Winter 2016 Saber Tails 27
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America
Cont’d from previous page
influencial factor in decreasing the gene pool given that
other quality males are not used. He cautioned against
eliminating from a breeding program a carrier with
otherwise good qualities. He recommended thought-
ful breeding, testing, and then replacing the carrier
with a clear from a subsequent litter. He also reported
that the #1 genetic disorder in canines is allergies. Dr.
Bell stressed that we need to consciously select against
health problems, not just select for quality features.
Delegates’ Meeting, 9-12-16
Mr. Dennis Sprung, AKC President, introduced the people
seated at the dais. Delegates voted on candidates run-
ning for the Standing Committees. Mr. Jim Crowley, AKC
Executive Secretary, read the names of the 13 Delegates
seated since the last meeting. Delegates voted 3 clubs
into AKC membership: the Berger Picard Club of America,
the Hendersonville Kennel Club, and the Irish Red and
White Setter Club of America.
President’s Report
Mr. Sprung offered a very moving tribute to the events
of 9-11-01. On that day, 288 Delegates attended the
meeting in Newark, NJ. Of those attending that day, 93
of us are still serving. The AKC’s DOGNY program was
reviewed with many poignant memories and photos.
CEO’s Report
Mr. Joe Baffuto reported continued financial success
as of Aug. 31, 2016. Total revenues of $43 mil and total
expenses of $39.4 yielded operational income of $4.4 mil,
somewhat less than the $5.7 mil of 2015. Registrations
are up 7% for litters and up 11% for dogs. Registration
items, royalties and sponsorships, Ecommerce, and the
marketplace are all significantly improved. AKC invest-
ments are up 4.4% in unrealized gain.
Amendments
The proposed amendment to Chapter 3, Sections 4, 5, 7,
17, and 19 of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows was ap-
proved. This changes the italicized portions to become
part of the rule, not a Board clarification, with no change
to the wording. The last paragraph included in Section
4 pertaining to the Puppy Class was added to Section 5
pertaining to the 12-18 Month Class. In a single show
with multiple days of judging, the first day of the show
is considered to be the first day of regular conformation
judging and is the day used to calculate the age of the en-
try. [This wouldn’t be a concern to specialties with a more
modest number of entries, but in large specialties with
entries of 500+, it would be difficult to know exactly when,
e.g., the 12—18 month bitch class might be held.]
The proposed amemdment to Chapter 6, Section 9 of the
Rules Applying to Dog Shows for Premium Lists and Clos-
ing of entries would allow entries in any form to be accept-
ed for 24 hours after the closing date and time when it falls
on a postal holiday. The amendment was approved.
Mr. Crowley read the proposed amendment extending the
closing deadline to no later than 11:59 PM. Mr. Carl Ashby
reported for the Political Action Committee that $37,000
has been raised to date compared to $45,000 in 2012, the
first year of the PAC. The PAC funds candidates running for
office who are in support of our causes.
Mr. Crowley recognized 6 Delegates who have served 25
years adding to the 104 Delegates previously recognized.
He also recognized 3 clubs for celebrating 100 years of AKC
membership. Mr. Crowley read the report of the Nomi-
nating Committee for the AKC Board of Directors, Class
of 2021. Nominated to the Board are Rita Biddle, Dominc
Carota, Dr. Gregory Paveza and Harvey Wooding. [To date,
4 additional candidates are running from the floor: Thomas
Powers, Julian Prager, John Ronald and Danel Smyth.]
Gretchen Bernardi, Chairman of the By-Laws Committee,
rose to ask Mr. Sprung to get from the Delegate body a
non-binding vote on the waiver of the application fee for
additional breeds for Delegate Judges. There was a sig-
nificant vote in the majority to waive this fee. Pat Laurens
reported that 51 Disaster Relief Trailers are in place, 6 more
have been completed and are waiting for transfer, and 23
clubs are working on funding. More than $1.2 mil has been
donated to this project.
Respectfully submitted
Anne Gallant
Delegate, PBGVCA