Could you please check your totals & let me know if you have queries, if you don’t let me know the results will be posted as correct. I will also require your exhibit’s Official status at the end of the show season & any spelling errors, the onus of responsibility for this rests with you. The owners of those exhibits showing titles have notified me. Those without have not. If you don’t notify the names will be printed as is.
The IT team has just done a new release of the system over the weekend, and you now have some additional features as follows :
We hope these are useful features for you. As always, please let us know if you have any questions, by e-mailing info@gccfcats.org
GCCF SUPREME SHOW - STALL BOOKINGS
Please be advised all stall bookings for the 41st GCCF Supreme Cat Show 2017 are being distributed by;
GCCF Supreme Cat show Hall Organiser
e-mail: bobtowner@aol.co.uk
If you would like to obtain a booking form for this event, please contact him direct by either phone or email.
British Longhair Cat Society
Cat of the Year
2017/18 Show Season
Categories
BLHCS Most Exhibited British Longhair Adult – Trophy + £50 prize
BLHCS Most Exhibited British Longhair Kitten – Trophy + £50 prize
BLHCS Most Exhibited British Longhair Neuter – Trophy + £50 prize
Rules of entry
Open to British Longhair Cat Society members only
1 point awarded for each time your cat is on exhibition at a GCCF Championship Show
Points for kittens roll over to adult / neuter class - A Cat can only win 1 category
Owners responsibility to inform Club Secretary of points received
Competition runs from 1st June 2017 to 31st May 2018
Trophies and prize money will be awarded at the Club AGM 2018
GOOD LUCK!
Siamese Cat Seminar
I have been asked to organise this year’s Siamese cat seminar for the SCJAC (Siamese Cat Joint Advisory Committee). Making it both a learning and also a social event is a priority for me. I’ve managed to book some of the top breeder judges in the country to teach at this seminar.
In addition to being able to -
- Learn about type, confirmation, colour, coat and all about withholding faults.
- Handle all the cats and discuss them with the judges.
- Improve your knowledge of the breed.
- Find out exactly what the judges are looking for. (straight from the horse’s mouth)
Things are going to be a little different this year. I’m going to keep the small groups on the tables where you meet every cat and every judge.
Following on from this a Q&A session where everyone can join in and ask the panel of experts anything they like. This part of the seminar will be an excellent opportunity to talk about feline health, welfare and breeding advice from some of the countries most experienced judges and breeders.
The day is set to be both extremely informative and also a date to store for your social calendar.
Anyway . . .
I wanted to also let you know that I have 20 FREE tickets to this event. To claim your FREE ticket all you have to do is bring a cat with you. Oh, did I mention that there will be free refreshments and lunch?
It’s on Sunday 2nd July (10.00 – 15.30) and held at Mappleborough Green Village Hall, Mappleborough Green, Studley B80 7BT – We have a limited amount of tickets and we are already 40% fully booked.
So if this sounds like something you would be interested in –
Check out this page for full details – http://www.siamese-cat-breeder.co.uk/advertise/siamese-cat-seminar/
Look forward to seeing you at the seminar,
Ross Davies
Chairman - Siamese Cat Joint Advisory Committee
Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses Bill introduced for Scotland
Environment Secretary outlines new animal welfare measures.
Please click here to see the press release
STATEMENT OF THANKS TO CLUBS
The loan made to the GCCF by various of its Clubs, BACs and individuals in 2012 reached the end of its term in April 2017.
The board has issued the following statement of thanks to all those that contributed.
Those contributors that have requested repayment of the loan are now being refunded. Letters were issued in April to all those listed on the attached. If you are, or represent, one of those listed and have not received that notification please get in touch with the GCCF Office as soon as possible by the usual methods.
Please click here for the statement.
Korat & Thai Registration Policy - minor changes for approval
Korat & Thai Registration Policy
Rationale for change
Celia Leighton
It is with a great deal of sadness that I have to inform you all that Celia Leighton passed away early last evening. Once more details are available I’ll post on the website, but I need to do this in accordance with the wishes of her husband, Jeremy. Rest in Peace Celia, I’ll miss you.
