPO 3 on Britta v. Klemenz
 1988 – Competed in the USA Mid-Central Regional Championship
 1989 – Obtained BH and SchH 1 on Abinoxious Jagerbuche
 1990 – Trained Abinoxious Jagerbuche as drug dog and sold to private company for drug work
 1990 - Titled Booch das Tier ( own breeding ) to SchH 1
 1990 – Trained Booch das Tier as drug dog for Iowa Sheriff Dept.
 1991 – Obtained SchH 1 on Yoni v. Landheim
 1992 – Obtained SchH 2 on Yoni v. Landheim
 1993 – Obtained SchH 3 on Yoni v. Landheim
 1994 – Obtained BH, WH, CD and on Xanto v. Haus Iris SchH 2
 1995 – Obtained AD on Xanto v. Iris
 1996 – 2000 Competed w/ import Sonny v. Hollbachgrunde and obtained FH1 and FH 2
 1996 – Competed in the Mid-Central Regional Championship w/ Sonny v. Hollbachgrunde
 1997 – Competed in the USA FH Championship w/ Sonny v. Hollbachgrunde
 1998 – Competed in the USA FH Championship w/ Sonny v.
Hollbachgrunde, finished 2nd
 1999 – Competed in the USA FH Championship w/ Sonny v. Hollbachgrunde, finished 4th
 2000 – Competed in the USA FH Championship w/ Sonny v. Hollbachgrunde, finished 4th
 2000 – Obtained SchH1 on dog George o.d. Roubenky
 2001 – Obtained SchH 2 on dog George o.d. Roubenky
 2002 – Obtained SchH 3 on dog George o.d. Roubenky
 2002 – Qualified and Competed in the USA SchH 3 National Championship w/ George od Roubenky SchH 3
 2003 – Obtained FH on dog George o.d. Roubenky
 2004 – Obtained SchH 2 on Czech import bitch Nensy Siac
 2004 – Obtained SchH 3 on Czech import bitch Nensy Siac
 2005 – Obtained AD on new dog Olgameister’s Falko
 2005 – Obtained BH on new dog Olgameister’s Falko
 2008 – Obtained TR 1 on Olgameister’s Falko

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

Section-Directors at Large

Directors at Large

Two candidates

Please click on read more for details.



All names are shown in alphabetical order and not in order of any preference.

Al Govednik

I feel as we have accomplished quite a lot over the last 2 years. Thanks to everyone's support, I wear many hats, in our dog community so to speak. I feel as if I have been helping move us in a better position both in America and abroad, and I would like the opportunity to continue with the work I have started. I am again seeking all of your support for the office of Executive Board member at Large. I'll try to summarize everything I have worked on during this passed term.

As mentioned above, I am involved in numerous areas within our working dog community. In many cases I have found relationships developed in one area, lead to new opportunities for all of us. I write that because I feel one of my duties is to help provide as many opportunities for our members and their dogs as possible. When I mention opportunities, I am not strictly writing about competition. I will elaborate on some of the opportunities that have come to us in the last few years below.

I believe I helped to develop a better working relationship with DVG America, and persuaded them to join the AWDF. We had to do some work with our AWDF Bylaws, to make it possible to include the DVG, but we worked through that. The latest addition is the Cane Corso club. By working with particularly the DVG, we are basically sharing resources. These include contacts on the international level as well as here at home.

The AWDF took 4th place in the FCI IPO championship. It was an honor to be asked by our team to accompany them onto the stadium field during the championship parade and closing ceremonies. I mention the AWDF team, because even though these people representing America did not all have GSD's, they all were USA members. Actually USA members by far have been the predominate group representing the AWDF at all FCI events. As a note, while in Italy, I was asked to give a interview for an Italian television network. In the interview, I described how hard our organization works towards the preservation of the working dog in America, and explained to our Italian friends, that we are the people, ie the largest organization in America, that represents the working dog.

Over the last 2 years, I have attended 4 FCI working commission meetings, and I was able to sit in, and voice opinions on numerous topics, including the IPOV, the FH2 start, Mondioring, removal of the stick hits, and the promotion of all working dog sport programs in Europe as well as those of our fellow AWDF member clubs. We have developed a good relationship with the FCI working commission in that we are active with trading ideas' rules etc. Case in point, the FCI working commission was looking for some ideas to create a international championship event manual. With the USA's permission, I provided the FCI working commission a copy of our national events manual. We were given a copy of the finished FCI working commission manual, and there were several parts of the USA's manual, that they were able to adopt into their own program. We also have shared judges, and helper programs as well. As an organization, we are in a good position regarding rule changes, updates etc. This was not always the case in the past.

One area that I felt we needed to do better with, was getting more of our membership involved with the international working dog movement. While it's important that we do well on the competition field, we have made ourselves an asset for the FCI working commission. Several of our members are now getting an opportunity to work with the FCI working commission.

During the last 2 years, we were able to get 5 USA judges, FCI recognized, through the working commission. We also received an invitation to send more judges to the FCI judges meetings in the future.

America now has two internationally recognized Mondioring judges. I believe both were USA members.

At the working commission meeting in Torino, Italy, I provided a list of 10 AWDF member club helpers that were to be added to an international helper list. Please note 8 of these 10 helpers are USA members/helpers

We are also now involved with the FCI Rescue commission, and have made contact with the IRO, as well as the SV with regards to Search and Rescue. The RH (S&R) program is the same program is that SV judge Walter Hoffmann worked with our USA judges twice in the past. Several USA members have expressed interest in working with these organizations, so again we are opening doors for fellow USA members.

I believe a real highlight of this last term was developing our own working dog program. Gary Patterson, Lyle Roetemeyer, Mark Przybylski, Ann Marie Chaffin, Bill Webber & myself all worked together to make this a reality. As a note, the FCI working commission was quite impressed with our collective work.

A big area of concern is what I call the anti working dog legislation's that seem to be popping up all over our country. Our AWDF legislative committee has been active in doing everything in our power to make sure our working dogs are safe from poorly drafted legislation. As part of my commitment to this, I am an executive director of the American Working Dog Association ( ADOA)

In September of 2007, I had the opportunity to present the out going working commission president, and our good friend, Eberhard Strasser, with a retirement gift. This was a special situation for our organization, as well as for myself. Herr Strasser was quite instrumental in our inclusion in many FCI working commission committees and programs. He is truly our friend, and I was quite honored to be allowed to attend this function. The new working commission president, Frans Jansen, has assured me, that our participation in the FCI working commission is essential to the working dog. Mr. Jansen plans to continue to help us, in the same way as Herr Strasser was able to.

Over the last term, I was able to help form 2 new USA clubs in my area, and am proud to say I am part of our 2008 WUSV tracking team.

Listed below are some of the personal things I'm able to do with our membership. I am quite active with my own dogs, and am the training director of my own multi-breed club Machtig Strom Schutzhund Verein. Our club generally holds 3 or 4 trials, plus a few seminars a year. When I say active, I have shown my own USA registered HOT males, Armor vom Govednik, & Hex Aites Bohemia 12 times in the past 2 years, in 3 different regions, including the IPOFH world championship. I have done tracking seminars, helper seminars, RH seminars, and as a teaching judge, I am able to work with novice judges. I spend almost every day working with GSD's or GSD people in one way or another. All of these things offers me a a unique position because it gives me an opportunity to visit with people from all over the country regarding the USA. I feel as if I am given a certain amount of respect from my fellow USA members, because I really am quite active in our community.

In closing I hope to have earned all of your support for this upcoming term, and continue to explore new opportunties for our members.


Nathaniel Roque, Ph.D
32808 Crown Valley Rd., Acton, Ca. 93510
661.269.2539. workingdogs@att.net


During my 15 years of involvement in the United Schutzhund Clubs of America, I have titled eight (8) dogs at all levels of the sport including Handler Owner Trained from Bh to SchH 3 , FH and FH 2, entering and competing in more than eighty (80) trials with various dogs at the Club, Regional and National Championships. I have be fortunate to have earned USA SchH III Club Membership, all four USA Sports Medals (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Masters)

I have been active at both the local and national level for the United Schutzhund Clubs of America, holding several positions including, Vice President, Regional Director, Assistant to the DOJ, Training Director for Southwest Working Dog Association and a officer in three additional local clubs, I am a United Schutzhund Clubs of America and American Working Malinois Performance Judge as well as the current United Schutzhund Clubs of America Helper Program Director and a Teaching Helper.

I am currently serving in the position of an Executive Board Member at Large and would be honored to continue in that position. If reelected I will continue to work for the membership in the best interest of the organization and the working German Shepherd Dog in the United States of America. I have stated my position many times in the past at meetings as well as in articles published in our magazine, I believe that USA is a service business serving the GSD and our membership and as such needs to be efficient, fair and sensitive to all of our members needs.

Thank you for supporting me in the past and I hope that you will again support me in this election by allowing me to serve another term as a Executive Board Member at Large.

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

Board Of Inquiry - 6 vacancies

Board of Inquiry

Six candidates

Please click on read more for their details.




All names are shown in alphabetical order and not in order of any preference.

