Hi guys,

We would love to invite all our members and their family and friends along with your doggy pals to our Christmas Break up Fun Day at Dogs Victoria Big Day Out for Dogs and Doggy Christmas Market, on Sunday 11th December from 10:30am to 12:30pm

For more information just click here to view our fabulous flyer

We hope to see you guys there!!!

!

DOGS Victoria Member Update
Much has happened since the last update, but the good news is that, at this stage, we understand that the Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Farm and Pet Shops) Bill 2016 (the Bill) is unlikely to be proceed this year. We believe that decision to not push the Bill through in the last few weeks that Parliament is sitting is due in part to our strong campaign and the activism of DOGS Victoria members. 
The Parliamentary Review which we successfully lobbied for has also been instrumental in highlighting the many problems with the Bill, with the broad consensus from the majority of witnesses being that the Bill would not achieve its aims, be impossible to administer and overly burdensome on both Councils and breeders.
We have also had positive comments from many MPs commending us on a well-run and strategic campaign, which has seen great media interest from print, radio and television. A recent photo op with a number of service, assistance and working dogs on the steps of Parliament house saw a large contingent of media attend. The upper house parliamentarians Jeff Bourman and Daniel Young (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party) also attended the event and spent some time speaking with DOGS Victoria members over the impact of the Bill.
We have met with a number of upper house parliamentarians and will continue to actively lobby. While the response to our efforts has been very positive, the reality is that we are likely to face a drawn out Parliamentary process, so we need to maintain our momentum and keep up the political pressure through the DOGS Victoria campaign and our lobbying efforts.
Letter from the Minister

Following the Parliamentary Hearings on the 15th November, the Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford wrote to DOGS Victoria to advise us that the Government was putting forward a number of changes to the proposed Bill due to the concerns raised by DOGS Victoria and other stakeholders.

These are:

– to create a new ‘recreational breeder’ category,

– to provide an additional 12 months in order to register and become compliant with the Code of Practice for the Operation of Breeding and Rearing Businesses 2014 (the Code) and

– to clarify local planning requirements.
However, these changes do not address our underlying concerns with the Bill. The Minister also made it clear that she would not allow DOGS Victoria to retain its Applicable Organisation exemptions for the purposes of Breeding. 
DOGS Victoria is in the process of formally responding to the Minister’s letter, stating that while we support the intent of the Bill and appreciate the Government consulting with us, we do not believe these amendments will sufficiently address our very real concerns. 
We have also made a supplementary submission to the Inquiry into the Bill stating that the Government’s subsequent amendments do not alter our recommendations to the Committee. 

 

The Parliamentary Review 

The transcripts from the Parliamentary Committee Review of the Bill are available at this link. Feedback so far has been that the Committee was impressed by DOGS Victoria’s evidence and that of other organisations such as the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and Australian Veterinary Association (AVA). The Committee will table their report on the 6th December 2016 in Parliament. They will most likely have a majority report and minority (dissenting) report. However, the evidence from the Hearings and majority report recommendations by the Committee will no doubt serve to assist the independent MPs in their deliberations of the Bill.

 

Where to From Here

It is very important that we maintain the pressure and spread the message on why the Bill will have such a detrimental impact on DOGS Victoria members. While many DOGS Victoria members have spoken to their local council and parliament members already, we need to continue talking to these people and really highlight that the Government’s proposed amendments still do not address the fundamental problems with the Bill
DOGS Victoria has produced a position paper to help us in briefing MPs and other stakeholders about our concerns with the Bill. A copy of that is found here for DOGS Victoria members’ information and to assist when speaking to your local member of parliament and elected council officers. It also has some fast facts and figures from the recent survey of DOGS Victoria members which may also be of interest.
A few people have asked about DOGS Victoria organising a protest rally. The answer to this is that we do not support a broad scale protest at this point in time. We are generating excellent interest with our current messaging and campaign strategy, and to hold a protest rally now would actually undermine what we have achieved and give those who support the Bill a platform to oppose us. However, there will be events held next year to champion our message in a positive way, so stay tuned for announcements closer to the dates.
While the intentions of this Bill are to be commended, in practice we strongly believe it will not succeed. We need time to consult and find a workable system that will achieve the end goals, while ensuring that best practice in breeding, raising and finding suitable homes for well-bred dogs and cats, are maintained. We are more than willing to work with government at both local and state levels in finding a solution that sees the intent of the Bill realised. However, we cannot, in the meantime, support this deeply flawed legislation, which will have an impact on DOGS Victoria members. 

