Congratulations to Rihandré Nienaber on earning his Junior Handler Colours for 2024. This award is testimony to his dedication and commitment to excellence. Rihandré has excelled in his handling capabilities and has shown so much growth with consistent performance. We wish him all the best for his showing career going forward.

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KENNEL UNION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (KUSA)
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2024

For the KUSA Office, and for the elected Federal Council of KUSA, the year 2024 was like being on a never-ending rollercoaster ride, dominated by two major unforeseen projects. These projects had a severe impact on KUSA’s day-to-day operations and often necessitated a hasty redeployment of especially the new staff members appointed earlier in the year.

I’ll briefly reflect on these two key projects:

1. On 23 March 2024, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALLRD) issued a Directive that, with effect from 1 April 2024, the importation and exportation of live animals and genetic material of animals, would be subject to the acquisition of a permit issued in terms of the Animal Improvement Act (AIA). On 10.04.2024, a KUSA Statement on the DALRRD Directive was placed on the website, alerting members to the situation and informing them that KUSA was in the process of establishing, as had been requested by several members, whether the Directive was applicable to dogs. By then, KUSA had already set up a meeting with the DALRRD to obtain clarity on the Directive.

Consultation with the DALRRD revealed that dogs were very much included. Excluded were game and/or wild animals, cats, birds and fish. Having established that the Directive included dogs, KUSA notified the Membership on 19.04.2024 of the required “Compliance with the Animal Improvement Act No. 62 of 1998 – Importation of Dogs into SA from 1 April 2024”. On the same date, the DALRRD also issued a “Media Statement” to clarify the new requirements under the AIA.

KUSA President's Award:

Awarded to Helena Immelman for Outstanding Service to the Kennel Union of Southern Africa.

Helena (left) is the face behind the WorkingDogs online entry system. Thank you for all your hard work Helena.

Dear Madam or Sir,

We have the pleasure of informing you that the results of the ABOVE FCI International CACIB dog show have been confirmed.

The official list of results confirmed is available on http://www.fci.be/resultats/ib.aspx and the CACIB can be printed ONLINE by the owners. 

A detailed list of the CACIB confirmed (sorted by catalogue number) is enclosed for your convenience

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
KUSA AFFIX (KENNEL NAME) REGISTRATION
MANDATORY SIMULTANEOUS REGISTRATION ON FCI INTERNATIONAL KENNEL NAME REGISTER 

We are pleased to inform KUSA members with registered KUSA Affixes (Kennel Names) of a new and exciting development that will enhance the status of KUSA Affixes internationally and protect KUSA Affixes from possible duplication, exploitation and expropriation in FCI member countries. 

CLARITY ON ANIMAL IMPROVEMENT ACT PERMITS FOR DOGS LEAVING SOUTH AFRICA AND RETURNING

Following an enquiry from the KUSA Office, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development (DALRRD) has clarified the uncertainty surrounding AIA Export/Import Permits for South African dogs travelling to attend Shows held in neighbouring countries, or abroad, and thereafter returning to the RSA.

Dogs travelling on either INTER-TERRITORIAL MOVEMENT PERMITS or PERMITS TO TRAVEL FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES, are also required to apply to DALRRD for an Import/Export Permit, as required under the Animal Improvement Act, using the Application to Import/Export Animals for Certain Purposes form.

· The AIA Import/Export Permit will cover both the exit from and re-entry to South Africa.

· The AIA Permit must be applied for first and then submitted, in conjunction with and attached to, the application for the Veterinary Permits.

· The AIA Permit is required in addition to the usual Veterinary Permits/Inter-Territorial Permits.

· The current cost of the AIA Import/Export Permit is R460.00 payable to DALRRD.

· An AIA Import/Export Permit can cover multiple dogs (it is not necessary to obtain one permit per dog).