Jim Alloway
25170 Neel Road § Richwood, OH 43344
§ 614.403.5557 § - jimalloway@gmail.com

CAREER PROFILE
Highly accomplished, customer-focused executive with experience in operations, P&L management, strategic positioning, and long-term planning for both startup and growth organizations. Results-oriented, decisive leader, with demonstrated success in team building, coaching and development, tactical thinking, and problem solving. Proven track record of increasing customer satisfaction, implementing “lean” warehousing techniques, service-leadership, sales analysis, exceptional attitude, entrepreneurial spirit, and profitability. Core competencies include:
• Extensive experience in project/operations management, warehousing, and distribution.
• Proven ability to successfully hire, train, coach, develop, and lead large numbers of diverse teams.
• Proven ability to manage large projects and complete them on time and within budget.
• Analytical thinker adept at integrating operations, improving processes and reducing costs to increase profitability.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Ross Builders and Design, LLC – Columbus, OH 9/07 – present President Responsible for setting vision, direction, objectives, and goals. Duties include long-term planning, building and maintaining a cohesive leadership team, creating organizational clarity, reengineering of all operational, sales, financial, marketing, and human resource systems. Success measured by company profitability, associate satisfaction, growth of the company, and public perception. Key Achievements:
• Established/implemented mission and vision statements.
• Established business plan outlining 1, 3, and 5 year plans.
• Established/implemented new financial, sales, and marketing systems.
• Incresed gross sales from $500,000 to $1.5M in first year. Automotive Distributors Warehouse - Columbus, OH 7/03 – 9/07 Operations Manager – (8/05 – 9/07) Responsible for all operational aspects of a $16 million dollar segment of our business. Duties include long-term business planning, vision/direction, team building, process improvement, contract negotiation, product procurement, supply chain management, materials planning, project coordination and implementation. Key Achievements:
o Developed company’s first “Bill of Rights” as a backdrop for continual focus on customer needs/wants.
o Compiled company’s first “Operations Manual.” Required extensive analysis of current processes and procedures as well as innovation, quantification, and orchestration of many improvements.
o Responsible for continuous improvement in team morale, spirit, focus, mission, and ultimately performance.
o Responsible for evaluating, purchasing, and implementing a new phone system. This was a year-long project that involved 6 vendors, 16 locations, 120 associates, and was budgeted at $250,000.
o Reduced yearly Call Center expenses by $240,000.
o Reduced yearly training costs by $5000.
o Increased Call Center service levels to customers by 23%.
o Developed metrics for future training/development of Call Center associates.
o Customer satisfaction surveys indicated an 18% increase in satisfaction in one year.
o Coordinated and implemented company’s first formal review and evaluation system.
Customer Experience Manager Responsible for all aspects of customer experience. Duties include determining customer needs, team building, evaluation and documentation of operating processes and procedures at 16 different locations, establishing consistent, efficient operating procedures, implementing continuous improvement programs, education of “lean” concepts, and establishing vision/direction for the future. Sales Manager (7/03-8/05) Responsible for four outside sales representatives and direct account responsibility for 20 accounts. Duties included long term planning, goal setting, hiring, motivating, coaching, and mentoring. Developed and implemented a new review/evaluation system. Developed promotions that required coordination with other sales teams, operations, procurement, and inside call center personnel. Key Achievements:
o • Increased sales in a highly competitive market 54% in 3 years.
o Developed company’s first alliance meetings with customers.
o Made successful sales presentations to groups of 5 to 30 customers at a time.
Midwest Canine, Inc. - Columbus, OH 1/98 – 7/03 Owner – Executive Protection Dog Importing/Training/Sales Full responsibility for all areas of company ownership including company vision, sales, operations management, long term planning, goal setting, customer service, accounting, marketing and advertising. Maintained a clientele of over 75 clients per month, which demanded excellent communication and organizational skills, strong selling techniques, and interpersonal skills necessary to build and maintain strong business relationships. Key Achievements:
o Increased annual sales from zero to $354,000 in 5 years.
o Substantially improved productivity while reducing expenses by 18%.
Justice Evelyn Stratton, Supreme Court of Ohio - Columbus, OH 8/97 – 12/97 Judicial Extern Reviewed jurisdictionals and made recommendations based on research. Responsible for approximately 15 cases per week while attending school full time. Read and reviewed each case that was submitted to the Ohio Supreme Court. Made recommendations as to the impact the case would have on the state and whether or not the case should be heard by the court. Crabbe, Brown, Jones, Potts & Schmidt - Columbus, OH 5/97 – 12/97 Law Clerk Conducted legal research and prepared legal memoranda and pleadings for medium-sized law firm specializing in insurance defense and general civil and business litigation. Conducted research in the areas of commercial law, employment law, products liability, trade secrets, maritime law, white-collar crime, consumer law, municipal corporations, tort law, construction, litigation and trial/evidence issues, federal criminal law and government affairs.
EDUCATION
Juris Doctor (JD) § The Ohio State University § Columbus, OH Bachelor of Arts in Economics (BA) § Vanderbilt University § Nashville, TN

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
o NARI Member (2007 to present)
o TEC (VISTAGE) Member (2005 to 2006)
o Crestcom Learning Center (2005)

COMPUTER SKILLS
Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, Access, and PowerPoint Personal and professional references available upon request

Chris Bettin

Education:
Iowa State University
BA in Advertising 1998
• President of Epsilon Chapter, Beta Sigma Psi national fraternity

Professional:
Associate Creative Director
Moroch Partners, Dallas, TX
• One of the top 25 Independent advertising agencies in the country

Schutzhund:
President
DFW Working Dogs, Dallas, TX
• Involved in sport since 2004
• Titled first dog to SchH3, IPO3
• Achieved BH with second dog, preparing to compete for titles this season
• Reached Regional-level helper certification in USA Helper Program in under 2 years
• Worked 14 trials, including 3 Regional Championships and 2005 USRC National Championship
Contact details - 214.529.4750 dfwclub@gmail.com


Terry Fisk
terry@firecreeks.com

My name is Terry Fisk and I have been a member of United Schutzhund Clubs of America and the Der Hundesport Performance Klub in Southern California since 2001. At this time I am the Secretary and Webmaster for the Southwest Region and DHPK. Besides my involvement with DHPK and the Southwest Region I have been involved in dog sports and dog club affairs since 1977. This includes a three-year term as President with the West Coast Australian Shepherd Association and other board and committee positions with local and national clubs. Duties of the above require direct and indirect communication with club members, board members and representatives of the affiliate and parent clubs well as representing our local club at our national and/or regional meeting. My involvement also includes show and trial secretary, organizing and assisting at shows, trials and seminars on the local and regional level.
My profession and business requires maintaining a harmonious relationship between employees and customers, good organizational, written and verbal communication skills, designing and presenting promotional material and engaging in public speaking. No doubt these are qualities that would also be an asset to the BOI committee.
I understand the duties of the position and am confident that my experience will enable me to assist the United Schutzhund Clubs of America and the BOI Committee in a confidential, professional and impartial manner. Thank you for your consideration.

Gail Kendall
gkendall7@aol.com

I would like to make known my intention to be considered for placement on the BOI.
I am a retired high school teacher, administrator and university professor. I have had the experience of working in many leadership positions. That position means that you become a good listener, that you investigate situations thoroughly before making any decision and that you have the integrity to honor confidentiality when appropriate.
I created the Secretarial Tutorial for the USA web site. While putting the tutorial together, I became quite a student of every possible rule, regulation, by-law and/or procedure within our organization.
I have been in the Schutzhund world for almost 30 years and a member of the Phoenix Schutzhund Club since 1983. I am the current club secretary and the permanent trial secretary. I have trained three different breeds in Schutzhund at every level and have competed twice at the Nationals.
I feel I would be a new face and a good addition to the BOI team. Schutzhund has been very good to me and this would be one way that I could give back.


Jan Mountjoy
vontalisman@gmail.com

Purchased first German Shepherd in 1957.
Bred first litter in 1962.
Owned German German Shepherds virtually continuously since 1964.
Dabbled in Schutzhund training in 1971-1972 at Peninsula Police Canine Corps and in 1973 attended first Schutzhund trial, which happened to be the first USA North American.
Acquired young, untrained male from Germany in 1989, joined the Menlo Park Schutzhund Club in 1989 with a passion for the breed and a passion for Schutzhund, and have been an active member of this club since. I have been lucky enough to have spent time training with Gary Park, Terry Macias, Dean Calderon, Ivan Balabanov, and more recently Joel Monroe.
Titled my two dogs to Schutzhund I in 1991 or 1992.
Showed dogs at many local shows and two USA Siegers Shows, as well as twice at the German Sieger Show.
Member USA, SV, WDA, Menlo Park Schutzhund Club.
All of which doesn't begin to tell the story of my almost life long love affair with our wonderful breed, the German Shepherd Dog. If I can contribute to the betterment of our breed by serving on the BOI, then I will be happy to give 100%.

Jan Mountjoy

VP-Xano von Batu SchHI
V-Lissy vom Hasentanz, SchHI KKIa
V-Nita von Impact, SchHI KKIa
V-Lavina von der Wienerau, SchHI KKIa
Diva von Talisman SchHI
V-Eiko vom Salzhügel SchHII KK1


Thomas Payne
Thomas Payne,
thom1731@cox.net

EDUCATION
San Diego State University, 1972, BA, Psychology
Adult Education Teaching Credential, State of California

WORK EXPERIENCE
San Diego Police Department, 1972-2002, Retired Sergeant
12 years Canine Unit, Supervisor and trainer of 45 Canine Teams
6 years Investigations, Crimes against Persons, Property Crime, Traffic

MEMBERSHIPS
United Schutzhund Clubs of America, 15 years
Aztec Schutzhund Club, 23 years
San Diego Schutzhund, 1 year

ACHIEVEMENTS
Schutzhund 3 Club, 1994 and 2008
Gold Sports Medal, 2005
Participated in:
2 USA Nationals
1 DVG National
1 WDA National
3 California State Police Olympics, Canine Handler
1 International Police Olympics, Canine Handler
6 Southwest Regional Trials
Developed and Implemented Canine Unit for San Diego Police Department, 1984.
I have trained and handled 8 dogs and titled them as Schutzhund dogs and Police Service dogs.
I am a club level helper.
I am currently the President and Training Director of Aztec Schutzhund Club and the Training Director for San Diego Schutzhund Club.

