KENNEL CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING CRUFTS 2021

In light of recent government announcements, The Kennel Club has been discussing the holding of Crufts 2021 which is set to take place from 11 – 14 March at the NEC Birmingham.

The Kennel Club Board would like to reassure competitors, exhibitors and everyone involved in the dog world that it remains actively committed to holding the show next year.  In particular, the Crufts team have been looking at different options for how Crufts 2021 might look. However, the most important aspect will be the safety of all those who attend and any possible negative impact that holding the event may have.

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OBEDIENCE LIAISON COUNCIL MEETING 21 JANUARY 2021

The next meeting of the Kennel Club Obedience Liaison Council is scheduled to be held remotely via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 21 January 2021. Proposals for inclusion on the agenda should reach the Obedience Liaison Council Secretary by 23 October 2020.

Each eligible society or an individual may submit items for the agenda, through a council representative. Proposals must be concise and, if an amendment or an additional regulation is proposed, the regulation number must be given. All submissions must be signed by the society/individual and the representative.

Please note, all items for inclusion on the agenda should be sent by email to obedience@thekennelclub.org.uk and not sent in the post to the London office.

A full list of Obedience Liaison Council representatives can be found at bit.ly/2Tx8YVk

KENNEL CLUB INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR CHAMPIONSHIP OBEDIENCE STATUS

The Kennel Club wishes to advise obedience competitors that Surrey Dog Training Society have relinquished their championship obedience status with effect from 2020.

Any society which would be interested in applying for future championship obedience status should submit a presentation for consideration. Please note that it will be necessary to select a date that does not coincide with another championship obedience show. An application from a club which already holds a championship obedience show will also be considered.

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New commentator for the Obedience Championships at Crufts

Our search for a new commentator for the Obedience Championships at Crufts is over. We received many excellent applications which made the selection process really interesting.

After much deliberation I am delighted to announce that the new commentator is Clare Williams. I would like to welcome Clare to the Crufts team in Hall 5 and we look forward to working with her at future events.

I would also like to thank all of the other applicants for their interest in the position.
I am sure that you will all join me in wishing Clare good luck in the role.

Richard Kebble

Would you like to become the Crufts Inter-Regional Obedience Team Manager for Wales?

The Kennel Club is calling for anyone interested in becoming an Obedience Inter-Regional Team Manager to get in touch.

The Inter-regional event has been a popular feature in the Obedience Arena at Crufts for almost 40 years and is a competition between teams from Scotland, Northern Ireland, North, Midlands, Wales, South East and East Anglia, South and South West.

We have a vacancy for a new manager for the Welsh region and are now inviting applications from interested parties who would like to be considered for the position, initially for the period up to and including Crufts 2022 and then renewable on a three yearly cycle.

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STATEMENT REGARDING COVID-19 AND KENNEL CLUB EVENTS

The safety and security of competitors, spectators, volunteers and staff at Kennel Club events continues to be of paramount importance. In light of the continued restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kennel Club has taken the decision with regret to extend its strong recommendation that clubs and societies cancel forthcoming events until the end of September and that serious consideration should be given to events due to be held after this date.It is vitally important that those responsible for organising events, large or small, conduct a risk assessment which will include ensuring that the event is Covid secure, i.e being compliant with Government advice and guidance on COVID-19. We will be working on further advice to clubs and societies on the issues which need to be addressed in a risk assessment once the Government publishes further guidance or instruction.This latest recommendation is based on all advice issued by the Government so far which continues to restrict non-essential travel and maintain social distancing. The Kennel Club also recommends that alternative arrangements continue to be put in place regarding other activities such as meetings, seminars and training classes.It is appreciated that clarity is important in order to be able to plan, budget and mitigate costs and therefore we will provide more definitive advice as soon as the position is clearer from the Government.The latest advice on the situation regarding COVID-19 is regularly updated and changes daily and we strongly suggest that clubs and societies keep aware of updates as issued by the Department of Health at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.The Kennel Club’s current cancellation policy and FAQs, in relation to breed shows, can be accessed at bit.ly/2x5DuzQ and, in relation to all other disciplines, can be accessed at bit.ly/2AjuyZm.Please contact the KC office on email sass@thekennelclub.org.uk to confirm the cancellation or postponement of any licensed events. If your event is cancelled, please also advise whether you require a refund for your licence fee or require the fee to be carried forward for a future event.Thank you for your patience and understanding at this time.

GCDS AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT CRUFTS

Success for dogs, handlers and trainers from Staffordshire, Middlesex, Northamptonshire and West Yorkshire

The winners of the annual Good Citizen Dog Scheme (GCDS) awards were announced at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, on Sunday 8th March.

The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme is the largest dog training programme in the United Kingdom, with over 680,000 dogs and their owners graduating through the scheme’s Bronze award. The GCDS awards were created in recognition of the hard work, efforts and contribution made by dedicated canine clubs and enthusiasts.

Twelve individuals, dogs, clubs and organisations were vying for the top prize across four categories: Best Kennel Club GCDS Listed Status Dog Training Club Award, Best Kennel Club Registered Club Award, Royal Canin Dedicated Person Award and Royal Canin Most Inspiring Dog Award. The nominees were all put forward to a public vote, with the winners announced at the GCDS awards ceremony, which took place at Crufts.

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Crufts Dog Activities Displays

Crufts Dog Activities Displays are as follows:

Rally

Thursday: 9.45 and 2.15

Friday: 9.30 and 2.30

Saturday: 12.00 and 4.00 (YKC Rally team, competition at 4pm)

Sunday: 11.15 and 2.30

A couple of the team will also be representing Rally in the Main Arena on Sunday at 9.55.

Obedience

Thursday: 12.30 and 3.45

Friday: 12.45 and 4.00

Saturday: 10.30 and 3.00

Sunday: 12.30 and 4.00

A couple of the team will also be representing Obedience in the Main Arena on Sunday at 9.55.

Also attached is a document detailing photos and writeups for the YKC Rally competitors (competing on Saturday in the Dog Activities ring, Hall 3, at 4pm) and the judge.