THE THOMAS McQUEEN MEMORIAL TROPHY

With the closing date for the shows comprising The KUSA Classic in KwaZulu-Natal looming, it is an appropriate time to remind exhibitors of the pinnacle event of this prestigious cluster – the KUSA National Awards – which, in Breed, will see the magnificent Thomas McQueen Memorial Trophy awarded to the KUSA National Dog, 2024.

KUSA STATEMENT on the DALRRD’S DIRECTIVE WITH REGARD TO THE IMPORTATION OF DOGS INTO SOUTH AFRICA

On 13 March 2024, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) issued a directive that, with effect from 1 April 2024, all applications for Veterinary Import Permits must be accompanied by a confirmation of compliance with the Animal Improvement Act No. 62 of 1998 (AIA) issued by the Registrar of Animal Improvement in the DALRRD. This directive seeks to enforce the provisions of section 16 of the AIA and does not only apply to production animals, but also to dogs.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

TO LICENSED JUDGES AND LEARNER JUDGES

CURRENTLY WORKING THEIR WAY THROUGH VARIOUS STUDY PATHS OF THE

KUSA BREED JUDGES’ LEARNING PROGRAMME (KBJLP)

At the Special Meeting of the Federal Council held on Thursday, 4 April 2024, the following amendments to Schedule 10 Appendix 1 (Group Course) and Schedule 10 Appendix 3 (Breed Specialisation Course) pertaining to the application of the pass mark across the various sections of the following examination papers:

• Paper 1 Group Course or Breed Specialisation Course
• Paper 2 Group Course
• Paper 2 Breed Specialisation Course

 INTRODUCTION OF ASIA, AFRICA & OCEANIA (A2O) SECTION SHOW TO SOUTH AFRICA 

Following interest expressed by local Clubs to host an A2O Section Show in South Africa, KUSA has come to an agreement with the A2O on the terms on which KUSA, or any of its All-breeds member Clubs may, for the foreseeable future, acquire licences to host an A2O Section Championship Show at which the A2O’s Certificats d'Aptitude au Championnat (CACs) will be on offer in addition to KUSA’s CCs.

Introducing digital KUSA National Award Certificates.

In response to the many requests from members for a more effective and user-friendly process to collect their coveted Award Certificates issued at KUSA Championship Shows, we are delighted to announce that for the first time KUSA National Award Certificates will be available on-line.

To download the Award Certificate, just logon to www.showassist.co.za, click on ‘Certificates’ (on the left-hand side), select the dog’s registration number, and download the Award Certificate on to your device.

We are certain that members will embrace the concept and appreciate the vibrant new design of the National Certificates.

Watch this space for further announcements in respect of KUSA’s move to digital and online platforms. 

FCI INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR & VETERAN BEAUTY CHAMPION TITLES

C.I.B.-J® & C.I.B.-V®

FCI Circular: 25/2022 

In July 2022, the FCI announced that its General Committee had decided to introduce two new International Beauty Champion Titles for dogs of breeds that are fully recognised by the FCI (whether subject to a Working Test, or not), entered in the Junior (from 9 to 18 months) or Veteran (from 8 years and over) Class at FCI International CACIB Shows, in accordance with the FCI Regulations for FCI Dog Shows.

Your attention is drawn to the following extract from the Minutes of the Fedco meeting held 06-2022. The office will be in touch with you shortly to assist you in drafting these amendments.

Examinations for Judges on the Schedules for the various forms of Dogsport as well as Schedules 3 and 9 Appendix “B” 

Submitted by the KUSA Office:

The Chairman explained that, in the area of Judges’ qualification, the various dogsport Schedules generally contained the requirement of a “written exam” on their own Schedules as well as Schedule 3, although some Schedules did not specify whether the exams were to be written with, or without, the use of reference material.

With the immediate repeal of all COVID-19 Regulations and restrictions, announced by the Minister of Health Joe Phaahla yesterday, the COVID-19 protocols and restrictions imposed by KUSA for the hosting of KUSA-licensed events is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect.