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

AB 1634 IS DEAD!

Thanks to efforts lead by Mike Gardener of the USA and others...AB1634 is dead.

.............................................

Dear Mike,

Today, the 11th Amended version of AB 1634, the mandatory
sterilization bill authored by Assemblymember Lloyd Levine died in the
California State Senate.

Thank you for all of your efforts to defeat AB 1634! However, our
fight is not over. PetPAC continues to lead the fight to defeat
mandatory sterilization legislation in California and throughout our
nation.

Sincerely,

Bill Hemby
Chairman

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

Canine Flu outbreak in NJ

Please forward to your friends in NJ and the tristate area -

......................................................
There is a reported Canine Flu outbreak in NJ. There is a news story
up on the Best Friends Network NJ Community.

http://network.bestfriends.org/newjersey/news/27140.html

.................

New Jersey
Health Alert: Canine Flu outbreak in New Jersey
July 15, 2008 : 7:09 AM
Since the June 19th notification that canine influenza was identified
at a Burlington County boarding kennel, additional outbreaks have been
identified in Sussex and Mercer County. At this time, several hundred
dogs have become ill with one reported fatality associated with these
outbreaks.

On July 3rd, the Pet Spa Kennel in Hardyston received the confirmation
they had been both expecting and dreading that they had been hit by
Canine Influenza, otherwise known as the Canine Flu.

The kennel had already called and canceled all their boarders for a 2
week period from July 1-14th, and had hired their Veterinarian, Karen
Dashfield DVM to assist in both elimating this disease from their
kennel, and treating those clients who were sickened by the disease.

Shut down of a kennel is an essential tool to eliminate canine flu, as
the dogs themselves are the way the disease is spread as the virus
dies very quickly outside the body.

Veterinarians who identify cases of canine influenza outbreaks are
asked to notify the Department's Infectious and Zoonotic Disease
Program and work with the local health department with jurisdiction if
the outbreak involves a kennel, shelter, pet shop or pound.

What is Canine Influenza? To paraphrase current information, it is a
new virus that mutated from horse flu in early 2002 from what we
currently know. It was first identified in 2004, in outbreaks of
respiratory disease in greyhound tracks in Florida.

Dogs have no natural immunity, and there is no vaccination available,
so the disease is close to 100% infective. 80% of exposed dogs will
become clinically ill, with symptoms ranging from a cough and nasal
discharge with low grade fever (most cases) to high grade fever and
pneumonia (a small percentage of cases).

The most current information is that 1-5% of the dogs that get the
severe disease (high fever and pneumonia) will die from their
infection, even with intensive care. 20% of the dogs become
asymptomatic carriers and never show signs. Once exposed to Canine
Influenza a dog should be isolated from all other dogs for 2 weeks,
even if it NEVER shows any signs!

Canine Influenza last for 8 - 12 hours on skin, 24 hours on clothing,
and 48 hours on hard surfaces

Does having a Canine Influenza outbreak reflect on a kennel's
cleanliness? NO. Canine Influenza is carried by dogs, is airborne, and
does not live long in the environment. No matter how clean a facility
is, they are powerless to prevent the entry of this virus into their
facility.

The best a kennel/ shelter can do is to turn away dogs that arrive with
a cough, and immediately isolate any dog that starts coughing during
their stay. Unfortunately 20% of the dogs are asymptomatic carriers,
so the perfectly healthy dog that comes and goes without a cough can
infect a whole kennel!

How is Canine Influenza Treated? As the actual "flu" is a virus, it
has to run its course. Dogs are prone to secondary bacterial sinus
infections, and the dogs that develop pneumonias are usually secondary
bacterial pneumonias, so broad spectrum antibiotics or combinations of
antibiotics are a main stay of treatment.

Cough suppressants are often used, however it is actually detrimental
to use high powered cough suppressants, as the whole purpose of the
cough is to clear the airways of toxic substances and mucous.
Robitussin type compounds and mucolytics (which loosen up the mucous)
may offer some relief. Intravenous fluids are appropriate for dogs
that develop pneumonia, and some dogs with pneumonia require
nebulization therapy.

How do I prevent my dog from getting Canine Influenza? The only real
answer is to keep the dog at home and avoid all contact with other
dogs..... But as most of us choose not to live as hermits in the dog
community, the answer is that you can't. Hopefully there will be a
vaccine soon. In the mean time, all you can do is be careful.

Avoid places where large numbers of dogs of unknown status congregate.
While dog parks are a wonderful idea, they are a huge mixing ground
for diseases. Small neighborhood playgroups of known dogs and people
at your yard or a neighbor's yard are a safer bet. When taking your
dog for walks and to the pet store, avoid direct contact with other
dogs. If your dog is exposed to a coughing dog, assume that your dog
is contagious for 2 weeks, and keep it isolated, even if it doesn't
show signs.

When having your dog groomed, boarded, or stay in daycare, ask
specifically if they have had any sick/ coughing dogs in their
facility in the last 2 weeks. Business owners are not always up front
about this, but you would be surprised how many are, especially if
asked directly.

When going for a vet appointment, where appropriate check in and sit
well away from the other dogs in the waiting room, or if you feel the
area is too crowded, let the staff know you are waiting outside. If
you hear a dog coughing in a public forum, steer clear, and advise the
people in charge so that animal can be removed.

Finally, what should you do if your animal care facility has a severe
outbreak of "kennel cough" type disease? Immediately isolate all
coughing animals. Seek Veterinary care immediately for these dogs, and
ask your supervising veterinarian to test for canine flu- the NJ State
Department of Agriculture Lab will run this test- blood is best, but
it takes 7 days for a dog to develop a positive titer. If you live
outside New Jersey, other state's have both commercial and health
department labs that will run these tests. Dogs that just got sick
will require 2 tests, one now, and one in 2 weeks.

Dogs that got sick 7 or more days earlier will likely test positive if
they have flu. DON'T bury your head in the sand and hope it will go
away... if its canine flu the outbreak will just get worse if you
ignore it, and dogs will die! In order to control this disease, we
need to recognize it quickly, admit to having it when it occurs so
people can take proper precautions to prevent further spread, and work
closely with veterinarians and the public to minimize the damage the
outbreak causes.

Veterinarians who are overseeing disease control at kennels, shelters
and other animal facilities should review the sanitation and infection
control practices with management staff at these facilities. Suspect
canine influenza cases should be placed in respiratory isolation
(different airspace) from other canines as soon as possible and
examined by a veterinarian.

Suspect cases should treated and remain in respiratory isolation until
their shedding period is over: a 10-14 day period post-onset date is
recommended to be on the safe side, assuming the dog has recovered.

Exposed dogs should be quarantined for 10-14 days after their last
exposure and monitored for onset of clinical signs. The owners of all
potentially exposed dogs not being quarantined at a facility should be
notified and told to consult with their veterinarian if their dogs
develop signs of respiratory illness. Owners should isolate ill dogs
from other dogs and also exclude them from places where dogs
congregate, such as dog parks.

The UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine website has information sheets on
various health and emergency issues you may run into, including the
Canine Flu.

Animal facility staff and veterinarians should institute infection
control practices, emphasizing proper hand washing, to avoid
inadvertent spreading of the virus. The facility should be ventilated
as much as possible and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected (including
potentially contaminated objects such as food and water bowls, toys,
etc) with quaternary ammonium products, a 10 percent bleach solution
or other cleaning compounds with strong antiviral properties.

Veterinarians can submit diagnostic specimens from suspect cases to
the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), Animal Health
Diagnostic Laboratory for testing. More information on laboratory
testing is available here:
http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/feeschedule.pdf or
by calling 609-292-3965.

If you have any questions or to report an outbreak, please contact Dr.
Faye Sorhage or Dr. Colin Campbell, NJDHSS, Infectious and Zoonotic
Disease Program via phone (609)-588-3121 or email:
faye.sorhage@doh.nj.state.us or colin.campbell@doh.state.nj.us.

end

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

Urgent AB1634 Update

For action as needed

------ Forwarded Message
From: Bill Hemby <billhemby@petpac.net>
Reply-To: <billhemby@petpac.net>
Date: Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:36:14 -0400
To: Sara Wallick <slwallick@skynetbb.com>
Subject: Urgent AB1634 Update

<http://petpac.net/r/3196/4106/>

Dear Sara,

<http://petpac.net/r/3197/4106/>
<http://petpac.net/r/3198/4106/>

AB 1634 the mandatory sterilization bill will NOT be heard in the
Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday.

The bill will be headed directly to the State Senate. Please take
action immediately by mailing and/or phoning your State Senator.
<http://petpac.net/r/3199/4106/>

We need your help immediately. Please contact your Senators and make
a contribution to help our efforts to defeat AB 1634.

More information can be found on our updated homepage.
<http://petpac.net/r/3200/4106/> Thank you.

Sincerely,

Bill Hemby

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

Dog Friendly Parks in LongIsland , NY

Dog Friendly Parks

Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington
This newly opened dog park is 1.75 acres with a water fountain and bag
dispensers

Blydenburgh Dog Park
Veterans Highway, Smithtown, 631-854-3713
A grand opening is set for Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. It's fenced and covers
1.8 acres and features an area for small dogs and an area for large
dogs; doubled-gated entries; a water fountain for each area; plenty of
benches; and waste bag dispensers. The dog park is located within
627-acre Blydenburgh County Park in the southern section of the park.
Entrance to the park is on Veterans Memorial Hwy., opposite the H. Lee
Dennison Building. The dog park itself is on the activity field, north
of the campgrounds.

