New York, NY – Highlights from the February 2004 meeting of the AKC Board of Directors are as follows:

· The Junior Showmanship Regulations were amended effective January 1, 2005 to lower the minimum age of participation from 10 to 9, to divide the classes into three age groups (Junior 9-11, Intermediate 12-14, and Senior 15-18) and to require competition for Best Junior Handler.

· Effective April 1, 2004: The Sloughi will be eligible to participate in AKC Lure Coursing Tests, and to participate in Lure Coursing Trials on an exhibition-only basis; the Pyrenean Shepherd will be eligible to participate in Herding Tests, and to participate in Herding Trials on an exhibition-only basis; and the Irish Red and White Setter will be eligible to participate in AKC Pointing Breed Hunting Tests.

· The Board approved new policies governing the granting of kennel names. The full policy is given in the minutes of the February 2004 meeting. The new policies are effective July 1, 2004. Among the changes are:

· An individual who has registered an AKC litter, but who does not meet the requirements, may be granted exclusive use of a name on a provisional basis.

· After July 1, 2004, kennel names will be granted on a breed-specific basis. An applicant may request coverage for multiple breeds with the $25 per five year period fee applied to each breed.

· The Board approved a new appellate procedure whereby matters may in certain circumstances be remanded back to an Event Committee for a retrial.

· The following Delegates were approved: Mr. Darrell W. Baker to represent the American Pomeranian Club, Inc.; Mr. Joachim (Kim) Blutreich to represent the Piedmont Kennel Club, Inc.; Dr. Robert C. Gloster to represent the Sammamish Kennel Club, Inc.; Mr. Robert D. Goodin to represent the Heart of America Kennel Club, Inc.; Mrs. Sylvia K. Meisels to represent the Lakeland Winter Haven Kennel Club; Ms. Laura Witts to represent the Merrimack Valley Kennel Club, Inc.

Three individuals from Arkansas, Missouri and Washington were suspended for failure to comply with the rules and regulations for record keeping and identification. Two individuals from Illinois and Mississippi were suspended for cruelty violations. Two individuals from New York and Ohio were suspended for miscellaneous violations.