MRS A LYALL

Please note my email address is now alison@lyall.uk

BRITISH SHORTHAIR REGISTRATION POLICY AMENDMENT

The British Shorthair Group Committee has made an adjustment to its registration policy and the Board has agreed it should be on the website for a fast track approval. There are a number of patterns and colours concerned (as listed), but a single principle. This to ensure that all progeny from BSH x BSH can be registered as BSH, as per the rationale and examples given. Would any delegate who wishes to make a query or objection do so within the next 28 days.

Please click here for the link to the proposal document.

THE FEDERATION OF GCCF SHOW MANAGERS

Our aim and objects are to promote the role of Show Managers, maintain a high standard of GCCF Show Management training and to offer advice and guidance and to share information with Show Managers and their teams. 

Membership of the Federation is open to any person who is a GCCF Show Manager, Assistant Show Manager (either qualified or in training), Section Managers and table workers wanting to become Assistants. Membership is also open to any person interested in the management and running of Shows, e.g. stall holders and hall managers, or anyone interested in pursuing such a role in the future.

If you would like to join, please fill in the form and send with payment to the Federation Secretary, Mrs Barbara McEwen, at the address on the form.  Download the form HERE.

CAT OF THE YEAR RESULTS (Final)

Please download the final results.  They may be subject to change once show results are verified.  Please feel free to share.

John Hansson
7th July 2019

FIP RESEARCH

Petra Cerna works at the The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies - please see the post below:

As most of you know, I am very much involved in FIP research and I am very happy to let everyone know about our new website http://fip-research.org and I have a big favour to ask from all of you. We are looking for blood samples from pedigree cats that have been diagnosed with FIP and their both healthy and other FIP siblings as well as their mother and father. 
We are also looking for blood samples from these breeds: Sacred Birmans, Bengals, British Shorthair and Longhair, Sphynx, Siamese/Oriental, Burmese and Russian Blue cats.
Could you please send me a message (via her Facebook page) if you can help me? Thank you very much.

Any breeders are also very welcome to join our FIP research group for breeders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984834335133226/

Council Meeting 19 June 2019

Jen Lacey's report on the 19 June Council meeting is now available on this website - please click on this link to go to the relevant page.

Breeder Scheme Review - Meeting Report - Jen Lacey

The GCCF Genetics Committee hosted a meeting within a meeting on 12 March as it was thought important to review the GCCF Breeder Scheme. This has been in operation for over five year years now with over 200 members. Time to pause and reflect on what was working well and where improvements could be made. Thank you to all of you who sent comments and ideas and to four guests with special expertise who came along to contribute (Prof Kym Jarvis (UKAS), Esther Williams (retired Animal Health Officer), Dr Sue Moreland (GCCF Veterinary Officer) and Sarah White (Agria). We missed Julia Oughtibridge (BS originator), but she had circulated her observations.

What was suggested?

To put it bluntly: inspection, inspection, inspection. Nearly everyone who responded made this a priority. Most who gave a reason said it would raise standards, and earn the BS more respect from the kitten buying public. There were several mentions of the Kennel Club’s Breeder Accreditation Scheme and a fair summary of the feedback would be that a move was wanted for the GCCF’s BS to be more like it.

Another request was for the website to be improved. Again the KC was mentioned as good, as was ‘Love Burmese’.

The Google map wasn’t much liked, and the method of searching for a specific breed needed improvement. Also, it was thought that the feedback that went into the Office from buyers should go back to the breeders in some form.

The Discussion

Most time was given to considering:-

·          Setting standards - as breeders would need to know what was expected of them (the requirements of the Animal

·          Welfare Act enhanced)

·          Ensuring that any inspection was objective - measured against the standards set

·          The inspectors - qualification, experience and training

·          Funding and administration.

It was concluded that the sudden imposition of inspection, and the cost of it, could deter existing scheme members and it was therefore preferable to extend and develop the BS, building on what already existed, rather than make it less attractive. Therefore, aspirational levels were proposed (bronze, silver, gold) with bronze being the current scheme (with minor Code of Ethics adjustments) and inspection at the point of transition to higher levels.

It was noted that when cattery inspections were required by other organisations for a voluntary scheme the inspection was carried out by the breeder’s vet, arranged and paid for by the breeder. This had to be a possibility, but would not necessarily be independent and would probably be expensive. It was thought the best idea would be to have suitably qualified people who would not be employed by GCCF, but participate on request for the cost of their time plus travelling expenses. It would then be possible to hold an occasional training seminar to ensure consistency in applying the standards. The breeder undergoing inspection would be expected to contribute, but there would also be financial support from GCCF.

In addition to inspection (of the cats, the cattery environment and cattery records) it was thought essential that these breeders aiming to be proved exceptional should be able to demonstrate knowledge of breeding & kitten care, welfare & hygiene for cattery management, genetics and GCCF requirements. Learning could be inserted into the BS at the appropriate levels and demonstrated via online tests. A knowledge of showing was thought essential as the BS was for hobby breeders, and those breeding commercially should be licensed by their local authority. It was also concluded breeders at the higher levels should be checked on the information they were providing to buyers, particularly in respect of the mentoring planned for any kittens sold with ‘active’ status. They would be ensuring transfer of ownership as well.

Recommendations & actions

It was considered essential that the Board should establish a new group to be responsible for the management and further development of the Breeder Scheme and that would be proposed.

Its remit would be to work on the the Scheme’s development as outlined. It could also be responsible for scrutinising new applications, and monitoring and passing on feedback, as well as considering new ideas. Some of GC would be members, but it was expected to draw on a wider pool of interest and talents.