Gardiner Country Park
South Country Road, Bay Shore
The trails are well maintained, but doesn't have an actual dog park.
An outdoor faucet can help get the dirt off your dog and keep it out
of your car.

Southaven Country Park

Victory Avenue, Brookhaven
Much of the terrain here is flat and easy to walk. Park is
dog-friendly, but doesn't have an actual dog park.

Heckscher State Park in East Islip Parkway
East Islip, NY 11730631-581-2100
Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach, access
in undeveloped areas only. Dogs are not permitted in camping, bathing
and picnic areas, in buildings or on walkways.

Fire Island National Seashore
Dogs are permitted, but must be kept leashed and are not allowed in
public buildings, on lifeguard beaches or near areas closed for
endangered species.

Ocean Beach in Fire Island
Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach only during the off-season,
from September 16 through May 14.

Town-owned beaches in Southampton
Dogs are allowed on all town-owned beaches only between October 1st
and April 1st.

Dog park etiquette

- Scoop the poop
- Keep your dog on a leash when a leash law is enforced
- For safety reasons, never let your dog greet others unless invited to do so
- Make sure your dog is well behaved and will listen to obedience commands
- Pay attention to your dog and be responsible for their behavior
- Follow the posted rules as they can vary at individual parks

(Courtesy of Newsday)

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

June is going to be a turning point for the HR/AB 1634 bill in California

June is going to be a turning point for the HR/AB 1634 bill in
California. (the mandatory spay neuter bill) The bill takes fewer
votes to pass in the Senate, as there are fewer members.

Unless we all, and I mean that WE all, USA members, sporting dogs
groups, AKC groups join this fight somehow, dog companionship as we
know it will change, drastically. The proponents of this bill know,
that if they can get it passed in California, it will be an easier
fight in other states, so this is not isolated to California.

There is also pending legislation proposed by the backers of 1634, to
change the status of pet ownership. Dogs are considered personal
property, if the State can change that, it means that 1634 wont be
needed, and the city county or state can just come take them. Chew on
that.

We have asked here and on other blogs for people from USA to join the
campaign For Fran Pavely in so. Cal, USA members have not responded.
AKC groups gave what they could. We are now asking that since we cant
get people on the ground, to please watch, and support Pet Pac in
California. This group has a great legislative and educational
program, and we will all benefit by helping Pet Pac. Give support for
what you can, or as a club, BUT we all have to participate.

The General Education Committee and the Legislative sub committee are
watching several fights in the country. And trying to Rally support.
There is anti breed legislation pending in Ohio, and if you think it
won't come to any thing, a town in South Dakota passed a law also
banning German Shepherds with the Pit Bulls. Colorado towns have
started the same legislation.

So, what we are trying to emphasize, is, don't sit back thinking it
wont happen to you, because it just might.

Mike Gardner

Read More...

Return to the Blog...

BSL Legislative Report - April 16, 2008

We are posting updates as received from Ken and Linda on BSL activity in all states. If you have any information that you will like to share with them; please email them directly. They are doing a valuable service to the dog owner community.

Please note the information posted below has not been authenticated by the GEC or the USA.
.....................

Authored by: Ken Sondej & Linda D. Witouski

See their details below.
...............................

Federal
USDA TO ALTER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS FOR LIVE ANIMALS DURING TRANSPORT
Believing that a single performance standard may be better than specific requirements for ambient temperature ranges during transport of live animals, on January 3, 2008, APHIS proposed to amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations for transportation of live animals, excluding marine mammals, by changing the ambient temperature requirements for various stages in the transportation of regulated animals. If accepted, this proposed rule would:
1. Remove potentially confusing temperature requirements during transport.
2. Replace the current requirements with a single performance standard under which the animals would be transported under climatic and environmental conditions that are appropriate for their welfare.
3. Require transport compartments on aircraft to be opened during pro longed layovers, and the use of ground equipment to maintain appropriate conditions in the cargo hold during the layover.
4. Eliminate the requirement for acclimation certificates for animals other than marine mammals, which had to be signed by a veterinarian in order to certify that the animals are acclimated to temperatures lower than the minimum. APHIS believed it was difficult and inappropriate for veterinarians to determine whether a dog or cat has been acclimated to a specific temperature based on a veterinary examination.


STATES - IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER


ALABAMA Home Page: http://www.legislature.state.al.us/

Geneva - proposed pit bull ordinance will be discussed at the next council meeting in April.

Mobile - Two new dog ordinances up for discussion in the Mobile City Council could have you pay a fine if your pet can't keep quiet or if they "do their business" on other people's property. The first ordinance proposed by council woman Connie Hudson could bring fines of up to $150 if your dog keeps barking or making noise for a long period of time. The second ordinance proposed by council woman Gina Gregory requires owners cleaning up after their pets if they use the bathroom in a public place or anywhere other than at home. A dog owner could face a $25 fine for that violation UPDATE: City Council's Public Services Committee on Thursday (04/04/08) voted to recommend tabling two proposals that would have fined owners who couldn't keep their dog from barking incessantly or who didn't clean up their puppy's poop from other people's property. Instead, city officials said they will embark on an education campaign to emphasize that loving your neighbor means taking care of your canine.
Mobile County - Alabama Legislature passed two bills Tuesday allowing Mobile County voters to decide if they want a law authorizing local officials to declare a dog dangerous and hold its owners responsible its behavior. One bill would allow residents to vote on a local constitutional amendment to establish a county dangerous-dog law. The second measure includes the specifics of the proposed law. One bill would allow residents to vote on a local constitutional amendment to establish a county dangerous-dog law. The second measure includes the specifics of the proposed law. If approved by the voters, the measures would allow animal control or other law enforcement officers to impound dogs at the owners' expense if authorities consider the animals to be a threat to public safety or if they believe the dogs were involved in an attack. If a district judge determines a dog that has not hurt a person to be dangerous and a nuisance, the owner would be required to follow a series of steps to ensure the animal is restrained when outdoors and that its dangerous disposition is identified with a tattoo or a microchip injected into the dog. The owner also would be required to take out an insurance policy or surety bond -- at least $100,000 -- and pay an additional annual registration fee -- to be established by the county. If dog that has been declared dangerous attacks a person without provocation, it would be put down and the owner could face up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000. Dog owners could appeal the district court ruling to Mobile County Circuit Court.


ALASKA Home Page: http://w3.legis.state.ak.us/
SB273 - An Act relating to cruelty to animals and promoting an exhibition of fighting animals. Cruelty to animals under (a)(1), (3), or (4) of this section is a class C felony. Cruelty to animals under (a)(2) of this section is a class A misdemeanor. In addition to these penalties, the [THE] court may also (1) require forfeiture of any animal affected to the state or to a custodian that supplies shelter, care, or medical treatment for the animal; (2) require the defendant to reimburse the state or a custodian for all reasonable costs incurred in providing necessary shelter, care, veterinary attention, or medical treatment for any animal affected; (3) prohibit or limit the defendant's ownership, possession, or custody of animals for up to 10 years. http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill_text.asp?hsid=SB0273A&session=25

