WATCHDOG – Rogue Traders

In response to the item on the Watchdog programme aired on Wednesday 7^th November, Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) can confirm that the person featured in the programme is on our records as owning registered cats. They are all non-Active (registered as pets only, not suitable for breeding) and some were (allegedly) neutered at the time of registration. So it would appear that she may be breeding with non-Active cats which is contrary to our rules and therefore no progeny could ever be registered.

The GCCF recommends that all cats, both pedigree and non-pedigree, should be neutered unless they are registered on the active register and used in an approved breeding programme with appropriate health guards in place and the intention of preserving or improving a recognised breed.

The GCCF is extremely concerned about the deliberate breeding of unregistered kittens from pedigree parents or breed crosses by unregulated breeders who are usually unwilling to obtain cats suitable for breeding and carry out the required health checks and/or DNA tests. Breeders that follow our rules have kittens and keep them in a family group with their mother.  Most who seek financial gain at the expense of good breeding practices prefer to cut corners and ignore welfare.

The GCCF Breeder Scheme allows dedicated, caring and responsible breeders who aim for the highest standards and best practice in feline welfare to sign up to an enhanced Code of Ethics.  Kittens should not leave the breeder until one week after a full course of vaccinations is completed. This ensures they are beyond the very vulnerable kitten stage, will have received vaccination protection and been assessed by a vet on at least two occasions. 

Further information about pedigree cat breeds, and their correct breeding and registration policies, including advice on purchasing and insuring a pedigree kitten can be found on the GCCF website www.gccfcats.org 

BAC WITHDRAWAL

I just want to let you know that I am withdrawing from the Oriental and Siamese list effective immediately.

Barbara Prowse

CENTRAL LONGHAIR, SEMI-LONGHAIR AND ALL BREED CAT CLUB

The deferred AGM will take place at 8.00 pm on Thursday 8th November as a telephone conference call. Agenda papers and details of how to join in the call have been emailed to members today. Any member who has not received the paperwork can do so by emailing the Hon Secretary on keithws@outlook.com

 

Keith Scruton

Hon Secretary

24th October 2018

BAC Review Group Update - Council meeting October 2018

At the October Council meeting, Kate Kaye gave an update report on the work of the BAC Review Group.  Please click HERE to download or read Kate's report.

Email scam being sent to Club Treasurers

An email scam is being sent to GCCF club Treasurers, and usually reads:

Are you available? Would you be able to make a transfer to a Merchant on behalf of the board and get refunded by our treasurer? Get back to me if you can thanks.

The Treasurer details are probably taken from club websites, and purport to come from an Officer or another committee member.  Please always check before making any transfers, and advise to ActionFraud 

 

SUPREME SHOW - closing date extended

We have extended the closing date for entries to the Supreme Show until midnight on Sunday 7th October.

House Move - Mr K Scruton

I have now moved to Gloucestershire and my contact details at the moment while we wait for BT to connect a landline are:

 

Tel: 07425173027

email: keithws@outlook.com 

 

For security reasons relating to the family my address will only be provided if requested by text or email. Show managers of shows at which I have agreed to judge will be notified of my full details separately.

 

Mr K Scruton
September 2018

Supreme Show - STAYING AT THE TRAVEL LODGE?

For those exhibitors and visitors who that may be staying overnight the night before the Supreme at the Travel Lodge Hotel - please note that the car park is now owned by airport parking so unless you book in advance for £8.50 you will be charged by the hour!

RESIGNATION FROM INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE

I have resigned with immediate effect from the GCCF Investigations Committee and will no longer be involved with IC discussions or meetings.

John S Harrison

NOTICE TO EXHIBITORS REGARDING VACCINATION CERTIFICATES

If you fail to produce a current vaccination certificate when vetting in to a show, please note that you must do either of the following:

1.     Send the original vaccination certificate to the GCCF office within 7 days of the date of the show 

2.     Send a scanned copy of the vaccination certificate by email to the GCCF office within 7 days of the date of the show.  Email to info@gccfcats.org

N.B. The scanned copy must show ALL of the following features: 

·         The correct registered name of the cat

·         The owner’s name and full address

·         The date of vaccination, type of vaccine given and Vet’s signature

·         The Veterinary Practice stamp or printed details (these may be on the back page)

Please note that spot checks will be made to verify the details on a scanned copy vaccination certificate.

