We were over-joyed to find when we arrived for set-up on Wednesday, that our position this year was in Hall 2 on one of the main thoroughfares between Halls 1 and 3. It was a good-sized stand with three sides to dress, which meant the material could be spaced out to best advantage.

There was some interesting new material including the K.C. report of the visit to the European Parliament of Caroline Kisko, Phil Buckley and Harald Wiegand of Domino Dogs Deutschland. The pictures of various assistance dogs, including S.A.R. Beauceron (Category 2 dogs in some states) searching rubble for survivors, were particularly poignant in the light of recent events.

Anne Griffin (centre) and Linda McGregor with her Bull Terrier, Florence,
talking to a visitor to our Stand.

On Thursday the President of the German V.D.H. visited the stand and discussed with Domino members the situation in Germany, what appropriate actions they could take in support of dog owners and also told how Harald Wiegand of DDD is continuing to press the case for support of the “Punish the Deed NOT the Breed” campaign.

On Saturday Cathie Dettmar of the well know Joker Bull Terriers visited and told of their legal case against the “fighting dogs” laws. She told how she, Rudi and their kennel helpers, all had to carry special I.D. cards whenever they leave their premises with any of their dogs.

Imagine the scene, you have a sudden crisis, you need to rush your dog to the vet, but you dare not leave without the I.D. card for fear you will be arrested and your dogs confiscated.
Another visitor on Saturday, from Canada, told us how one of the recent pieces of proposed legislation had been halted because it gave the S.P.C.A the right of entry to a home, without warrant, at any time.

Domino Stand Manager, Mike Reed, with PAT Dog Daisy.

It was really gratifying to find so many more people visiting the stand that either knew about or had at least heard of the spread of B.S.L. Many non-dog owners, offered their support, took away leaflets to distribute locally, signed our guest book, made donations and promised continuing support. At the end of the four days there were over 400 signatures from many countries, which, bearing in mind probably only one in four signed, will give you an idea of the strength of feeling out there.

One thing many people were surprised to hear was that Domino is entirely supported by donations. From preparing and printing the leaflets, (27,000 to date), preparing and producing all the exhibition material, launching, running and maintaining the web site, to all the day-to-day expenses, everything is funded by donation. The costs for exhibition stand space at K.C. events is donated by the K.C., who also, at the request of Domino group, manage the Treasury, the Secretariat and offer Domino full support. We are in fact under the umbrella of the K.C. This was a decision taken at our first meeting, in order that, like Caesar’s wife we could be seen to be honest to paraphrase the old saying.

Florence, the Bull Terrier, demonstrates the 40cm height restriction
as indicated by the ribbon on the board behind her.

On the subject of funds, the U.K. Showdogs list members were tremendous in giving donations, and that brings to mind a very serious question. The Halls were packed with Trade Stands, all making a living (some good some not so good) from dogs. If every Trade Stand holder donated one half of one percent of their net profits to Domino, we could continue our Public Information campaign without the constant concern over costs.

Logically, if the current breeds under threat in various countries are wiped out, the irresponsible users and abusers will move on to other breeds, and so on, until few will be left. Where then will these traders get their living? Surely, if not for any other reason than economics, support for Domino has to make good sense.

However, in closing, it was good to know that so many people are determined to continue making every effort to stop the abomination of B.S.L. and the abuse of Civil Liberties which accompanies it, wherever it raises it’s head, by whatever means are legally to hand.
Special thanks must go to ALL those who have supported Domino.

Anybody wishing to send donations please make payable to K C Domino and address to Domino Fund, K.C., 1 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London W1Y 8A.

Anne Griffin with Mr Roger Helmer MEP who kindly came along to our stand
on his own without any fanfares to show his support for our campaign.