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IKC cancels 2020! More UK shows go...

Issue: 22/05/2020

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In a move for clarity for shows, clubs and exhibitors the board of directors of the Irish Kennel Club has voted to cancel the issuing of all show licences in Ireland for 2020, leaving the show calender empty and ensuring the safety of members and exhibitors during the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic. 
In a bold move which received almost unanimous support on Irish dog show related social media pages, it was clear that this was a major decision for the governing body as the organisation relies to a large extent on the income brought through the running of shows by the affiliate clubs and societies and the famous St Patricks Day/weekend International FCI shows, as well as the October International shows.
Other important issues for exhibitors and judges were also addressed in the decisions made. The move came as the number of exhibitors posting on Facebook groups regarding uncertainty about the shows taking place in the remainder of the year increased. Posts on social media groups also began to have a divisive affect which became a worrying development. Ireland has had an impressive record so far in the war against the virus, with current daily confirmed cases now below the 100 mark and dropping, along with the number of Covid related deaths but the whole issue of show insurance, planning the running of safe practice in judging and social distancing and the size of the gathering meant that keeping to government guidelines would be extremely difficult and could not guarantee the safety of those attending. 
With the constant worry of a second wave happening with the lifting of restrictions for the public, it would be a big gamble for clubs to plan and pay out major financial sums only to have an event cancelled just bays before the show is due to take place. This is what happened with the Celtic Winners/ St Patricks day show in March and there is little doubt that given the circumstances the IKC will be in a difficult position financially and much thought will be needed on how to further tackle the situation the organisation has found itself in. The clarity and decisive nature of the announcement however was applauded and the Irish show scene has a definite decision which many in other countries would like also.  
In a statement the Board of the IKC said: ‘The Board of the Irish Kennel Club took the difficult decision to postpone the two IKC International Shows in March in the hope that we could re-schedule later in the year. As stated at the time, the Board confirmed that exhibitors who entered these shows would be credited within the IKC accountancy system and the monies ring fenced into a designated bank account, and this is the case.
‘The situation has developed to a stage where the re-scheduling of these events is not possible, so they are now officially cancelled.
‘In this regard, the Board of the IKC has now taken the decision to issue a refund of your entry fees, less a service charge of 3 Euro per transaction to cover external administration costs. We are working with our external provider and we will complete this task as soon as possible, so please bear with us.
‘Regarding our office, in line with Governments Road Map for return to work, the IKC are happy to announce that we expect to re-open on 29th June (initially no public front desk). We are delighted our members have continued to support us by submitting your applications on-line and by post and our staff are eager to return to work to process same. Regarding IKC Judges Licence the Board has decided that as there is no opportunity to judge this year the current judging licences will be valid until the end of 2021. We thank you for your understanding and continued support.
‘Finally, and taking into account the instructions and policies of the Government and the Health Authority in these challenging times, the Board has made the difficult decision to cancel all Dog Show licences for 2020.
‘Regarding An Ard Comhairle meetings, we will of course arrange a meeting as soon as this is permitted, and proper protocol is in place. (Probably in NSC).’

Unenviable

Margaret Conran O’Gorman (Exhibitor and Secretary of Clonmel Championship show) ‘Like every other Show person I am missing shows and most especially the social aspects. Having had the unenviable task of cancelling Clonmel and District Canine Club All Breed Ch Show in August, there was endless speculation regarding The Irish Kennel Club Ltd and their cancelled events. 
‘When the announcement was made it was read by me with sadness and pride. These are extraordinary times for everybody and the IKC are no different. There will be many financial losses by many companies and the IKC will be no different, and yet they made the difficult decision to put its members and their well being first. I congratulate the Board of Directors of the Irish Kennel Club Ltd in acting so responsibly at this very difficult time. I look forward to 2021 when we can all put our shoulder to the wheel and get our hobby back on track.’
Caryn Coogan (Buzleo Pugs) said: ‘Hats off to the IKC for its brave decision to introduce a moratorium on dog shows for 2020. The recent lack of clarity on this issue has created speculation and frustration for a lot of people. Now the IKC, the Irish Show Committees and the Irish Exhibitors, Can relax, stay at home, stay safe, sit back and look forward to 2021.’ 
Rev. David Gibson (Brookhaven PWDs and Hounds) said: ‘I was very impressed by the leadership and forward thinking of the IKC. This statement is testament to how seriously the IKC takes its ‘duty of care’ to its members. It also eliminates any further need for online speculation as to when shows will return as this was becoming divisive.’
Sally Burns of the Grayco Poodles said: ‘I agree with the IKC’s decision to cancel the shows for 2020. I’m sure there will be many upset and frustrated exhibitors and societies but the fact remains that health & welfare of all are a priority. I couldn’t even imagine how you could get or be insured for shows during this pandemic which opens another door of discussion. I feel we could use this time now to plan ahead to improve our shows and events and also to make a little extra time to check on those whose mental health depended on those fun days out.’ 

