MESSAGE FROM THE ARC PRESIDENT

Hi ARC Members,

Another week is done . . . and a busy week it has been for the ARC.

On the legislative front, the ARC response to the AVMA on cropping and docking has been well received. The President of the DPCA, Dr. Sam Burke, sent a wonderful letter of support for the American Rottweiler Club's efforts to reverse the AVMA intrusion into medical decisions between owners and their animals. It is just this kind of cooperation that has been lacking on so many issues for many years in the dog fancy. It is this Board's goal to reverse that trend and have more integrated legislative efforts between clubs on issues that affect us all. Some of the projects the Legislative Committee are working on have just that goal in mind as well.

As a related note, the ARC legal Intern results of a state by state survey of veterinary organizations is available for viewing as linked to Paws4laws.com. While we are awaiting responses from some, the available information shows how entrenched the AVMA position is at the state level as well. Utah is but one example. The UVMA passed a resolution purporting to change the AVMA position, but it really changes nothing. Unfortunately the UVMA resolution still considers docking/cropping cosmetic and calls for the elimination of these traits from AKC breed standards. Even more concerning is the AKC's letter of support for the UVMAs position. I have written the AKC expressing displeasure with their approval of the UVMA resolution.

Two major letter campaigns went to the fax machine this week. One was a letter to the California Assembly Appropriations Committee opposing SB 250 calling for statewide mandated "speuter". The second was opposition to the North Carolina bill 460, a breeder bill similar to those proposed in dozens of states this year backed by HSUS. Both those letters can also be viewed on Paws4laws.com. The Carolina bill had it's vote postponed after opposition mounted from clubs and individuals at the state and national levels. Letters from the club are great, but all the membership needs to be involved in direct letter campaigns on these and similar issues in order to maximize impact.

The Board has held its first required conference call. Lasting some two hours a wide array of issues were addressed for the coming year. Unless some issue requires immediate attention by conference call, these are typically limited in number, as most business is conducted by email.

The first ARC Sieger Show is in the works for 2010 in conjunction with Mile Highs hosting of our National. Two FCI judges have been approved, as required by the Sieger show guidelines. It is going to be an additional exciting event to showcase all Rottweilers at the 2010 National.

We have also signed the AKC Registration Pledge Challenge. The pledge will begin for individuals on August 1st so watch the website for more information.

. . . Next week's message may be "abbreviated" as I will be at the Reliant park shows here in Houston Friday through Sunday. If any of you are coming, please stop by the "Texas Dog Commission" booth and introduce yourself. "Daisy" and I will be manning the booth and handing out flyers against BSL and trying to do a little PR work for all our dogs.

Jeff Shaver

Jeff Shaver
ARC President