Supreme Show - MEET THE BREEDS

Please note that information and booking forms have been emailed to the Chair and Secretary of all breed clubs.

White Persian CC - NOTICE OF AGM

This meeting will take place via Confra Phone.   Fully paid up members please note - to join the meeting please send your e mailL to Alaskan7156@gmail.com to obtain the AGM paperwork, and details of the Confraphone dial.

 

"Lucy's Law"

The Government announced yesterday that they plan to introduce legislation (called 'Lucy's Law') to ban the sale of puppies and kittens through a third party agent, this means pet shops or pet dealers.  The detail of this legislation has not yet been published but once introduced it should have no impact on breeders who register with GCCF as they sell the kittens they breed directly to a new owner, and not to a pet shop or animal dealer.  

Reports on the new legislation have also mentioned the fact that licensed dog breeders may or will be asked to quote their license number in adverts placed on-line or elsewhere. This does not apply to most cat breeders as they remain defined as hobby breeders if not operating a commercial cat breeding business and so do not require a licence from the 1st October 2018, when new animal licensing legislation comes into effect. 

Media reports on ‘Lucy’s Law’ have stated that the intention is to ban puppy and kitten farming which is correct, but it should not be forgotten that dog and cat breeding are covered by different rules (schedules) within the new legislation. Once there is further information on the detail of exactly how the new proposal will regulate advertising an update will be given.

Steve Crow - Director

Animal Welfare legislation 2018 - Defra guidelines for local authority inspectors 

http://www.petcare.org.uk/images/Images_2018/AAL/Guidance_notes_for_selling_animals_as_pets.pdf

What is in and out of the scope: Selling animals as pets

2. Schedule1of theAnimalWelfare(LicensingofActivitiesInvolvingAnimals)(England) Regulations 2018 (“the regulations”) defines the licensable activities for each sector. In all cases except dog breeding, the licensable activity is restricted to businesses or those operating on a commercial basis.

Business Test

1. The regulations specify two example business tests to be considered when determining whether an activity is considered commercial, and thus within scope. They are not the exclusive factors to be considered but are examples and other factors, such as those listed in the nine badges of trade set out by HMRC, are also relevant. The regulations include the following on this issue:
2. The circumstances which a local authority must take into account in determining whether an activity is being carried on in the course of a business for the purposes of this Schedule include, for example, whether the operator—

(a) makes any sale by, or otherwise carries on, the activity with a view to making a profit, or

(b) earns any commission or fee from the activity.

1. This guidance is intended to assist inspectors in determining whether or not an activity may be subject to the regulations noting that ultimately there will be an element of judgement required.
2. Set out below are examples of the type of activity that should or should not be considered within the scope of the regulations and the indicators that should be considered when deciding whether a licence is required.
3. Local authority inspectors should take account of all elements of the advice below and weigh them against each other before reaching a decision as to whether an activity falls within scope of the regulations. 

 

Selling animals as pets: Text of the definition in Schedule 1 of the regulations

“2. Selling animals as pets (or with a view to their being later resold as pets) in the course of a business including keeping animals in the course of a business with a view to their being so sold or resold.

In scope criteria

Activities that fulfil one or more of the following criteria are subject to licensing:

Guideline indicators of running a business of selling animals as pets

The following may assist consideration of the criteria listed above:

 

· Advertising through a variety of sites, forums or media could indicate a commercial activity.

Out of scope criteria

Activities that fulfil one or more of the following criteria are not subject to licensing:

Guideline indicators of “out of scope” activities

The following may assist consideration of the criteria listed above:

RAGDOLL RENAL APLASIA/UTERINE HORN ISSUES - RESEARCH

An important message for breeders and pet owners - please download here.