In the short term GC members would undertake:

·          An appraisal of the website,

·          Preparation of a leaflet about the responsibility of breeding for new owners registering a cat active for the first time

·          A review the current Code of Ethics to update it

·          Some adaptation of existing inspection criteria (of other authorities) in preparation for further GCCF discussion.

It was an extremely interesting morning with plenty of scope for doing a lot more. Any comments would of course be welcome.

IC/DC Elections Announcement

Please click here for the announcement

Nominations 

Disciplinary Committee

• Mrs B Prowse
  
• Ms H Crea
• Mrs M Bryant

Investigation Committee

• Steven Abrahams
• Gavin Eyres
• Ms H Crea
• Mr J Harrison

POLITE NOTICE TO SHOW MANAGERS

Please note, can those show managers who are currently managing a breed show, that may contain more than just the breed the club represents, please be aware I am unable to allocate section points for the show, to indicate the points for COTY, unless the overall Adult/Kitten and Neuter are identified. 

This does not mean that yet another Rosette has to be awarded merely that the overall at each level needs to be identified and the information posted along with the Best of each breed. In the normal way, failure to do so may result in loss of points for some exhibits. 

This usually involves breed shows where dispensation has been requested for additional breeds to be allowed to make the show more successful.  Some examples are Siamese Breed Shows where Orientals also compete and have a separate BOV variety (though in the same section) it also applies to the REX shows where a BOV is restricted to the breed, also Persian shows where a BOV Exotic is also awarded.  If at an ALL Breed Show they would be in the same section, I only need to know who was best Overall Adult/Kitten and Neuter for points allocation.  

Many thanks for your co-operation on this. 

John H Hansson
14th April 2019

IC/DC Elections Announcement

Please click here for the announcement

Nominations 

Disciplinary Committee

• Mrs B Prowse

GCCF Strategic & Business Plan 2019

Please click on this link to view the plan.

UNITED CHINCHILLA ASSOCIATION

Regrettably we had to cancel our show earlier in the year for lack of entries.

We now have a new date, 9^th November 2019, sharing the venue in Hartlebury, Kidderminster DY11 7TQ, with the Blue Persian Cat Society.

Both shows have the full range of colours and patterns in Section 1 and we will also be splitting the Grand classes for both Persians and Exotics by pattern, so book the date in your diaries and join us for a feast of Section 1 cats.

Schedules will be available in due course.

Grace Wylde and Keith Scruton
Joint Show Managers

 

28th March 2019

Siamese Cat Society of Scotland

We are in the process of updating our membership list and if you think you are a member but have not heard from us for a while please contact our Membership Secretary Mrs Linda Watson using the details below

Linda Watson
44 Leven Road, 
Kennoway,
Fife, KY8 5HZ

Tel: 01333 278442
Mobile: 07582 030370
Email: avondhurpugs@hotmail.co.uk

SUPREME SHOW 2019

The date of this year's Supreme Show is Saturday 26th October.  The venue will be the NEC, Birmingham.  Following yesterday's Board Meeting, Mrs Lynda Ashmore has been appointed Supreme Show Manager.  Further updates will be posted as preparations progress.

GCCF Breeder Scheme  - a consultation

 

A meeting will be held on Tuesday 12 March in London to discuss the GCCF Breeder Scheme. It’s time to consider revision and enhancements and the Board has received some ideas over the past year. Anyone who wants to is invited to contribute.

 

1. Are you a breeder? What more can the Breeder Scheme do for you?

2. Did you buy from a Breeder Scheme member? Were you satisfied or did you complain? If you had a complaint were you satisfied with the outcome?

3. Do you think the Scheme should be more rigorous in its checking procedures? Should breeders be asked more about their cattery and/or be willing to accept inspection?

4. Would you like a chance to learn or prove what you know about breeding before becoming a member?

5. How can GCCF get a better message out to kitten buyers to help them choose a responsible breeder? What website improvements would you like?

These are just some starters to get you thinking. You can answer some or all of the questions, or just throw in some ideas of your own. Please send to info@gccfcats .org and put Breeder Scheme as the subject to make sure it gets passed on.

Burmese Cat Club

The Burmese Cat Club AGM will be held on Saturday the 11th May at the Bermondsey Village Hall, Kirby Grove, London SE1 3TD. Nominations for Committee and GCCF delegates should be made on the form below to be received by the club secretary by 31st January 2019.

Nominations Form

30th December 2018

Turkish Van Cat Club

The Turkish Van Cat Club extends a very warm welcome to Lord Lloyd Webber, who has very kindly agreed to accept the honorary role of President.   Lord Lloyd Webber is better known to most of you as Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of West End musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock and of course Cats, which is about to be made into a movie.  Lord Lloyd Webber is himself an owner of Turkish Van cats, and his love of the breed is demonstrated by this association with the Club.

Steve Lloyd
TVCC Hon. Sec
December 2018

Notice to Exhibitors

Exhibitors Please Note:

You are advised that early removal without the consent  of the Show Manager may lead to disqualification and a Fixed Penalty.

Just because Best in Show has been completed does NOT mean the show has closed.

The show does Not close until announced by the Show Manager 

December 2018

Burmese BAC

Please note the details of the Burmese BAC Secretary. Miss Margaret Lynch. email: burmesebac@gmail.com. My address is: 44 Talbot Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6TB.

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

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 

 

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.

"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:

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. 

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

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