ARIZONA Home Page: http://www.azleg.gov/
HCR 2037 - the Right to Hunt legislation defeated by a vote of 28 to 27. This legislation would have prohibited citizen initiatives that protect wildlife from inhumane and unsporting hunting and trapping activities.
Yuma - Humane Society Executive Director Shawn Smith presented this plan to offer low- or no-cost spay and neuter clinics once a week on Tuesdays to the Yuma City Council during a roundtable work session Monday (03/31/08). The clinics will offer sterilization services for an average cost of $40-$70, depending on income and need. Those factors will be taken into account for consideration for free services. Smith is using the false data that two fogs can produce 67,000 offspring within six years.
ARKANSAS Home Page: http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/
Little Rock - Gov. Mike Beebe said Friday he believes a consensus can be reached on making cruelty to animals a felony in Arkansas. "I think reasonable people understand that a tough ... but fair animal-cruelty law that doesn't adversely impact animal husbandry and normal livestock and poultry practices by our agriculture community, and doesn't adversely impact legitimate hunting and fishing ... can be fashioned," Beebe told reporters. Two bills to toughen the state's animal-cruelty laws failed during the 2007 legislative session. The debate was revived Wednesday when Beebe took a question on the subject during his call-in television program on the Arkansas Educational Television Network. http://www.arkansasnews.com/archive/2008/04/12/News/345928.html
CALIFORNIA Home Page: http://www.legislature.ca.gov/
AB2427 - An act to amend Section 460 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to professions and vocations. This bill would make it unlawful for a city or county to prohibit that person or a group of those persons from engaging in any act or series of acts that fall within the statutory or regulatory definition of that business, occupation, or profession. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2401-2450/ab_2427_bill_20080221_introduced.html
SB1775 - An act to add Section 598.1 to the Penal Code, relating to dog fighting. This bill would provide forfeiture procedures for certain property connected with the crime of dog fighting, as specified. The bill would state findings and declarations of the Legislature in that regard, and the intent of the Legislature in connection with the forfeiture proceeding provisions. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/sen/sb_1751-1800/sb_1775_bill_20080228_introduced.html
Butte County - Oroville - entirely revised county animal ordinance will go before the Board of Supervisors. The new document, among other things, includes 46 definitions related to animals including things such as "cattery," "animal hoarder," and "potentially dangerous and vicious animals." Another portion of the ordinance delineates the responsibilities of an animal owner. On the list of duties is keeping animals "restrained as required," vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies, obtaining dog licenses and animal permits as needed, and making sure that animals "shall not disturb the peace, safety or create a nuisance." The area of potentially dangerous and vicious animals is being expanded so it applies to animals other than dogs. What constitutes potentially dangerous or vicious is being altered so a single incident of biting or killing another animal may be enough for the designation. The new ordinance would require licenses for "catteries" as well as kennels.
Huntington Beach - City Council rejected the last remaining component in what began has a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance, the requirement for a city business license in order to advertise any dog or cat available for any type of transfer regardless of whether the owner is in business. (03/17/08)
Long Beach - City Council unanimously approved the creation of a new dangerous dog ordinance that would include stiffer penalties for the dogs' owners, the implantation of identification microchips in impounded dogs and mandatory education on responsible pet ownership for owners who violate the law. Under the new rules, which build on existing dog laws, impounded animals would be implanted with a microchip for identification, and tougher leash laws would penalize owners of animals that leave their property for neighboring yards. Passed 04/01/08
Palm Desert - City looks to put teeth into its dog leash laws. Dogs must be on leashes everywhere, even open county land, unless the area is designated for off-leash, Animal Control Officer James Huffman said. Often owners of unleashed dogs will first be given a warning. But a citation for a first offense is $50; the second citation costs $100 and the third costs $150. However, officers often don't have time to look for unleashed dogs. Between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. only one officer is available for emergencies.
Pasadena - City Council has ordered an ordinance drafted for mandatory spaying or neutering of pit bulls and pit bull mixes. The local city is the latest to proceed against breeding of the pit bulls, associated with injuries and deaths. The new law would require spaying or neutering unless the animal is less than eight weeks old, has lived in the city less than a month, or has a physical reason prohibiting sterilization. Dogs are also exempted if registered as a show dog or if the owner has applied for a permit as a breeder. Pit bulls being bred will be allowed one litter a year.
Santa Barbara - Santa Barbara - Director of Animal Services in Santa Barbara will propose a mandatory spay/neuter for all dogs and cats in SB over the age of six months of age. The draft calls for breeders licenses for cats but no mention of this for dogs (yet). Any dog/cat over six months of age must have an unaltered animal permit to remain intact. If an animal is bred who lacks an unaltered animal permit...you have 30 days to get a permit or the animal must be altered within 60 days. The permit can be revoked if you refuse to allow inspection, upon 48 hrs of written notice, of any dog covered by an unaltered dog license or the premises on which the dog is kept. Another cause for revocation is violation of sec. 7-ll of County Code which takes about zoning, licensing, permits, animal control officers, etc. Having four dogs represents a "kennel" for which you need a permit (but catch 22--they won't grant you a kennel permit because of zoning restrictions...the vast majority of SB is residentially zoned. This violation would cost you your unaltered animal permit.

COLORADO Home Page: http://www.leg.state.co.us/
Arapahoe County - Arapahoe County Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a meeting to discuss proposed legislation that would limit the total number of dogs per household to 4 unless a subsequent license is obtained.
FLORIDA Home Page: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/default.aspx
HB101 - General Bill - Dangerous Dogs - Eliminates prohibition of breed specific local government regulation of dangerous dogs. Last event: 1st reading Tuesday, March 4, 2008. http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=37111&SessionId=57
Miami, city of - anti-tethering ordinance passed. Ordinance sets down limitations, locations where a dog can be tethered, type of collar and type of tether. Passed 4/10/08
Palm Beach County- Less than two months after winning approval to regulate dog and cat breeders in Palm Beach County, Dianne Sauve has a new target: pet stores. Sauve, the county's animal care and control director, wants to require stores that sell puppies and kittens to tell her where they are getting the animals from and whom they are selling to. Current laws allow her to request the information, she said, and her department is already working on reporting forms for the stores to fill out. The information will allow animal control officers to follow up with owners and see whether the pet has been spayed or neutered. If it hasn't, the owner will have to pay a $75 fee to register it and may be required to get a breeder's permit. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/local_news/epaper/2008/03/31/m1a_spayneuter_0331.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=76

Walton County - County is in the process of making changes to the Animal Control Ordinance. Board directed the Animal Control Department to come up with language that would make the changes to the ordinance more effective. A public meeting scheduled for Tues April 8th

GEORGIA Home Page: http://www.legis.state.ga.us/
HB301 - passed the Senate. Sent to governor for signature. Will amend Part 1 of Article 2 of Chapter 12 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to gambling offenses, so as to change certain provisions relating to dog fighting; to prohibit dog fighting and related conduct; to provide for punishments; to provide for applicability; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2007

INDIANA Home Page: http://www.in.gov/legislative/
Columbus - updating the animal control ordinance and in an attempt to stop the backyard, down the street irresponsible breeders from over producing, this proposal is taking aim at those who are responsible and actually support rescue and the shelters. Proposed animal ordinance that will require breeders to pay a yearly fee of $100 for every unaltered dog/cat they own. http://www.columbuspd.com/animals/animal.html
Veedersburg - Town council members on Tuesday night (04/07/08) heard from the town's dogcatcher, Jim Abernathy, about some of his calls he has answered involving dogs. His primary concern lately has been pit bulls that have been getting loose near the park. The council discussed several options of dealing with the loose dog problem. Abernathy suggested that maybe Veedersburg should ban any pit bulls from town. Councilman Bob Barker suggested euthanizing dogs that bite anyone. Town attorney Stephanie Campbell said she would review the state statutes on dealing with vicious dogs for the next meeting
IOWA Home Page: http://www.legis.state.ia.us/
Sioux City - Animals, declared vicious, in Sioux City will be put to sleep. And, the city won't have to get the pet owner's permission to euthanize the animal. Service dogs... like police canines... are exempt. Passed 03/17/08
KANSAS Home Page: http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-legisportal/index.do
Eudora - city’s proposed new codebook has various breeds of pit bulls and bull dogs in its cross hairs. One of the biggest possible changes in the new codebook has to do with the types of animals that will be allowed, or in the case of pit bulls, not allowed within city limits. Eudora residents would not be allowed to keep American pit bull, Staffordshire terriers, bull terriers or any mixed breed thereof on property within the city. Dogs had been allowed in the city if the owner registered the dog, but since nobody followed those rules, the council decided to outlaw the aggressive breed. Owners of pit bulls would be given a 10-day notice, but the city will not search out owners of the dogs.
KENTUCKY Home Page: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/
SB 206 - Amend KRS 258.117 to add two members nominated by the Humane Society of the United States to the Animal Control Advisory Board. http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/record/08RS/SB206/bill.doc
LOUISIANA Home Page: http://www.legis.state.la.us/
Allen Parish - the police jury is trying to pass a ban on “pit bulls
Bogalusa - city councilman is calling for an ordinance that will require people who own "vicious" dogs to have $200,000 in liability insurance. Proposed according to the ordinance, a vicious dog is any dog which attacks a human being or domestic animal without provocation; any dog trained for dog fighting; and any pit bull. Included in the proposed ordinance wording similar to St. Tammany Parish's leash law which requires all dogs to be fenced or leashed at all times.
Welsh - city officials will vote next month on whether to amend its pit bull ban to give owners more time to prove their dog is a breed other than a pit bull or to challenge the ban in court. The council introduced an ordinance this week amending its original pit bull ban to allow pet owners more time to prove their dog is not a full pit bull breed or to challenge the issue in court. The number of days a dog will be held before being euthanized will be discussed at the council's work meeting before a public hearing is held on May 6. The new law that would give dog owners more time to show their pet is not a full pit bull breed. The new measure would also make owners pay fees for the animal and provide proof of vaccination.
.
MASSACHUSETTS Home Page: http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=mg2homepage&L=1&L0=Home&sid=massgov2
Boston - A local legislator and her dog went to the State House yesterday to rally support for bills protecting animals from violent domestic disputes and compensate the owners for their pain and suffering. State Rep. Jennifer Callahan, D-Sutton, accompanied by Bailey, her yellow Labrador retriever, spoke about two of her proposals yesterday as part of Animal Lobby Day, hosted by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Callahan asked animal rights activists to lobby legislators to support her bills, including one that would allow judges to include pets in temporary restraining orders. The bill would apply to all pets and companion livestock. Callahan also filed a separate bill that would allow the owners of pets who were injured or killed maliciously to sue for emotional distress and loss of companionship. http://www.milforddailynews.com/homepage/x796200737?view=print

MICHIGAN Home Page: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(jq1gj1f3noisxwr4mz540om5))/mileg.aspx?page=home
Plymouth - City Commission is expected to discuss options for an updated vicious dog ordinance to ease the fears of residents. Two petitions were given to the commissioners.. The first petition calls for a ban on pit bull, fighting and dangerous animals within the city limits. Second petition calling for pit bulls and/or other types of breeds for fighting be spayed or neutered, contained within a six-foot secured privacy fence and to be leashed when in public UPDATE: City commissioners approved Monday night (3/17) the first reading of a revised dog ordinance that focuses on “dangerous dogs” instead of specific dog breeds. Under the ordinance revisions approved by commissioners, any owner of a dog within city limits against which a sworn complaint has been filed alleging serious injury or death to a person or other animal can be summoned to a district court or other municipal court to show cause why the animal should not be destroyed. If the dog is found to be a danger, the judge or magistrate can order the destruction of the animal at the owner’s expense. If the dog is found to be a danger but has not injured or killed another entity, the court will notify the county animal control authority of its findings as well as ordering the owner to purchase liability insurance for the animal and sterilization. Other provisions in the ordinance focus on licensing, yard cleanliness and kennel requirements. Marzano said the language in the ordinance is consistent with Michigan Compiled Law code for animals. The definition of a dangerous dog is one who bites and attacks along with causing serious injury or killing.