AMYLOIDOSIS RESEARCH

Order your 2019 calendar - all proceeds to research

CAT OF THE YEAR Results 2018

COTY is now officially closed, a list of the section winners is below. This has resulted in some corrections.  Please let me know by the end of the month, your exhibit’s full title & correct spelling. If you don’t the awards will be given with the title obtained to the best of my knowledge up to the 31^st May, you will no longer be able to change this.  If you let me know I will respond, if you don’t hear, you may assume I have not received the information.  You should only contact me if you are the owner of one of the exhibits. 

Please advise if you wish to attend the Dinner to receive your award in person, the cost of the Dinner will be £30.00 per head.  Details of the venue & menu will be sent upon request. 

Best Persian Adult & Section Winner (33)

UK OLYS IMP GR CH  RIASCATZ DANDY LION. 

Best Persian Kitten  (9)

CULLYKHAN BELLINI

Best Persian Neuter(18)

IMP GR CH & SUPREME UK OLYG IMP GR PR CULLYKHAN VIVALDI

Best SLH Adult   (12)

IMP GR CH MUSRAFY MIKOYAN

Best SLH Kitten (5)

LACHMERE GYMMY OFNAMRIB

Best SLH Neuter & Section Winner (14)

UK OLYG IMP GR PR KASSARO CISCO KID

 

Best British Adult (7)

REVODNA RIO GRANDE

Best British  Kitten (4)

MEWSOS DUSTY SPRINGFIELD

Best British Neuter & Section Winner (19)

OLYS IMP GR PR XZIBIT HIGH VOLTAGE   

Best Foreign Adult  & Section Winner(12)

IMP GR CH LINCOZO JAVIER FERNANDEZ 

Best Foreign Kitten Joint  (5)

CH DUSHENKA VIOLA HEARTEASE

MEMPHIS ANAHEL

Best Foreign Neuter (10)

IMP GR PR TYPHAST KIMI OF ZIGGIAN

 

Best Burmese Adult  (10)

IMP GR CH AUREUS FIRECRACKER  

Best Burmese Kitten (7)

FANDANGO WILLO’THE’WISP

Best Burmese Neuter & Section Winner  (12)

IMP GR PR KAKORAM KINTARRO 

 

Best Oriental Adult  (15) Combined Total (29)

SUP CH ATHELSTAN SAUVAGE.  

Best Oriental Kitten

SUP CH ATHELSTAN SAUVAGE (14)       

Best Oriental Neuter & Section Leader

IMP GR PR PIPPASTRO I HAVE CINNED  (33 )

 

Best Siamese Adult & Section Winner   (19)

IMP GR CH PASHTAN VAVAVOOM 

Best Siamese Kitten (6)

SISAR FRANKEL

Best Siamese Neuter (16)

IMP GR PR WHALLEYBUSH STARGAYSER

 

Best Household Pet & Section Winner (21)

BUBBLE SPICE

Best Pedigree Pet (17)

SYDNEY

 

Best Overall Adult Winner 2017-18

UK OLYS IMP GR CH  RIASCATZ DANDY LION

Best Overall Kitten Winner 2017-18

ATHELSTAN SAUVAGE

Best Overall Neuter Winner .  2017-18

IMP GR PR PIPPASTRO I HAVE CINNED. 

 

COTY EXHIBIT (Joint) 2018.  (both on 33 points)

UK OLYS IMP GR CH  RIASCATZ DANDY LION. 

IMP GR PR PIPPASTRO I HAVE CINNED. 

If you have query, you should contact me directly by e-mail, my address is;  hansson808@btinternet.com,

You have until the end of August to confirm your exhibit’s status as at the 31^st May 2018, subsequent titles may NOT, be added anything received after that date will be too late to amend.  During August the confirmed results will appear on the GCCF website after that time no further adjustments will now  be made with the exception spelling or the amendment of title   Please do this as early as possible.

Congratulations to all contenders, some have been very closely contested, particularly the Persian & Oriental sections, this year for the 1^st time we have the same exhibit as both a Kitten & Adult Winner in its section & the Overall Kitten winner, the same exhibit was also 2017 Supreme Adult.  Quite a haul in one year.    