John Hansson
Herts & Middlesex Cat Club/Coventry & Leicester Cat Club
FOUND PROPERTY - Left behind at Herts & Middx/Cov & Leics Show:
One pair of ladies gold rimmed spectacles in snake skin patterned case
One judges/stewards jacket
Owner wishing to claim them can contact me: Stef Beirne burmarose@btinternet.com Tel 01708 453968
Review of Animal Welfare Act 2006 and potential implications for cat breeding
I have posted statements in the past to give you information about the Cat Welfare Bill introduced to the Lords by Lord Black and about the Government’s review of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. At the time of the last in May 2016 GCCF had just submitted written evidence to the Westminster Select Committee for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs charged with gathering information on which to base future proposals, and was represented in person at the Committee carrying out the same task in Edinburgh for the Scottish Parliament.
I gave a verbal update to GCCF Council last week on development to date and took some questions from delegates on the possible implications for GCCF breeders. I am aware that there has been comment and speculation over the past week on this matter and that people are concerned about what this means for our hobby. In the interest of clarity I am stating here the current known facts.
DEFRA has indicated an intention to review and update the regulations and licensing requirements relating to the breeding and boarding of companion animals, and of specific interest to us are any proposals related to cats (and dogs). In doing this DEFRA has sought advice and proposed models for how this might work. A part of this addresses regulations to cover pet vending from private premises (our homes), as well as reviewing the terms of existing licensing for commercial pet shops and boarding establishments.
At the end of 2016 DEFRA stated it proposed to expand its national group on licensing conditions, comprised of local authority representatives, to give it a broader role as a DEFRA expert panel to assist in the development of the licensing reforms. The RSPCA, Kennel Club, Battersea, Pet Industry Federation, Cats Protection and the British Veterinary Association were invited to assist drafting New Animal Licensing Regulations alongside local authority representatives.
In addition, George Eustice made a statement in the House on 9th January in answer to a parliamentary question. He stated: “As part of the review of animal establishment licensing schemes, the Government is proposing to remove the licensing exceptions in the Pet Animals Act 1951. These exemptions are for those in the business of selling either pedigree animals that have been bred by them or the offspring of an animal that has been kept by them as a pet, for instance, the offspring of their non-pedigree cat. We will be publishing our ‘Next Steps’ document on the proposal shortly.”
We need to await the publication of ‘Next Steps’ to see the detail. No date has been set for its publication as far as I can ascertain. I know work is ongoing on the model licensing conditions, a risk based assessment framework for animal activities licensing, and guidance to accompany the regulations, so there is a way to go yet before any precise information is released.
GCCF was not asked to participate on the licensing panel, nor were many other small organisations, including International Cat Care (formerly FAB). The large charities with their multi-million pound turnovers, giving an ability to run high profile national campaigns, carry far greater clout.
However, there will be consultations deriving from its work which potentially will involve the wider membership of DEFRA’s Canine & Feline Sector Group. GCCF has had membership of this since its organisation, and I have established many useful links with other members, including the Kennel Club, which shares many of the same concerns about licensing regulations. There is no intention to relinquish GCCF’s current position and I will be looking for opportunities to input into the consultative process whenever possible.
As I said in Council I think it’s important that GCCF does not react defensively, or with any form of outrage, to what may be proposed. It’s essential that we are designated as a forward thinking self regulating authority, to establish a recognised position with those drafting the legislation, and limit its impact on breeders who register with us, if at all possible. The link below concerns dogs, but indicates where I believe our path forward could lie. We have to demonstrate we are responsible breeders who do not need to be targeted - (see paragraph immediately after the quote from Battersea). Local Authorities efforts should lie with control of the ‘back-street’ businesses:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tougher-dog-breeding-licence-controls-to-protect-puppies
I shall be discussing this matter with the Board again at our meeting on the 7th March; there is also a meeting of the CFSG later in March. I will give more information as and when it is available.
The "Next Steps" document mentioned above is now available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/588817/animal-licensing-review-next-steps.pdf
Steve Crow GCCF Chairman
Lakeland & District Cat Club
Please note that due to the very sad loss of Sheila Mackereth, who had been the Club Secretary for many, many years, that I have taken on the role of temporary Club Secretary until the AGM. Please send any paperwork or subs to me at 1 Buttery Well Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5LE. Or Email to: angelakendalian@aol.com
Angela Orvis
(angelakendalian@aol.com)
(Mob: 07540468581)
RagaMuffin BAC Notice
It has come to the attention of the RagaMuffin BAC that there has been a certain amount of confusion regarding the permissible eye colour of RagaMuffins being shown. We would like to clarify that ALL eye colour, including odd eyes, is allowed across the breed, including Blue eye colour in the Burmese Pattern & Darker Pointed varieties.