UK show cancellations

Meanwhile the UK has seen further statements from canine societies cancelling their 2020 shows. 
Darlington Dog Show Society announced the cancellation its show due to be held 18-20 September. In a statement secretary David Guy said: ‘We have taken note of the recent Government guidance and the strong recommendation made by the Kennel Club, on 13th May, that in the light of the continued restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic that all forthcoming events until the end of September should be cancelled.
‘The society shares your disappointment and sadness that this cancellation will bring but look forward to seeing you all at our 2021 show to be held 17-19 September.’
Also last week SWKA confirmed that its show would not be going ahead this year. In a statement they said: ‘Following the KC guidance issued on 13th May the Officers and Committee have carried out a comprehensive risk assessment for the show in October. The safety of all who attend the show is paramount and coupled with the uncertainty of availability of the showground and accommodation in the area the decision has been made to cancel the show. We are in the process of offering all judges future appointments and would like to express our thanks to all those who support us each year and help to make the show a success.’ 
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David Bell then issued a statement on behalf of the City of Birmingham: ‘It is with regret that our 2020 show has been cancelled. This is accordance with the current advice given by The Kennel Club and in the interests of our Members, Judges and Officials, exhibitors, Trade Stand Holders and visitors to the show during the present Corona Virus Pandemic.
‘We will be in contact with Judges that we’re due to officiate at this show during the next week or two with an invitation to judge at one of our future shows.
‘We would also like to thank those Breed Clubs that trusted us to host their events and we will also be in touch with them during the coming weeks.’
Richmond Dog Show Society was next, in a statement they said: ‘The Officers and Committee of the Richmond Dog Show Society have noted the strong recommendation made by the Kennel Club that all forthcoming events until the end of September should be cancelled. Logistical uncertainties including availability of the venue, the ability of contractors and suppliers to support the planning, setting up and running of the show, the willingness or otherwise of spectators, exhibitors, judges, stewards, helpers and trade stand holders to risk possible exposure to the virus, the provision of hotel accommodation, and the requirement to adhere to social distancing at the show have also been considered.
‘We fully understand and regret the sense of disappointment and sadness this announcement will cause to our members, sponsors, judges, exhibitors, stewards, and commercial trade partners. All our appointed judges for the 2020 show will be contacted and informed of the situation and offered the same appointment at a subsequent show.’
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Following a video meeting between committee members and Secretary Mark Elliott, it was announced on May 13 that Paignton would not be going ahead. Mark wrote, ‘Dear Exhibitors and Friends of Paignton and District Fanciers Association, following advice today from The Kennel Club and due to the current COVID 19 situation, the Officers and Committee have made the decision to cancel our 2020 Championship Show.
‘May I take this opportunity to thank you for all your comtinued support and wish you all to keep safe in this uncertain time. We look forward to welcoming you to our show on the 7th 8th and 9th of August 2021.
‘We aren’t looking at this is a bad thing it will give us opportunity to come back in 2021 even bigger and better than before.’
On Monday OUR DOGS received conformation from Chris Bexon, Honorary Secretary of the National Gundog Association to confirm the cancellation of its show on 2nd August. 
He told us: ‘We are disappointed at having to do this but feel, in the present circumstances, it is the safest course of action to reduce the risk of exposure to the Covid-19 virus. It has been taken in the best interests of the safety, welfare and security of all who would have been present at the show. Entry fees already paid via on-line entries will be refunded in full except for the Fosse Data admin charge of £1.20. Refunds will be made via the credit/debit card used for the original entry.
‘The Officers and Committee of the National Gundog hope everyone is keeping safe and well and look forward to welcoming you to the 2021 Championship Show on 1st August 2021.’ 
As we go to press OUR DOGS has learned that Midland Counties has called off its October show: more details next week.


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