Good to see some of the same exhibits still feature from last year. 

 

 

AMYLOIDOSIS

At the OCA show Dr Emi Barker held a talk on the Amyloidosis disease and research programme. Here are the links to both the talk and the Q&A. 

Amendments to SOPs and Registration Policies     Notice date 19 July 2018

The following amendments were agreed at the GCCF Board of Directors meeting on 18 July, and are placed here for any comments, queries or objections for 28 days (ends 16 August 2018), after which they will be implemented:

Ragdoll SOP 

Persian Registration Policy (PKD protocol)

Australian Mist Registration Policy

WARNING

We have been made aware of a letter being sent to a breeder, purporting to be on GCCF headed notepaper and sent from the office.  This letter indicates that the breeder will receive a visit from a GCCF representative.  This was NOT sent from the GCCF.  Anyone receiving a letter indicating that they should expect a visit must not admit anyone who says they represent GCCF.  If you have any concerns you should contact your local Police

SIAMESE CAT SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND

In order to rectify this situation the committee have asked that we facilitate a plan to try to get a Special General Meeting at the Scotia Cat Fanciers show on July 14th

We ask attending members if they would agree to a postal or email vote and ask them to sign against their name. The allocated paperwork will be at Dee Carrick's Welfare Fund Raising Table. This means that we would be sure to get quorate even if everyone would not be able to attend our AGM on the day.

I look forward to seeing you on the 14th

Best wishes

Pina Bruno Grieve

Acting Secretary

 

BURMESE BAC

The Burmese BAC has a vacancy for secretary, as from September 9^th 2018. The following are the relevant paragraphs from the Philosophy and Principles of the Burmese BAC:

The Secretary, who shall not be a Club representative, shall be elected annually. He/She shall not have a right to vote. The Secretary shall be responsible for the administration of the BAC and shall, in consultation with the Chairman, be responsible for convening meetings. The Secretary shall provide the GCCF Office with a list of the names and addresses of the BAC officers immediately after each electoral meeting and shall inform the GCCF Office of any changes to this list.

The Secretary must have "presence", sound knowledge of the Cat Fancy, the GCCF and its Rules and Procedures, and should be familiar with the show world and have a reputation for principle and impartiality. They need not be members of any constituent Clubs nor need they have any direct connection with the BAC breeds.

This BAC is quite busy and full and detailed minutes and letters to candidates are expected after each meeting. The Committee is made up of representatives from the Burmese Cat Club, the Burmese Cat Society and the Burmese Cat Association. The meetings are held in the Tamworth area at present, three times a year, in January, June and September.

Treasurer also required. Need not attend meetings. The Treasurer shall be elected annually and may be a Club representative, in which case he/she shall have a vote. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of fees from constituent Clubs and for the payment of expenses incurred and shall submit the required accounts annually to GCCF before 1st May each year. Applications in writing to the Hon Secretary as above before 12^thAugust 2018.

Please email Penny Akehurst on chiaroburmese@sky.com if interested before 12^th August 2018.

CAT OF THE YEAR AWARDS

These are the interim COTY results, these will not be confirmed nor finalized till all scores have been verified & to give an opportunity to anyone who thinks they should have different score to query these results.

RESULTS

If you have query, you should contact me directly by e-mail, my address is;

hansson808@btinternet.com,

You have until the end of July to make any query, anything received after that date will be too late to amend, you should supply details relating to your query, including the shows concerned & points you believe you may have won. Only corrections which would alter the placing need be submitted though those listed may, if they think their score is adrift may wish their total amended.   During August the confirmed results will appear on the GCCF website after that time no further adjustments will be made.  Please do this as early as possible.

Congratulations to all contenders, some have been very closely contested, particularly the Persian & Oriental sections, this year for the 1^st time we have the same exhibit as both a Kitten & Adult Winner in its section & the Overall Kitten winner, the same exhibit was also 2017 Supreme Adult.  Quite a haul in one year.    

Please do not request other information unless it is going to impact on the overall scores.  You may if you wish copy this information on other sites.