There has been a number of Blue eyed kittens born in recent years even though genetically, this would appear impossible in the Burmese Pattern and Darker Pointed cats. We have no answer for this, except for the fact that we have a number of odd eyed cats within the breed. The lines have been DNA tested and have proved conclusively that the cats are indeed Burmese Pattern and Darker Pointed and do NOT have the Siamese/Himalayan Colourpointed gene.
Therefore, we would like to advise all Judges that examples of the breed shown as Burmese Pattern and Darker Pointed, and who have blue eyes, should not be withheld or marked down especially in Title classes.
The most up to date copy of the Standard of Points which was submitted and agreed in June 2015 when the breed was granted Full Championship Status, is able to be downloaded from the GCCF web site.............''
Christine Powell
Secretary
RagaMuffin BAC
21st February 2017
Standard of Points Template
At the Council meeting on 16th February, I gave a brief explanation of the project to standardise the format of SOPs, and make them usable with illustrations on portab20tablets, smart phones etc. Unfortunately, the technology let us down and it could not be displayed on the screen at Conway Hall, and so I am placing the initial SOP (Persian) HERE so that it can be seen how the standard will be laid out - each breed will use the same layout, but personalise it with their own wording, and any illustrations.
Rosemary Fisher GCCF Director
Supreme Show 2017
The first meeting of the 2017 Supreme Committee took place on Sunday 29th January, it was a very good meeting and we managed to work our way through the whole of a long agenda. The Supreme Show team has shared thoughts and ideas on how to run the show more efficiently and to introduce changes and new features that will hopefully make it more attractive to both exhibitors and visitors.
In the later part of the meeting I asked individual members of the committee to agree to take on the specific lead roles for different aspects of organising and running the show, member were very responsive and we allocated names to all the key tasks listed. The committee felt positive about the event and very willing to work together as a team, but there was a feeling that people out in the wider GCCF cat fancy would want to see a named Supreme Show Manager, consequently the committee asked Lynda Ashmore if she would be willing to take on this role, it also asked John Hansson if he would take on the role of Event Coordinator; both have subsequently agreed to do so.
During the week following this meeting I have confirmed with those concerned that they are all willing to commit to lead on the task(s) allocated to them, I have also asked the GCCF Board to confirm they are content with the appointments to Show Manager and Event Co-ordinator.
The Committee has agreed to formally meet again in April and in August.
Further updates will be posted as and when appropriate.
Steve Crow
GCCF Chairman
BRITISH SHORTHAIR & BRITISH LONGHAIR CLARIFICATION
Now that the Board has recognised the British Longhair, this has given rise to some confusion about how this will work – and how it impacts on the British Shorthair. This note is intended to provide some clarity.
As with all other breeds, when a cat is registered, it is up to the breeder which GEMS code they ask to be assigned to it. The system then works out 2 things :
- Is that genetically possible? If not, the system will not allow it.
- If it passes the first test, then the system locates the relevant Registration Policy based on the GEMS code entered. It uses this to determine on which register the cat should be registered (and any Overstamps etc)
Note – the relevant Policy is for the cat being registered, not the parents. This has always been the case, but that has not been obvious for British Shorthairs until now.
The part that has caused most confusion arises because we now have 2 possible GEMS codes for identical cats – those previously registered as British SH Variants, which can now be registered as British Longhair. Both Registration Policies allow these to be registered. (There is a similar potential issue with a British Longhair Variant and British Shorthair – again identical genetically. However, as the British Shorthair Policy does not register these as British Shorthair, this is completely under the British SH BAC’s control).
This issue is not present in any other breed – in short, for any other cat there is only one possible way to register it.
Although that is the ideal solution for BLH/BSH for the long-term, trying to get there in one step is causing concern – and breeders have pointed out that the Board should not be able to change a BAC’s Registration Policy. However, name recognition confirms a separate breed status, and the future must be planned with that in mind. Rest assured that it was not the intention to disadvantage existing breeding programmes and we have worked to find a way forward that will be appropriate to address current concerns.