 For more information regarding DOGS Victoria’s campaign please go to 

http://www.purebreddogs.org.au

http://www.dogsvictoria.org.au

A Letter From DOGS Victoria President, Mr Wayne Fleming

Dear Members Now that our presentation to the parliamentary inquiry is over I want to say thanks to my two colleagues Terri McDonald and Sylvia Power, two super stars. Words fail me, I can only say thank you, which does not seem enough, but thank you on behalf of myself, Management Committee, and all of our 10,000 members. To go to the inquiry with 100’s of text messages, Facebook messages, phone calls, emails, from members all wishing us well was overwhelming, but gives you the strength to do things which are outside your comfort zone. Further I want to say thanks to Sarah Ewenson and her team, the people behind our publicity campaign. What a magnificent job they are doing. And of course to all our wonderful members who have got behind the campaign and flooded all of Victoria with our the important messages. I don’t know what you t tggggggwaav The new message is, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, our fight has only just begun. With regards, Wayne Fleming President, Dogs Victoria

 

DOGS Victoria Members – LATEST UPDATE FROM HEARING Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Farm and Pet Shops) Bill 2016  Jaala Pulford has told the inquiry that she will reintroduce the Bill next week with some amendments. Therefore, It’s critical we contact these Upper House members before the 22 November, to stress  that the lack of consultation is why this Bill is unworkable and reintroducing it a week later with minimal consultation still will not fix the core issues, we support the intent of the Bill and want to get it right!

A Letter From DOGS Victoria President, Mr Wayne Fleming
Dear Members,
I wanted to take a moment to write to you to provide an update on some of the latest developments on the Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Farm and Pet Shops) Bill 2016.
DOGS Victoria have been in several high level negotiations, the latest of those meetings on 8th November 2016, where DOGS Victoria were verbally advised by the Minister’s office that the Government was considering a number of changes to the Bill in response to concerns raised by DOGS Victoria and other stakeholders.
DOGS Victoria representatives were informed that instead of DABs, the changes would see all breeders be required to obtain a breeding permit, which will be made available through the local Councils. DOGS Victoria was informed that the Planning Minister would be consulted with a view to putting out Planning Guidelines that would “encourage” councils to grant “Recreational Breeder Permits” to people that had existing rights, i.e. people that had already been breeding without incident in any particular property. However, how ‘existing use’ will be defined, and what will happen to new breeders, is not clear.
Leaving aside the fact that the guidelines for Councils on how to administer the breeding permits are not written as yet, and will be linked to a central database, which has not yet been designed, our information is that breeders with permits will need to adhere to the Code that applies to DABs (or similar), noting this is being reviewed by the Department, albeit without stakeholder consultation and as such we are not aware of what it will contain.
As the permit framework will still be issued and managed by Councils, our concerns regarding transparency, consistency and equity in the approach taken by Councils in granting and management of the breeding permits remain.
While we have been told there are plans for the Code to be revised there is no information as yet on what the changes may be. Importantly, nothing has yet been tabled and, in terms of the parliamentary process, the current Bill is unchanged.
We will update DOGS Victoria members as soon as we are made aware of any developments, but both the current Bill and the proposed changes are addressed in DOGS Victoria’s submission to the Parliamentary Review of the Bill scheduled for 15 November 2016.
I want to extend my personal thanks to each and every DOGS Victoria member who has been active in raising awareness of this Bill. This show of public strength continues to put pressure on the government, and DOGS Victoria will continue to negotiate for a framework that will safeguard the future of pedigree dogs.
With regards,
Wayne Fleming

Webmasters note:

We also want to share with you guys the link to the Purebred Dogs website where you can cast your vote and your voice to the fight to keep our awesome dogs and lovely puppies in the home 

http://purebreddogs.org.au/

GSCV 39th Championship Show
Judge: Ms Judy Harrington (USA)
Dogs

Veteran 2 entered
1st: Aust Sup Ch. Deveron Easier Said Than Done – Dr L Beer and M Norton

2nd: Aust Ch. Tahtan North By Northwest – Finlaison/Hunt

Puppy 2 entered
1st: Kemsley A Wish Come True – Mrs S M Natoli

2nd: Kemsley Make A Wish – R J Govan & S M Govan

Junior 1 entered
1st: Aust Ch. Triseter Celtic Troy – A Martin & E Joseph

Intermediate 2 entered
1st: Aust Ch. Triseter Celtic Seal – Triseter Kennels

2nd: Aust Ch. Kemsley Dare To Dream – N Collins

Australian Bred 2 entered
1st: Aust Ch. Kentigern Dark Clansman ET – E Slabon & S Slabon

2nd: Aust Ch. Drumdaroch Sky Of Dreams – Dr L Beer & M Norton

Open 4 entered
1st: Aust Ch. Brodruggan To My Surprise – E Weston

2nd: Aust Sup Ch. Deveron Amazingly Easy – Dr L Beer, M Norton & M Briggs

3rd: Aust/NZ Ch. Azzaro Knight Rider (imp NZ) – Triseter Kennels

DCC: Aust Ch. Triseter Celtic Seal
RuDCC: Aust Ch. Triseter Celtic Troy

Bitches
Puppy 1 entered
1st: Kemsley Wish Upon A Star – S M Natoli

Junior 2 entered
1st: Latchmere Long Hot Summer – P C Nicol & D H Jones

2nd: Triseter Celtic Tilda – Z Meyn & E Joseph

Australian Bred 2 entered
1st: Aust Ch. Clanset Storm In A Teacup – M MacCormick

2nd: Aust Ch. Kemsley Dreams Come True – S M Natoli

Open 3 entered
1st: Aust Ch. Triseter Celtic Quest – Triseter Kennels

2nd: Aust Ch. Tahtan An Affair To Remember – Finlaison/Hunt

3rd Aust Ch. Latchmere Seven Pines – P C Nicol & D H Jones

BCC: Aust Ch. Triseter Celtic Quest
RuBCC: Aust Ch. Tahtan An Affair To Remember

Open Neuter bitch 1 entered
1st:Aust Ch. & Neut Ch. Triseter Celtic Lakota – N Collins

