Dear Members, 

At our last IWCA Board Meeting held on January 31, 2009….I chose a Rescue Committee.  I would like to introduce them to you.  They are – Marian Temple from Riverside, CA, Mary Ryan from Rice, VA, and Jeanne Patterson from Monroe, NY.  All are listed in the Rescue Directory.  Please, always feel free to contact us! 

Thank you, 
Jean A. Minnier
National Rescue Coordinator     

     "The IWCA received a check from the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program in the amount of $1,110.72. This money will be used in our rescue, education and health programs.

     "The IWCA has 185 Pro Club Members declared for the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program. 76 of those members submitted weight circles in 2007, thus earning $2,221.44 for their participation. Half of that amount will be given to the Canine Health Foundation for use in the IWCA donor advised fund (for Irish Wolfhound health studies). The other half was given to the IWCA to be used as described above.

     "If you are signed up with the Pro Club program, please remember to send in your weight circles. If you are signed up but didn't check the box that gives credit to the IWCA as well, please do so as this will benefit our breed greatly. If you feed Purina Dog food and have not signed up for the Pro Club program, please consider doing so."

New info from the AVMA on Canine Respiratory Coronavirus and Canine Parvovirus type 2c

New vision added to "Visions Of The Breed".

NEW addition to website - a "Question of the Month" needing YOUR input - see Breed Education.

LITIGATION AGAINST THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES - see the Legislation page.

Please contact Judy Simon, IWCA Sec. if you can help.
Thank you in advance for your help, Connie Smalley and the H&H Committee

Updates made to club Policies page.

New on the Legislation page - download and print ADOA's "A Guide To Your Rights: Excerpts From How to Respond to Anti-Dog Enforcement"

New vision added to "Visions Of The Breed"

When asked if he envisioned a future without pets: "If I had my personal view, perhaps that might take hold. In fact, I don't want to see another dog or cat born." Wayne Pacelle quoted in Bloodties: Nature, Culture and the Hunt by Ted Kerasote, 1993, p. 266.
 
Where are the millions in contributions they already receive every year? If you have money to contribute, please send it to your "local" shelter. Donations received by local shelters do help animals. The money sent to HSUS does not.

AB 1634 - Moved to Local Government Committee - see the Legislation page.  IWCA President Beverly Little is providing this "new committee" with the IWCA's letter of opposition. Deadline for letters to reach the committee is now July 3rd.

California Mandatory Spay/Neuter Bill Assigned to Senate Committee - June 21, 2007

California Assembly Bill 1634, known as the California Healthy Pets Act, was assigned to the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday, June 20. The bill seeks to require the mandatory spaying or neutering of dogs or cats over four months of age, unless the owner acquires an intact animal permit. It is imperative that breeders and concerned dog owners contact their Senator and the Committee Chairman to express their opposition.

URGENT:  AB 1634 will be heard by the Committee on Monday, July 9. Letters need to be sent to the Committee by 5 p.m. Monday, July 2nd to ensure that your opposition is noted for the official bill analysis.

The IWCA is sending a letter stating its opposition to this legislation. The bill can be read at http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/images/00001/20070207162842.pdf

The Act's origins can be found here: http://www.law.gwu.edu/News/News+Stories/2007+Animal+Law+Summit+2+and+Samantha+Scholarship.htm

DC Area Dog Fanciers Alert

Proposed amendments to the District of Columbia Official Code, known as the Animal Protection Amendment Act (B17-089), threaten the rights to own and breed dogs responsibly in the District of Columbia. It is imperative that DC area dog fanciers and AKC-affiliated dog clubs contact the DC Council to express opposition to the proposed amendments.

The proposed ordinance amendments include the following:

Mandatory spaying or neutering of all dogs and cats 6 months of age or older unless the owner possesses a breeding permit.

The breeding permit application process requires that the owner’s premises be inspected. Anyone with an animal “capable of breeding” must secure a breeding permit, even if the animal is never bred. The fee for the breeding permit is unspecified and could costs hundreds of dollars.
Any “nonprofit” organization that claims to be “concerned with humane treatment of animals” may legally enter private property and confiscate another person’s animals. Any individual who qualifies as a nonprofit organization can bring suit in a DC court and by sworn affidavit or testimony demonstrate that the seizure is necessary.

Every section of the ordinance in which animal owners are referenced is amended to insert the term “guardian.” Removing the classification of dogs as property could open the door to a host of challenges. If people do not own their dog, then what legal responsibility do they have to properly protect and care for them? Use of the term “guardian” represents a first step toward eliminating an individual’s right to own, breed and participate in events with dogs.

The ordinance establishes non-economic damages for “loss of society, companionship, comfort, protection, love, affection, and services”, subjecting veterinarians to new financial liability. The cost of veterinary services must increase to cover costs of liability claims established by the proposed amendments.

A joint hearing of the Committee on Health and Public Safety and Judiciary Committee is scheduled for June 6, 2007 in the Council Chambers on the 5th floor of the John Wilson Building , 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, beginning at 11:00 am. Dog fanciers are urged to attend this meeting to express opposition to the ordinance during the public testimony portion of the meeting. The AKC Canine Legislation Department will assist in testimony preparation for any dog fanciers wishing to address the Committee.

Those wishing to testify must contact the Committee no later than Monday June 4, 2007. Contact Paul Dionne at 202-724-8170, or via email at pdionne@dccouncil.us , and request to be placed on the witness list.

Letters in opposition to the amendment proposals will be accepted until June 13, 2007 and may be sent to:

Ms. Cynthia-Brock Smith
Secretary to the Council
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 5
Washington, DC 20004

WE ARE LOOKING FOR MEMBER INPUT ON EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION! Please fill out the survey - see the Breed and Member Education page for more information.
Articles added to the Breed and Member Education page.
Judges Education page updated.

POLICIES page updated.
The IWCA has just received a check for $1,1120.120 from the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program.