The solution we are suggesting is that until January 1st 2018, British SH Variants can continue to be registered as BSH v – if that is the Breeder’s choice. Equally, if the Breeder chooses to register these as British Longhair, that is now a choice available to them. Please note though, that no BSH v registered before 11th January 2017 may be re-registered as BLH. This will then provide an opportunity for the British Shorthair Group Committee to consider its registration policy following the recognition of the British Longhair. It will also allow individual breeders to use DNA testing to select cats for future breeding to avoid longhair completely, if that is what they wish to do.
Because the British Longhair is a new option, not every breeder will be aware of this – and the implications. So we will add an extra step in the process, which allows Heather to double-check any British SH Variant registrations, to ensure that the Breeder intended that. If they would prefer to register as BLH, then this can be changed at the time – and not after certificates have been sent. It also means that those Breeders who do not wish their Variants to be shown can still register them as such.
The downside is that it may cause a slight delay in registrations that include British Shorthair Variants. However, Heather can usually pick these up first thing, and deal with them the same day if the Breeder is contactable.
We hope this provides a good interim solution for both groups.
GCCF Board
Genetic Diseases within the Burmese breed
My name is Jonathan Fortescue, I'm a second year student on the veterinary medicine course at the Royal Veterinary College in London. As part of our course we conduct a Research Project, investigating an area of our interest. Having owned Burmese during my childhood I took an interest into the genetic diseases the breed appears to be predisposed to.
More specifically, my project aims to investigate the rate of incidence of these diseases both within the Burmese breed and also related breeds, compared to other breeds that are unrelated to the Burmese. As such, I've designed a survey and I'm looking to get a large number of responses from a wide variety of cat owners and breeders. Answers regarding any and all breeds would be very useful, not just Burmese. I hope that you can help me with this project.
The link to the survey: https://goo.gl/forms/uRZ0X80AB0N9XF0C2
Registrations & Agria Insurance
System changes have been made and tested with Agria, so that they can now access the data they need about a registration immediately. That means that the second you have registered a cat successfully (ie. with no issues notified to you), you can immediately apply for Agria insurance through the GCCF scheme. Prior to this, there had been a slight lag, as Agria only received a daily update, which we know was causing some inconvenience. That has now gone away, so hopefully this will make things easier for everyone.
Sally Rainbow-Ockwell GCCF Director & IT Project Manager
ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATE FOR OVERALL BEST IN SHOW WINNER
From 01 January 2017 an additional certificate will be given to the exhibitors, pedigree and household pet, for the overall BIS Winner, where offered, as voted for by Council in 2016.
The exhibitor(s) of the overall BIS Pedigree and overall BIS Household Pet Exhibits, where offered, will receive an additional certificate at the level of award they are currently aiming for, or if they have achieved their current level at that show already, they will receive their first certificate for the next level.
The certificate will be issued from the office once the level of entitlement has been established. This will be when the results of the show have been entered and cleared, which is normally between seven and ten days from the date of the show.
The certificate will be issued by post from the office and signed by the office, and annotated to indicate the show at which it has been earned.
Mark Goadby
Office Manager
January 2017
SHOW SHARING OPPORTUNITY
The Wyvern Cat Club is holding their show on Saturday 2nd September 2017 at Perdiswell Leisure Centre, Worcester alongside the Tonkinese Cat Club.
The Tabby Cat Club, Egyptian Mau Cat Club and Selkirk Rex Cat Club is holding their show on Saturday 7th October 2017 at Sports Connexxion, Coventry.
If there are any All Breed or Breed shows who would like to share with us please get in touch with me.
Barbara Prowse
Show Manager
barbaraprowse@hotmail.com
YORKSHIRE COUNTY CAT CLUB AGM
The Yorkshire County Cat Club will reluctantly have to postpone it’s AGM. Members will be contacted as soon as possible once a new date is fixed.
May we take this opportunity to wish all members everywhere the compliments of the season and wish you all life’s very best for 2017.
THE RED POINT & TORTIE POINT SIAMESE CAT CLUB
The Officers and Committee of the RP&TPSCC would like to wish all members, supporters, and their families, a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful 2017.
Club subscriptions are due on the 1st January, but since the club journal was printed, we have had a change of Club Treasurer and subscriptions should now be given to our new Acting Treasurer, Mrs Jenny Jones. Cheques can be sent to Jenny at:
Amyday
Newhouse Lane
Storrington
West Sussex RH20 3HQ
or handed to her or to me at a show. If you would prefer to pay by Standing Order to save having to remember each year, please contact me for details of the bank. Subscriptions are £5 Single or £7 Joint.
