|
Will Your Dog Be the Next Victim of Unfair Legislation?  The Canine Defense Fund ...
was organized on July 6, 1984 in Albany, NY, by representatives of the American Dog Owners Association (ADOA), the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), the Staffordshire Club of America (STCA), and the National American Pit Bull Terrier Club (NAPBTC). The Canine Defense Fund (CDF) is an independent entity. However, in view of ADOA's prior involvement in litigation against breed-specific ordinances, ADOA undertook the administration of the Canine Defense Fund. Ulltimately, the Fund was formally incorporated in New York State on May 22, 1989. In November, 1994, the Certificate of Incorporation was amended to expand the Fund's scope of activities to include working against any proposed legislation detrimental to the hobby breeder, i.e., number limits, mandatory spay/neuter programs, etc. The Fund's Board of Directors is completely volunteer and is solely responsible for the Fund's administration. The Board members study proposals brought to our attention; work with individuals, clubs and legislators to improve these proposals; decide which cases will be litigated when detrimental proposals become legislation; determine which cases to appeal, etc. WHAT WE ARE DOING ... In the eleven years of the Fund's existence, it has collected $928,986 in donations. Over $1,163,898 has been spent in legal fees and costs defending your right to own whatever breed of dog you choose. All donations have been from individuals, dog clubs, and the United Kennel Club. From 1988 through 1994, the American Kennel Club actively supported the Canine Defense Fund by matching donations to the Canine Defense Fund up to $100,00 annually. In the fall of 1994, AKC decided to end the Matching Fund Program. WHAT YOU CAN DO ... Your help is needed in two very critical areas: 1) Financial, as you have seen, and
2) Public relations ... a struggle which we are losing! TELL YOUR LEGISLATORS ... Vicious, dangerous dogs did not get that way on their own! These characteristics are not a natural part of a canine's behavioral makeup. This behavior is bred in by vicious, dangerous people who then train the dogs to be vicious. Virtually any dog can be turned into a dangerous, out of control animal by a vicious owner or trainer. No ban or restrictive legislation directed against a particular breed can or will solve that! All too often, legislators seek to ban or severely restrict breeding dogs, thinking they will solve some very real problems in our society. Obviously this does not work. The real source of the problem, a people problem, is not being addressed. It is the necessary work of every responsible breeder, dog owner, and dog club to spread the word to our legislators about the true nature of the problem. We need to have legislation aimed at irresponsible owners. Such legislation must be strong, fair and enforceable. WILL YOUR BREED OR HOBBY BE NEXT? Many breed-specific ordinances are aimed at a few of the terrier breeds but we know of other breeds being included in some proposals. Ironically, some dogs in these breeds are, in fact, highly skilled dogs extensively trained in obedience, therapy and other areas. How long will it be before your breed and/or your breeding/hunting/showing hobby joins the ever growing list of threatened ownership? Together we can win the war against detrimental proposals and/or ordinances. Won't you please join the fight today? Phone, Fax or write CDF, ADOA or the UKC for informative and helpful packets. CANINE DEFENSE FUND
P.O. Box 41194
Fredericksburg, VA 22404
1-888-714-7220
fax 540-786-8337
|
Canine Defense Fund