MINNESOTA Home Page: http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legis.asp
HF3245 - A bill for an act relating to animals; requiring obedience training for certain dangerous dogs; providing for a task force FYI - Legislation would ban five breeds in Minnesota - Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Chow Chows, Akitas and Wolf Hybrids UPDATE: Withdrawn https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=H3245.0.html&session=ls85
SF2876 - an act regulating dangerous dogs, introduced by Sen. Anderson https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S2876.4.html&session=ls85 Passed Senate 4/3/08 Currently in House - Second Reading 4/10/08 (Companion HF2906)
.

NEVADA Home Page: http://www.leg.state.nv.us/

Ely - Kim Young, animal control officer said she would like to bring an ordinance to the city council that would ban pit bulls from the city unless the owner has a breeder's license. City Attorney Kevin Briggs told the council during a meeting in March that the issue of banning certain breeds of dogs might come up in the future. There was no direction from the council for him to proceed either way.

NEW YORK Home Page: http://assembly.state.ny.us/
A10196 - Relates to control of dog fighting; gives peace officer powers to certain people; prohibits possession of certain paraphernalia used in dog fighting. http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A10196
Kingston - City lawmakers are geared to decide whether to charge would-be dog owners a fee for adoption. Legislation has been proposed to charge $160 for the adoption of a single canine. Janeczek said the charge is being put in place because it will make it more convenient for pet owners and ensure that the city is following state rules for licensing and other matters.
Rosendale - The Town Board says it will review whether the local animal control law can be amended to prohibit cat owners from allowing their pets to become a nuisance. http://www.dailyfreeman.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19456103&BRD=1769&PAG=461&dept_id=74958&rfi=6
NORTH CAROLINA Home Page: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/
Bladen County - proposed ordinance will give animal control officers better methods for dealing with animal owners who allow their pets to roam and who harbor animals deemed viscous, grants animal control the authority to deem an animal vicious, establishes a animal control board, duration of time animal control may hold an animal and shelter adoptions.
Forsyth County - proposed changes regarding "dangerous" and "potentially dangerous" dogs. Proposed changes include: licensing, proper enclosure for dog, liability insurance ($100,000), photo of dog - acceptable to animal control department, microchip, sterilization of the dog. Muzzle, a leash no longer than 9 feet and under control, of a responsible person over 16 years of age. Exceptions: Law enforcement dogs, hunting, herding or predator control dogs
Moore County - proposed changes to the Moore County animal control ordinance, animal owners may be required to pay for spay/neuter and microchip procedures if a third "running-at-large" violation is charged. As proposed, this section would call for the owner of an impounded animal to be redeemed once the owner shows proof of ownership and pays $15 per animal for the first violation. The penalty would climb to $25 for a second violation, to $50 for a third violation and $75 for the fourth and ensuing violations. The concept of the spay/neuter/microchip requirement surfaced during the committee's third meeting on March 18. The committee reviewed proposed revisions to sections dealing with rabies control, the tagging and identification of animals vaccinated against rabies, and interference with officials in carrying out provisions of the ordinance. Equines were added to the certification section. The revision calls for additional information (telephone number, age and sex) on the victim of a bite by a rabid animal. The present ordinance already requires notification to the health department when a person is bitten. Also retained in the ordinance is the requirement that any animal biting a person must be confined for 10 days in a place designated by the health department and at the owner's expense. Among the definitions is a listing of several circumstances in which an animal's behavior can be called a nuisance. Added is a description: "Any animal that habitually makes disturbing noises, including but not limited to continued and repeated howling, barking, whining or other utterances causing unreasonable annoyance, disturbance or discomfort to reasonable persons of ordinary sensibilities in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored." When the phrase "reasonable persons of ordinary sensibilities" was questioned, the committee was advised that the language was added at the recommendation of the attorney. Added to the ordinance is the prohibition of the possession of a coyote or coyote-hybrid. The present ordinance already prohibits possession of a wolf or wolf-hybrid. The committee also reviewed definitions of commercial and hobby breeders, exotic animals, and kennels and covered several provisions dealing with cruelty to animals.

OHIO Home Page: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/
HB446 - A bill To amend sections 951.01, 951.10, 951.11, 951.12, 951.13, 951.99, 955.01, 955.011, 955.02, 955.04, 955.05, 955.06, 955.08, 955.10, 955.11, 955.12, 955.14, 955.15, 955.16, 955.17, 955.18, 955.19, 955.20, 955.201, 955.21, 955.22, 955.23, 955.26, 955.261, 955.27, 955.28, 955.29, 955.32, 955.34, 955.35, 955.37, 955.38, 955.42, 955.44, 955.50, 955.51, 955.52, 955.53, 955.99, 957.16, 959.131, 959.99, 1717.02, 1717.05, 1717.06, 1717.08, 1717.09, 1717.14, 3719.01, 4501.21, 4729.01, and 4736.01; to amend, for the purpose of adopting new section numbers as indicated in parentheses, sections 955.26 (955.40), 955.261 (955.41), 955.34 (955.351), 955.41 (955.43), 955.43 (955.45), 955.44 (955.46), and 957.16 (901.36); to enact new section 955.39 and sections 109.804, 951.20, 951.21, 951.22, 955.014, 955.13, 955.161, 957.01, 957.02, 957.03, 957.04, 957.05, 957.06, and 957.99; and to repeal sections 951.02, 955.202, 955.31, 955.33, 955.39, 955.40, 1717.03, and 1717.04 of the Revised Code to revise the statutes governing animal control. For Bill Anaylsis: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/analysis.cfm?ID=127_HB_446&ACT=As%20Introduced&hf=analyses127/h0446-i-127.htm UPDATE: HB446 will have a 5th hearing on Thursday, April 17, in Room 018 of the Capitol building in Columbus. The hearing starts at 8:30 a.m., and HB 446 is 6th (last) on the agenda. Anyone available is encouraged to attend the hearing.

Sylvania - city council will consider a vicious dog ordinance modeled after Toledo's one-dog limit, which was upheld by the Ohio Supreme Court. UPDATE: City Council has decided to spend more time to research a proposed ordinance that would place restrictions on vicious dogs. Two versions of a vicious-dog ordinance have been written. Both proposed ordinances place limitations on ownership and would require that pit bulls be muzzled and kept on a leash when outside of the owner's home. One of the proposed ordinances, however, would require that all dogs commonly known as pit bulls or pit bull mixed breed dogs be spayed and neutered when they are six months or older, and the same ordinance would make it illegal for a convicted felon to own a pit bull or pit bull mixed-breed dog. The less-restrictive ordinance is the one originally introduced, said Councilman Doug Haynam, noting that provisions in that ordinance have been litigated and have been upheld as a responsible use of police powers which is based on state law and language in the Ohio Revised Code. UPDATE: heated debate in Sylvania at a public meeting (04/06/08) over additional restrictions on "pit bulls" and vicious dog legislation. Under the proposed ordinance, vicious dog won't be able to be in the front yard without a muzzle. Council members like to see alternatives that have worked, including, among other things, anti chaining/tethering laws, enforcement of leash laws and registration laws, harsher penalties.
Toledo - City Councilwoman Wilma Brown wants to make it legal to spay and neuter all pit bulls the warden picks up in Toledo, which would cost the dog's owner an extra $75 to $125. Right now, pit bulls must be muzzled when walked off the property, and owners cannot have more than one

OKLAHOMA Home Page: http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/
Pauls Valley - approved tethering & specifics of containment, approved fines to be the maximum allowed by state law, approved changes for pet vaccination & licensing and amendments to local city ordinances included a newer definition of the term “vicious dog” and ways to better restrain them. Council made it a requirement for owners of dogs declared vicious to acquire $100,000 liability insurance, twice the state's minimum requirement.. Another ordinance change came in the area of tethering. “With this you can’t chain or stake a dog for more than two hours in a 24-hour period,” Police Chief Dennis Madison said. Specifics were also placed on those fenced and enclosed areas used to keep dogs. Also approved was a measure allowing city fines for all offenses to be moved up to the maximum allowed by state law. The move simply allows for PV’s local ordinances to be in line with state statutes, officials said. The specifics of any fine increases will be determined at a later time. http://www.paulsvalleydailydemocrat.com/homepage/local_story_076153003.html


PENNSYLVANIA Home Page: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/
Harrisburg - (no bill number) - State Rep. John Galloway, D-140, plans to introduce legislation that would allow municipalities to create their own dog-control ordinances. http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-04062008-1514740.html
Reading - officials are asking a state appeals court to reconsider the rejection of an ordinance that put restrictions on aggressive dog breeds. Commonwealth Court threw out the ordinance in February. The court ruled that the Reading ordinance ran counter to state law. State law classifies as dangerous only individual dogs that have behaved aggressively.