Please note that our next show is earlier in 2017 than usual, still at Wendover Memorial Hall, but on Saturday 4th March. Schedules are available online, and have now been sent to members who show regularly, as well as to last year’s exhibitors. They are also available on the usual trade stands at shows until the closing date, which is on 13th February. Please note that we will be unable to take any late entries after this date as we are closing as late as possible to allow for printing times.
Judy Emmens
Secretary, RP&TPSCC
judy.emmens@virgin.net
SUPREME SUPPORT 2016
GCCF would publicly like to thank those clubs & individuals who offered Rosette Sponsorship for GCCF's 40th Supreme Show in October, all of which was very much appreciated, on behalf of GCCF a huge thank you to all.
- The Black & White Cat Club
- Chinchilla Silver Tabby & Smoke Cat Society
- Colourpoint, Rex Coated & AOV Club
- Red Point & Tortie Point Siamese Cat Club
- Yorkshire County Cat Club.
- Wessex Cat Club
- Surrey & Sussex Cat Club
- Turkish Van Cat Club.
- Devon Rex Owners Club
- LaPerm Cat Club
- Oriental Longhair Breed Club
- The Egyptian Mau Cat Club
John Hansson - Vice-Chair
Northern Counties Cat Club - trophies
The Northern Counties Cat Club will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary Championship Show in May 2017. The Club holds a large number of trophies which have been donated over the past 50 years, but the popularity of winning annual trophies seems to have waned and it has been decided to find new homes for our collection. In order to ensure that the trophies will still be enjoyed by members of the Cat Fancy we plan to present them as prizes at our show in May 2017. If anyone who has donated trophies to us over the years would prefer to have them returned, please contact me.
Anne Al-jumaili (e-mail: anne.aljumaili@btinternet.com; tel: 0191 2677802)
Hon. Secretary and Show Manager, Northern Counties Cat Club.
British Shorthair SOP Amendment for Golden Tipped
Amendment to Standard of points.
The Golden Tipped BSH was originally the non-silver version of the British Tipped and was developed as a “rich golden apricot colour, sound to the roots with black/dark brown tipping”.
Since then breeders have developed other colours in the section :- Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Cinnamon, Fawn, Red, Cream and Tortie Golden.
In most cases this has not caused any problems. However the coat colour description of the original Golden (75 BRI ny 12) and the Chocolate Golden (75b BRI by 12) have led to some confusion, particularly for the judges in the section in particular.
The BAC wish to amend the description of the original Golden from :-
Coat Colour – a rich golden apricot colour, sound to the roots with black/dark brown tipping.
to
Coat Colour – warm golden apricot ground colour, sound to the roots with black/dark brown tipping.
and to amend the description of the Chocolate Golden from :-
Coat Colour – rich coppery brown ground colour, sound to the roots with rich chocolate tipping.
to
Coat Colour – warm golden apricot ground colour, sound to the roots with rich chocolate tipping.
The BAC intend to circulate the change with a detailed description and reasoning for doing the alteration to help them when judging at shows.
Ragdoll BAC
At the meeting of the above BAC yesterday (27.11.2016) we found that we still have not managed to obtain a new secretary, so could I ask that all correspondence from judges, PJs, stewards, breeders and exhibitors is sent directly to myself as Chair and I will disseminate to the component clubs or deal with the matter personally, whichever is appropriate?
Ms S Devereux, RBAC Chair
13, Waterloo Road,
Waterloo,
Merseyside;
L22 1RE
Asian BAC Secretary
The Asian BAC is currently looking for a new secretary. The position will require the applicant to have a good basic understanding of the Philosophy & Principles of the Judge Appointment Scheme. You would be expected to be liaise with both candidates & BAC representatives.
Anyone interested or requiring additional information should in the first instance contact John Hansson hansson808@btinternet.com or by telephone, 07818 518936.
GCCF CAT OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
Final list of winners
These awards are made on behalf of GCCF to its members, these members consist of GCCF clubs, such points are only awarded at GCCF Member Club Championship shows. Other shows, even if holding a show licence are not part of GCCF and will not count.