Please let me know the correct spelling & full title of your exhibit if it is one of those listed.

John Hansson

Update on Licensing of Cat Breeders

 

Please see my previous postings on this Noticeboard for the full background on this topic. 

 

Since my last update in October 2017, work has continued to write the guidance that will be necessary for interpreting each of the five schedules contained within the Statutory Instrument drafted to amend the Animal Welfare Act 2006.  To remind everyone there are five schedules covering: The Boarding of Cats & Dogs; Dog Breeding; Pet Vending; Hiring out of Horse; and Exhibiting Animals.  The licensing of cat breeding will be operated under the Schedule 3: Pet Vending. 

 

This guidance will be available to inform licensees of the requirements under each schedule and will also guide local authority Environmental Health Inspectors in interpreting and applying the requirements of the legislation when inspecting licensed premises.  I have been a member of the working group developing the guidance for the Pet Vending schedule.

 

“The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018” (www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2018/9780111165485) has now completed its journey through both the House of Commons and House of Lords without amendment.  Lord Gardiner, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and Biodiversity, confirmed to members of the Canine & Feline Sector Group on 1^st May that licensing will be enacted from 1^st October 2018.  Between now and then, training will be organised and delivered to Environmental Health Inspectors in England.  The legislation will not apply in Scotland, but the Welsh Assembly have developed legislation similar to that in England. 

 

As I have reported before, the key factor in determining who is in scope to be licensed is whether the person is breeding cats with the intention of making a profit.  This will be the crucial factor in establishing that a breeder is operating commercially ie. as a business.  Any breeder who believes the licensing will apply to their circumstances should contact their local authority with a view to apply for a license from October this year.

   

My reading of the new legislation would indicate that the large majority of cat breeders registering with GCCF will be out of scope and will not require a licence.  However, it is the responsibility of each breeder to check their own situation and to act accordingly.  If you are breeding very regularly and in sufficient numbers to make a profit, you are likely to be considered to be a commercial pet vendor, in which case you will need to apply for a license. 

I urge breeders to keep financial records so as to be able to demonstrate, when necessary, both to their local authority and to HMRC that they are not making an profit and do not require a pet vending license.

 

Steve Crow

14^th May 2018

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

I have seen some very unpleasant comments on FB regarding a few minor errors  at the office, in view of which I thought it prudent to make this statement, this is a personal message, it is NOT endorsed by the Board.    

I have no doubt some members of the Board may take exception to this statement, however some things need to be said & I feel my first duty as Chairman is to support our staff, hence the need for this statement on the current staffing at the office.

We would normally have:

• Office Manager
• 4 full time staff & 3 part time 

The current situation is:

• Acting Office Manager
• 2 full time staff ( 1 off sick) (part time 3 off sick, 1 long term)    

This means that staff levels are currently seriously depleted.With the current staffing levels at: 

• Acting Office Manager, 50% at Full time  0% Part time staff    

All things considered with staffing, some errors are bound to happen, so please try to be a little tolerant to avoid further undue pressure & refrain from adverse comment on those staff, who are currently working extremely hard to keep things running as smoothly as possible.     

We are trying very hard to cover all aspects, it is incredibly difficult as well as causing additional stress to the remaining staff as such it would be greatly appreciated if you could support those working & doing their very best to work through the current situation.

I would like to thank certain members of the Fancy for their support at the office during this very difficult time, I won’t mention names but those concerned know who they are.     

John H Hansson   Chairman

Mark Goadby   

After nearly 8 years as Office Manager, Mark is moving on from his role by mutual agreement.  We thank him for his contribution to the organisation and wish him well for the future.   

John H Hansson (Chair GCCF)

Korat Registration Policy

Please note the following proposed change to the Korat &Thai Registration Policy:

Inclusion of GCCF rules to allow progeny of Korats from Thailand.  To be assessed in exhibition with critique classes and moved from reference to supplementary registration if agreed as a having a satisfactory breed phenotype by 3 FJs.

Rationale:   To support breeders who import from Thailand 

Objections: By 6 April 2018