RHODE ISLAND Home Page: http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/
H7011 - AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS - DOGS - This act would permit the animal control officer in the town of Warren to issue citations to animal owners who are in violation of any animal control ordinance which may be paid by mail and also to prescribe pecuniary penalties. http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/housetext08/h7011.pdf Bill Status: House Committee - Municipal Government
H7212 - AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - CRUELTY TO ANIMALS - This act would provide for judicial direction regarding incarceration related to animal fighting. http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/housetext08/h7212.pdf Bill Status: 01/23/2008 - NO ACTION TODATE
H7284 - AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - DOGS - This act would prohibit any person from keeping a dog tethered, penned, caged, fenced or other wise confined outside for more than thirty (30) minutes when temperature is beyond the weather safety scale as set forth in the most recent adopted version of the Tufts Animal Care Condition Scale. "Guardian" is also defined as the owner/possessor of the dog http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/housetext08/h7284.pdf Bill Status : House Committee - Health, Education & Welfare
S2006 - AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS -DOGS - This act would permit the animal control officer in the town of Warren to issue citations to animal owners who are in violation of any animal control ordinance which may be paid by mail and also to prescribe pecuniary penalties. http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/senatetext08/s2006.pdf Bill Status: Senate Committee - Constitutional & Regulatory Issues
S2008 - AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - CRUELTY TO ANIMALS - This act would increase the various penalties related to animal cruelty. http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/senatetext08/s2008.pdf Bill Status: Senate Committee - Constitution
S2030 - AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - CRUELTY TO ANIMALS - This act would provide for mandatory imprisionment for convictions related to animal fighting http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/senatetext08/s2030.pdf Bill Status: Senate Committee � Judiciary
S2043 - AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - REGULATION OF VICIOUS DOGS - This act would add the director of the defenders of animals or his or her designee to the hearing panel which decides whether as dog should be declared vicious. http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/senatetext08/s2043.pdf Bill Status: 1/10/2008 - NO ACTION TODATE
S2096 - AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - DOGS - This act would provide guidelines and penalties for any person that keeps a dog outside tethered, penned, caged, fenced or otherwise contained without adequate shelter from the elements.. "Guardian" is also defined as the owner/possessor of the dog (guardian would be interchangeable with owner/possessor). http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/senatetext08/s2096.pdf Bill Status: Senate Committee - Constitutional

SOUTH CAROLINA Home Page: http://www.scstatehouse.net/index.html
HB5010 - A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-3-710, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF TERMS USED IN THE REGULATION OF DANGEROUS ANIMALS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT DANGEROUS ANIMALS INCLUDE CERTAIN BREEDS AND SPECIES, INCLUDING PIT BULLS, TO AUTHORIZE BUT NOT REQUIRE, COUNTY GOVERNING BODIES TO DESIGNATE OTHER BREEDS OR SPECIES AS DANGEROUS ANIMALS; AND TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT AN ANIMAL IS NOT A DANGEROUS ANIMAL SOLELY BY VIRTUE OF ITS BREED OR SPECIES http://www.scstatehouse.net/cgi-bin/web_bh10.exe?bill1=5010&session=117
S833 - TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 47-1-45 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE TETHERING, FASTENING, CHAINING, TYING, OR RESTRAINING A DOG TO A STATIONARY OBJECT FOR MORE THAN THREE HOURS A DAY OR FOR MORE THAN SIX HOURS A DAY ON A TROLLEY SYSTEM; TO PROVIDE CLASS I MISDEMEANOR CRIMINAL PENALTIES; AND TO AUTHORIZE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BY ORDINANCE TO VARY THESE REGULATIONS. 'Confine an animal in a cruel manner' or cruel confinement of an animal' means confining an animal by means of a cage, crate, pen, or similar confinement under circumstances in which the person intends to endanger the animal's health or safety, or the person reasonably should have known would endanger the animal's health or safety http://www.scstatehouse.net/sess117_2007-2008/bills/833.htm PASSED 3/27/2008 UPDATE: Sent to House Judiciary Committee - expected to die in committee
Anderson - City Council member Tony Stewart is proposing a ban on new pit bulls and tighter restrictions on existing pit bulls some owners have in the city. The proposed ordinance says existing pit bulls present an unacceptable risk of harm and fear to residents. Under the proposed ordinance existing pit bulls must have a fenced yard, you must be at least 18 year old to walk the dog, and it must have a muzzle on it's mouth. Also, owners must have a $1, 000.00 dollar insurance policy. Also, pit bulls must have their tags and shots. http://www.wspa.com/midatlantic/spa/news.apx.-content-articles-SPA-2008-04-10-0021.html
Lancaster County - round two for a proposed vicious dog ordinance. Last month, a citizens' committee is tweaking a proposed law that would've automatically labeled certain dog breeds vicious. The ordinance labeled pit bulls, American bulldogs, and canary dogs as vicious animals and required that they be registered with the county, kept inside a steel cage, and wear special bright-colored collars. The citizens' committee stripped all the breed-specific language from the newest version of the ordinance. At the very least, county leaders say a leash law out of all these talks. That's something the county has never had. The last vote on the ordinance will likely be taken next month.
Lyman - ordinance limiting how long a dog can be tethered and prohibiting dangerous dogs from being in the town was approved by the town council Thursday (3/20). A special meeting was called to have the second and final reading on the ordinance. The first reading was on March 13. The 11-page ordinance specifies numerous aspects of animal control and makes Lyman a rarity in Spartanburg County: a town that bans the existence of dangerous animals in the community. A dangerous dog was defined as any dog that: Attacks a person, domestic animal or domesticated dog or cat and causes physical injury or death when unprovoked. Bites or attempts to bite any person while at large. Attacks or attempts to attack any other dog or animal or chases or catches a person while at large. Poses a threat of harm or endangers the safety of persons, domesticated animals while at large or not at large. Is owned or harbored for dog fighting. Is trained for the purpose of dog fighting or has engaged in dog fighting. Is tormented, badgered, baited, trained or encouraged to engage in unprovoked attacks upon people or domesticated animals.

TENNESSEE Home Page: http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/
HB2803 - AN ACT to amend Animals and Animal Cruelty - Enacts the “Tennessee Animal Abuser Registration, Tracking and Verification Act of 2008.” - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 39. This bill establishes registration, verification, and tracking requirements for an animal abuser, which means any person who commits aggravated cruelty to animals, felony animal fighting, or bestiality. The requirements under this bill for the animal abuser registry are similar to the present law requirements for sex offenders. The Tennessee bureau of investigation (TBI) would maintain the registry. http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/currentga/BILL/HB2803.pdf
SB2676 - AN ACT to amend Animals and Animal Cruelty - Enacts the “Tennessee Animal Abuser Registration, Tracking and Verification Act of 2008.” - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 39. This bill establishes registration, verification, and tracking requirements for an animal abuser, which means any person who commits aggravated cruelty to animals, felony animal fighting, or bestiality. The requirements under this bill for the animal abuser registry are similar to the present law requirements for sex offenders. The Tennessee bureau of investigation (TBI) would maintain the registry. http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/currentga/BILL/SB2676.pdf

TEXAS Home Page: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/
Austin, city of - City Council could soon hear proposed changes to the laws for dangerous dogs in the community, all in an effort to make owners of dangerous dogs follow the law more closely. One of the proposals includes keeping a dangerous dog locked up while under investigation. Another proposal, is to euthanize dangerous dogs that bite again.
Dallas - City Council will soon consider major changes to the Dallas animal control ordinance. The changes include breeder permitting, limits on the number of pets that can be owned, stricter dangerous dog language, and a ban on tethering. Proposed ordinance mandates that you spay or neuter your dog unless you obtain a breeder permit for each intact dog. Breeder permits will only be issued to owners of dogs of "recognized" breeds. The permit will cost $500 per year and will restrict breeding to one litter per permit per year. Further, breeders are prohibited from selling puppies until they reach eight (8) weeks of age and have been immunized. Proposal also creates a limit of six dogs or cats or combination of both per dwelling. There will be a grandfather clause for current owners who list all their current animals with the Director of Animal Services and are in compliance with all other regulations. There will also be an exemption to foster care providers who have been approved by the Director of Animal Services. The draft ordinance requires all dogs deemed dangerous to be spayed or neutered. The owner of a dangerous dog must obtain liability insurance of $100,000. UPDATE: Texas Kennel Club is taking the lead to oppose the proposed ordinance and retained the services of noted animal law attorney Zandra Anderson
Fort Worth - City Council fine-tuned several animal control rules today (3/25) in order to help the Animal Care and Control Division better serve the citizens of Fort Worth and their pets. Council approved three amendments to the city's animal control ordinance. The first amendment grants animal control, fire and police officers the authority to rescue an animal left in an unattended vehicle if it is deemed that its health, safety or welfare is in danger. The ordinance clearly authorizes the seizure of an animal without seeking a warrant in cases where the animal's health, safety or welfare is in danger even if seizing the animal requires entering private property. However, if an animal is seized without a warrant, a post-seizure hearing will be held. The second amendment clarifies parental responsibilities for child-owned pets. If an animal is owned or said to be owned by an individual who is younger than 17, the animal will be the responsibility of the parent, legal guardian or person responsible for the minor. The third amendment revises the maximum weight limit to 120 pounds and height to 20 inches at the shoulder for miniature swine. In 1992, the City Council approved keeping miniature swine as house pets in Fort Worth. However, miniature swine were restricted to a weight of less than 60 pounds and a height of less than 18 inches at the shoulder. Figures published by the North American Potbellied Pig Association show that a mature potbellied pig typically weighs 60 to 175 pounds and measures from 13 to 26 inches in height. Based on these breed standards and a review of current ordinances in municipalities across Texas, the weight and height limitations were revised
Harker Heights - looking to change its city ordinance on animal control. Proposals to clarify what considered right living conditions for an animal and even restricting the sale of pets on public property. Ordinance would also extend the deadline for pet vaccinations from 72 hours to 7 days after an animal is adopted
Lubbock - animal services director said he would recommend requiring permits for dog breeders. Other proposals increase fines against owners whose dogs get loose, revoke a $50 fee charged to out-of-city residents who drop off dogs at the animal shelter, require owners pay to have a microchip inserted into their dog as a way to identify the animal and its owners if the animal gets loose and increase public service and education programs, which include reminding residents there is money available to help pay for neutering their pets.
UTAH Home Page: http://www.le.state.ut.us/
Provo - A neighborhood's complaints of pit bulls running wild has prompted city officials to research remedies that could result in tighter restrictions for a dog breed with a bad rap. City Council decided to explore the issue further and study what other cities so they understand all their possible options.
VERMONT Home Page: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/
H0067 - AN ACT RELATING TO HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE AND DOMESTIC DOGS - This bill proposes to prohibit the presence of dogs as a factor in the sale of homeowner’s insurance except when a specific dog is documented to have caused significant damage to real or personal property or bodily injury to a person http://www.leg.state.vt.us./docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/bills/intro/H-067.HTM Bill Status: House Committee - COMMERCE since 01/19/2007 - No ACTION TODATE
H0108 - AN ACT RELATING TO THE IMPOUNDMENT OF VICIOUS DOMESTIC PETS OR WOLF-HYBRIDS - This bill proposes to direct municipalities to impound immediately a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid that has attacked a person http://www.leg.state.vt.us./docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/bills/intro/H-108.HTM Bill Status: House Committee - GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS since 01/23/2007 - No ACTION TODATE
H0186 - AN ACT RELATING TO MUNICIPAL DAMAGES FOR DOMESTIC ANIMALS INJURED OR KILLED BY DOGS - This bill proposes to limit the financial liability of municipalities for damages for domestic animals killed or injured by dogs to no more than $125.00 per animal. http://www.leg.state.vt.us./docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/bills/intro/H-186.HTM Bill Status: House Committee - GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS since 02/01/2007 - No ACTION TODATE
H0287 - AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTING UNTETHERED DOGS IN OPEN PICKUP TRUCKS - This bill proposes to prohibit the transportation of untethered dogs in the back of open pickup trucks. http://www.leg.state.vt.us./docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/bills/intro/H-287.HTM Bill Status: House Committee - TRANSPORTATION since 02/13/2007 - No ACTION TODATE
H769 - AN ACT RELATING TO REGULATION OF COMMERCIAL DOG BREEDERS IN VERMONT. This bill proposes to regulate commercial dog breeders in Vermont. http://www.leg.state.vt.us/database/status/summary.cfm?Bill=H.0769&Session=2008
S0022 - AN ACT RELATING TO PREVENTION OF INJURIES CAUSED BY DANGEROUS DOGS - This bill proposes to prevent injuries from dangerous dogs http://www.leg.state.vt.us./docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/bills/intro/S-022.HTM Bill Status: House Committee - GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS since 01/09/2007 - No ACTION TODATE
S0341 - AN ACT RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION OF PET MERCHANTS - This bill clarifies that a pet dealer is anyone who sells an animal and sets out compliance criteria for dog breeders. http://www.leg.state.vt.us./docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/bills/intro/S-341.HTM Bill Status: Senate Committee � Finance<