GCCF is an organisation where it is the club that is the member, it would appear that some assumptions have been made in regard to other shows not hosted by a GCCF club. These include both National Pet shows, which though counting towards status for the exhibits concerned DO NOT count in terms of points towards the COTY winners; likewise the Bingley show DOES NOT count in terms of COTY points. These events are NOT GCCF club shows. If these organisations wish to award some special achievement award of their own, that is their decision.
GCCF is the awarding organisation, its own show The GCCF Supreme Show will also NOT COUNT. To be clear NO points will be awarded for Best of Variety wins at the Supreme towards the COTY Award.
Overall COTY winner is a Pedigree Award (Excluding PP)
Points will be awarded as follows:
At all GCCF Member Club Championship Shows ONLY
1 point each Best of Variety Winner/HP/PP
1 additional point for Overall Best of Variety (or Best HP/PP)
1 additional point for Overall Best in Show
Best HP or PP to be awarded an additional Point, to ensure they can accumulate the same number of points.
For back to back shows if there is an Overall Winner 1 additional Point is earned
Pet kitten has been removed, as the majority of shows do not have this.
This means that the maximum points awarded at any single show is 3 points.
The maximum points awarded at a back to back show is 4 points.
I have tried to keep this as concise as possible, to avoid confusion, if anyone thinks more clarity is required in any area please let me know (I can’t clarify further otherwise)
There was discussion earlier in regard to whether the result should be based on all Championship Shows or just a limited number of show wins, but there appears to be no firm consensus on this. If the award is continued in future years this can be considered again.
To reiterate: Please be aware GCCF shows are GCCF Member Club Shows and no others, regardless of licence.
Please! Should anyone think there is anything ambiguous in the above content let me know. If in doubt, ask. Should you be interested in taking on the role of recorder for this competition please let me know, but please be aware your own exhibit/s will be excluded from the Awards.
John Hansson, GCCF Vice-Chairman
GCCFI Registrations
Whilst GCCF will be processing registrations and transfers from now on behalf of GCCFI, forms and payment should go to GCCFI as detailed on the GCCFI website at GCCFI - Registrations
This procedure is as follows:
Applicants should fill in an application form downloadable at http://www.gccfi.com/media/other/16113/RegistrationFormCopyDate15-09-16.pdf
And send the completed form with payment to:
Mrs Caroline Wren, Ballinacourty, Glenroe, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick
Please note: We can’t process Euro payments at the office.
An online GCCFI portal will be available in 2017.
Toyger
Sue Moreland is the acting BAC contact for the Toyger, she can be contacted on:
Tel 01630 638345/07958 304232
Email: tobysdenbengals@hotmail.co.uk
Parliamentary Select Committee charged with updating the Animal Welfare Act
At the Council meeting held on 15th June, the Chairman, Steve Crow, informed Delegates that Dr Moreland, the GCCF’s Veterinary Officer, had made a response to Neil Parish, Chair of the Select Committee, on GCCF’s behalf. The good news is that it has been very well received and will be accepted as evidence and published. Please see the link to Sue Moreland's letter.
13 Day Rule Survey
The results of the survey on the 13 day rule are now available.
There was a very good uptake of 1374 responses.
The largest group at just over 37% wish the rule to apply to the cat but not the household.
This is followed by just under 35% wanting no change.
There are 20% of people asking for the rule to be removed altogether 7% wish to have the rule relaxed after a GCCF show for other organisations only.
In summary there are 65% of people asking for change with 35% wishing no change
http://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-BQCHY6SR
Update re Cat Welfare Bill and Select Committee on Animal Welfare
I had intended to give this update in June when a little more detail may be available, but I understand from colleagues that comments and speculation about the Bill and possible government regulation of cat breeding has been posted on Face Book in the past few days, so I thought it sensible to issue something now.
As I reported in my last post on this topic, Lord Black entered the ballot last May to re-present his Bill, but was low down in the ballot and so it has not proceeded further due to lack of parliamentary time. The Bill’s main aim was to continue to stimulate debate and keep this topic in the public eye, and in this it has had a measure of success.
During the past twelve months I have been working with other members of the Breeding and Sale of Cats (BASOC) working group to address the themes and concerns the Bill targets, i.e. the irresponsible commercial breeding of cats, and sale of cats over the internet for money and to the detriment of the welfare of the cats and kittens concerned. The group has collected data and evidence and produced a draft report in January, which has now been discussed twice at Canine & Feline Sector Group (CFSG) meetings. As a result of these discussions the draft has been amended and the final version was presented again to the CFSG at its meeting last Friday (6th May) and accepted; it was agreed that the report would not be published outside the CFSG, but would be forwarded to the DEFRA as a research document. The report highlights a number of issues to do with the indiscriminate breeding of cats (both non-pedigree and pedigree breeds) and the advertising and sale of the resulting kittens via internet sites; it does not make any recommendations to government, but raises concerns and indicates that further work is needed to fully understand the extent of these concerns and the welfare implications for cats.