Best in Show: Aust Ch. Triseter Celtic Seal
Runner up Best in Show: Aust Ch. Triseter Celtic Troy

Best Opposite in Show: Aust Ch. Triseter Celtic Quest

Best Neuter in Show: Aust Ch. & Neut Ch. Triseter Celtic Lakona

Best Veteran in Show: Aust Sup Ch. Deveron Easier Said Than Done

Best Puppy in Show: Kemsley A Wish Come True
Best Opp Puppy in Show: Kemsley Wish Upon A Star

Best Junior in Show: Aust Ch. Triseter Celtic Troy
Best Opp Junior in Show: Latchmere Long Hot Summer

Best Intermediate in Show: Aust Ch. Triseter Celtic Seal

Best Australian Bred in Show: Aust Ch. Kentigern Dark Clansman ET
Best Opp Australian Bred in Show: Aust Ch. Clanset Storm In A Teacup

Best Open in Show: Aust Ch. Brodruggan To My Surprise
Best Opp Open in Show: Aust Ch. Triseter Celtic Quest

Congratulations to all of today’s winners!!

Photos can be found under 2016 Events/Activities and then in GSCV 39th Championship Show. You can also find all results and annotated photos on our Facebook page here.

DOGS VICTORIA CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW DOMESTIC ANIMALS AMENDMENT BILL

DOGS Victoria, the peak body representing almost ten thousand owners and breeders of purebred dogs in Victoria, shares the concerns of the Victorian Government, the RSPCA, vets and the community over the operation of unethical, so called ‘puppy farms’ and unregistered, backyard breeders.

We are keen to work with Government and sector bodies in establishing a transparent regulatory framework that meets both community expectations while ensuring the DOGS Victoria registered breeders can continue to breed well adjusted, healthy pups for loving homes.

DOGS Victoria President, Wayne Fleming, says ‘We have voiced our strong concerns over the impact that the current proposed Bill will have for breeders that are our members, who breed to ensure the future of their breeds and because they have a passion for purebred dogs’.

‘The Minister has said that she has heard our concerns, and we are working with the Government, the Department and the RSPCA on establishing a system that will ensure DOGS Victoria breeders can continue to raise pups in their homes and provide loving new owners with healthy, registered pedigree dogs.’

DOGS Victoria’s push for a review into the legislation has resulted in the announcement of a parliamentary committee inquiry, whereby stakeholders, including DOGS Victoria, will be able to highlight concerns over the likely impact of the Bill. The Committee will make their recommendations on the Bill to Parliament on 6 December 2016.

DOGS Victoria members have been active in the campaign for change to the proposed legislation, contacting both politicians and local councils.  At a meeting last night held at the State Dog Centre, KCC Park in Skye, approximately 500 members gathered to express their concerns surrounding the current legislation, reinforcing the need to review the legislation.

DOGS Victoria will continue to work with Government and the sector on establishing a breeder licencing framework that will safeguard the future of pedigree dogs, ensuring that registered DOGS Victoria breeders can continue to meet the highest regulatory standards in terms of health and genetic testing, breed type and temperament whilst meeting a strict code of practice and accountability measures.

On Friday 30th September 2016, we here at GSCV got told that we had another Grand Champion in Track and Search in Victoria!

The first one in Victoria was ‘Mr Darcy’ owned and much loved by Adam, Eddie and Tess Catton but sadly Mr Darcy pasted away earlier this year…..

But we have another to join the ranks of Grand Champion in Track and Search, the multi talented ‘Hunty’ TS. Ch T. Ch Neut Ch. Kentigern Dark Highlander CCD RA ET Bred by Eileen and Stan Slabon and lovingly owned and trained by Kaye Yarnold.

From us here at the Gordon Setter Club of Victoria a big congratulations to Kaye and Hunty on this very special title!!

Kaye and Hunty celebrating their awesome achievement 

Dear Gordon Setter Club of Victoria members,

Below is the latest update from Dogs Victoria, outlining some strategies. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The official photo of the Gordon Setter – Best of Breed winner at the Royal Melbourne Show…

“Ch. Triseter Celtic Seal” owned by Triseter Kennels, handled by Esther Joseph.

Thursday September 22 was Gordon Setter day at the Royal Melbourne Show! Here are the official results.

Dogs

Puppy (2 entered)
1st: Kemsley A Wish Come True – Mrs S M Natoli
2nd: Kemsley Make A Wish – Mrs S & R Govan