VIRGINIA Home page: http://www.virginia.gov/cmsportal2/index.html
VIRGINIA HUNTING & HUNTING DOG ENTHUSIASTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO VISIT http://vhdoa.uplandbirddog.com/staterk.html
for bills affecting your sport !!
Virginians should also visit http://vhdoa.uplandbirddog.com/stater.html for further information and updates on house & senate bills

WASHINGTON Home page: http://www.leg.wa.gov/legislature
Lakewood - looking at tightening up its animal control laws after reviewing a recent case where two pit bulls attacked a family. Officials will look at Auburn's ordinance, passed in 2006, which lists 12 dog breeds, as potentially dangerous and requires owners to register them with the city. The breeds include pit bulls and bull terriers
WEST VIRGINIA Home Page: http://www.legis.state.wv.us/index.cfm
Bluefield - City Board of Directors unanimously approved an overhaul of the city’s existing dangerous animal ordinance Tuesday (04/09) after only two people spoke during a public hearing on the proposal. The ordinance includes a maximum penalty of up to $1,000, or the maximum allowed by state law. The ordinance adds pit bulls and wolf-hybrids or wolf-mixed breeds as two breed-specific animals. The ordinance states that no person shall permit a registered pit bull or wolf hybrid to go outside of its kennel or pen unless the dog is secured with a leash no longer than six feet in length and under the control of a person 18 years of age or older with a physical ability to control the animal. The ordinance further states that all pit bull dogs or wolf-hybrids must be muzzled by a muzzling device when outside of the animal’s kennel.

WISCONSIN Home Page: http://www.legis.state.wi.us
Racine - Alderman Raymond DeHahn is pushing for a ban on pit bulls, though he has stated he did not want to make it retroactive. City Attorney to draft something similar to what Miami-Dade has. UPDATE: COMMENT FROM THE MAYOR - Would you please email your groups and tell them I do not really care what people that do not live in Racine have to say about an issue that is not impacting them. Gary Becker - Mayor, City of Racine
Racine - city needs to look into a stricter vicious dog ordinance, Alderman Ray DeHahn says. He originally asked the city attorney to draft an ordinance specifically dealing with pit bulls. But he has since reconsidered the now-drafted ordinance, which he said would be too difficult to enforce. The drafted ordinance would have prohibited the "ownership, harboring, or possessing of pit bulls within the city of Racine." The draft would have allowed current registered owners to keep their pit bulls as long as they followed stricter regulations. Instead of a pit bull ordinance, the city should look into leash and muzzle regulations, he said. DeHahn is still uncertain about the details, such as who would enforce regulations, how it would be funded and how much the fines would be. There needs to be more research done, said DeHahn. The city already has a "vicious animal" ordinance that forbids an animal from living in the city if, unprovoked, it bites or injures a person or pet twice in a year. Racine also has an ordinance that prohibits animals from running loose on public property. Racine County humane officer Jody Halladay enforces animal ordinances in the county. But she does not think tougher ordinances would make a difference. The problem is that ordinances are not fully enforced from all levels, Halladay said. Too many times, citations are dropped or lessened in municipal court.


COUNTRIES - OF OTHER INTEREST
Canada
Toronto - After being criticized for having the most lax animal protection laws in the country, the Ontario government is going to change that. The province is introducing legislation Thursday that will overhaul the 90-year-old animal protection act. The new legislation is expected to impose new rules on roadside zoos and make animal cruelty a provincial offence. http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2008/04/02/5172046-cp.html
Town of Taber - proposed bylaw would no longer have the Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), which currently automatically restricts an animal based on its breed. Previously, owners of dogs on the restricted list had to do things like obtain special licenses, use special handling tactics such as use of muzzles and had to have a chained area in their backyards. Under the new bylaw, owners of dogs listed as restricted only have to follow specific regulations like those ones if their dogs are deemed aggressive by a bylaw officer, peace officer or designate of the town administrator based on a situation where they showed a propensity for aggression, or chased, attacked or injured a person or other animal. At its meeting March 11 town council gave third reading to the new dog bylaw but could not go further with it, because proceeding with third and final reading was not agreed on unanimously by council. Prior to voting on unanimously agreeing to proceed with third and final reading at that meeting, Coun. Terry Sargeant questioned whether the public had been informed of the proposed changes. Following the meeting town administration placed a press release in the town ad section of the Taber Times to notify local citizens of the new bylaw and enable them to review the bylaw if they wanted to.

PORTUGAL - UPDATE - BECAUSE OF ALL THE ASSISTANCE RECEIVED, THE PROPOSED LAW WAS DEFEATED !!! THANK YOU ALL !!!
Dear Rottweiler Friends,

Yesterday we received the information that our government is trying to approve one law, that forbids the breeding and the importation of our breed and also castrate all of the Rottweilers in our country. Please help us to save our breed by sending us articles, pictures, any information of Rottweilers doing ALL THE GOOD THINGS THEY DO!
Sweden
Stockholm - Board of Agriculture has issued an extensive set of new guidelines regulating how pet owners treat their dogs and cats. Among other things, the 15 pages of new guidelines set specifications for how often dogs and cats receive food and exercise, the size and design of their living quarters, as well as the quality of the air Swedish pets breathe. Pets kept indoors should be within view of a window allowing sunlight, and dogs kept outdoors should have access to both sunny and shaded areas, as well as protection against wind and rain. Levels of ammonia and carbon dioxide in the air must also be kept below 10 parts per million and 3000 parts per million, respectively. In addition to regulating individual pet owners, the rules also extend to “doggie daycares” which are required to ensure that dogs which can’t get along with one another can be separated in order to “avoid conflicts".




Sources
Ken Sondej - 4winds@viawest.net

American Kennel Club Legislative Liaison - Silver State Kennel Club
Legislative Liaison - National Pet Press
Legislative Liaison - Nevada Dog Fanciers Assc.
Director Government Affairs and Legislative Advisor - Adopt A Rescue Pet
Advisor - Indiana Animal Owners Alliance
Advisor to Clubs and groups in Southern Nevada, Arizona, California

Linda Witouski - dropfred13@aol.com

American Kennel Club Judge
American Kennel Club Delegate - Myrtle Beach Kennel Club - SC
American Kennel Club Legislative Liaison - South Carolina & Pennsylvania
Legislative Liaison/Staff Writer - National Pet Press/TDP
Legislative Chair/BOD – Myrtle Beach Kennel Club
Legislative Chair - Yankee Miniature Pinscher Club
Member: NAIA, MOF, ERPT, DSJA, DJAA, MBKC, YMPC, MPCA

_________________________________________________________________
Handy TOLLFREE NUMBERS - Capitol Switchboard
Here are some toll-free numbers for the Capitol Switchboard:
1-866-220-0044
1-866-340-9281
1-877-851-6437
1-888-355-3588
1-800-833-6354
1-800-450-8293
1-877-762-8722
1-877-762-8762
_________________________________________________________________



end

Read More...

Return to the Blog...