While this work has been taking place the Select Committee for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has begun looking into issues concerning pet welfare, beginning by focussing on horses, dogs and cats, among other animals and have invited a number of organisations to give evidence to them, both written and oral. Further details are available at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/environment-food-and-rural-affairs-committee/news-parliament-2015/animal-welfare-domestic-launch-15-16/ The Terms of Reference for this enquiry are to invite submissions on the following issues: ·
- The effectiveness of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 with regard to domestic pets ·
- Regulation surrounding the sale of domestic pets, including online sales and advertising ·
- Enforcement of current animal welfare legislation, including prosecution of offences by the police, local authorities, the RSPCA and others
- Comparative approaches to enforcement in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
The Select Committee has taken evidence today from International Cat Care and Cats Protection concerning cat welfare. I did indicate that GCCF would also be willing to be part of the panel today, but in the end we were not invited to attend at this time. However, GCCF has been invited to give evidence on 3rd June as part of the Scottish Government’s review of pet welfare.
I am awaiting feedback on what took place today and intend to give a further update on this and the Scottish Parliamentary enquiry in due course. I will of course keep you informed of any further developments.
Steve Crow GCCF Chairman
10th May 2016
Learn how to 'think cat' with two new feline behaviour courses
International Cat Care (iCatCare) and its veterinary division the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) are launching two new behaviour courses, one aimed at cat owners and those working with cats in non-veterinary professions, and the other specifically for the veterinary profession.
The aim of the courses is to provide everyone with an interest in cats with a comprehensive understanding of what a cat is (eg, its free-ranging behaviour,
development, learning capacity, emotional complexity, communicative abilities, relationships with us, to name just a few topics) so that they can fully understand the behavioural needs of the species, and utilise such knowledge to develop the practical skills to improve its wellbeing.
The course for cat owners and those living or working with cats in a non-veterinary profession (for example, owners, cat sitters, those running boarding catteries, breeders, those working in homing centres and welfare organisations) is the iCatCare Certificate in Feline Behaviour. This course aims to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills in many areas of feline behaviour to ensure they can develop mutually beneficial relationships with cats, provide the best environment for the cats in their care and meet their behavioural needs. The course also looks at understanding how cats develop problem behaviours, how to prevent them and how best to help when faced with problem behaviour.
The Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour, for vets and vet nurses/technicians, aims to help veterinary professionals reduce feline stress during visits to the veterinary clinic, incorporate behaviour into their welfare assessment of cats and effectively educate their clients on how best to meet their cats' behavioural needs. It also provides an understanding of how cats develop problem behaviours, how to prevent them and how to provide first aid behavioural advice when clients’ cats present with problem behaviour.
Dr Sarah Ellis, iCatCare’s Feline Behaviour Specialist, said: "We are very excited to be able to offer these courses, which have been written by a multi-disciplinary team of recognised experts. Cats are so unique in their behaviour and the more we understand them, the better we can care for them".
Both courses are online-based and modular, and are completed over a two year period. The courses commence this autumn, although expressions of interest can be made now at:
http://icatcare.org/learn/behaviour
GCCF International
The GCCF Business Plan for 2015 shows that we will start looking at the potential for taking GCCF to an International audience. The Board has now agreed that we will start this process and I will be chairing a group to do the initial research (desk-based research – not exotic travel!). We are now looking for a number of suitable people to join this group and start that research. In particular we are looking for people who have the following:
1. Extensive cat breeding contacts in one or more of
- Europe
- Africa
- Asia
- Americas
- Australia/New Zealand
2. Knowledge of other international cat registering bodies and/or show organisations
3. Language skills
4. Time and resources to do phone/e-mail/internet research
The aim is to provide a feasibility report back to the Board for consideration later this year. If you would like to join the group, please send me an e-mail at sally@aspirata.com by Friday 2nd October with some details of what you can bring to the group.
Sally Rainbow-Ockwell Chair – International Review Group