FCI CONCESSION FOR AWARDING THE TITLE OF FCI A2O INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY CHAMPION (FCI-C.I.B.) FOR BREEDS NOT SUBJECT TO WORKING TESTS FOR THE DURATION OF SOUTH AFRICA’S NATIONAL STATE OF DISASTER

With the termination of the National State of Disaster announced by the President, effective from the 5 April 2022, notice is hereby given of the withdrawal of the FCI concession for the awarding of the title FCI International Beauty Champion (FCI-C.I.B).

With immediate effect, the following criteria will need to be met to earn the title of International Beauty Champion (FCI-C.I.B.) as per the Regulations for FCI Asia, Africa & Oceania (A2O) Section International Championship :

• Four (4) FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s,
  • awarded by four (4) different Judges,
  • from three (3) different Countries.

The period for accumulating FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s under the FCI concession , would thus be limited to the period 1 January 2020 to 4 April 2022.

FCI CONCESSION FOR AWARDING THE TITLE OF FCI A2O INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY CHAMPION (FCI-C.I.B.) FOR BREEDS NOT SUBJECT TO WORKING TESTS FOR THE DURATION OF SOUTH AFRICA’S NATIONAL STATE OF DISASTER

1. According to the Regulations for FCI Asia, Africa & Oceania (A2O) Section International Championship, the following criteria need to be met to earn the title of International Beauty Champion (FCI-C.I.B.):

• Four (4) FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s,
• awarded by four (4) different Judges,
• from three (3) different Countries.

2. Following an appeal to the FCI for the relaxation of these requirements for South Africa for a finite period, i.e. until the National State of Disaster Regulations are repealed, we are pleased to advise that the FCI’s General Committee has agreed to KUSA’s request on behalf of exhibitors.

3. In consequence, for as long as the National State of Disaster prevails, South African dogs would be permitted to gain their FCI-C.I.B. titles by meeting the following criteria:

• Four (4) FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s,
• awarded by four (4) different South African Judges,
• or by a combination of four (4) different South African and foreign Judges,
• subject to the following:

4. The period for accumulating FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s under South African Judges in order to apply for the FCI-C.I.B., will be from 1 January 2020 up to the date of the repeal of the National State of Disaster.

5. FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s awarded by foreign Judges prior to 1 January 2020 will be considered for supplementation of those earned under South African Judges post 1 January 2020 to fill the required quota of four (4) FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s in order to apply for the FCI-C.I.B., provided that such FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s have been earned within the period of three years before 1 January 2020, i.e. between 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019, and provided further that the combined submission is acceptable to the FCI.

6. The FCI has not, as yet, committed to any dispensation on the issue of FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s earned subsequent to the repeal of the National State of Disaster supplementing those earned under South African Judges as from 1 January 2020.

As has been extensively publicised in Notices and Federal Council Minutes, the KUSA Office will be moving to new, smaller premises, located at 7 Bree Street, Cape Town, on Monday, 4 October 2021.

Private office space has been leased for a period of 12 months from a company that offers innovative, flexible and collaborative workspaces. The new premises will act as a hub, creating a hybrid working environment whereby staff can work from home for several days of the week and come into the office as required to attend meetings and do printing and courier despatches. This interim solution is envisaged to endure until the much-anticipated digital platform becomes available, allowing KUSA Members to download and print their own digital copies of Certificates. The introduction of the online digital platform is on track for the first quarter of 2022, by which time KUSA would hopefully have sourced and customised a suitable property to become its future permanent headquarters.

Until further notice, Members are requested NOT to visit the KUSA Offices (new or old) and NOT to arrange for third party Courier Company collection or delivery. Documents may be couriered to PostNet Long Street, 2 Long Street, Cape Town, clearly marked for the attention of KUSA, from which we will collect once or twice a week.  

Earlier this year, KUSA reported on the judgement handed down by the District Court in Dortmund, Germany, which concluded that the Verband für das Deusche Hundewesen (VDH) had violated German and European antitrust laws by seeking to restrain the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) from releasing its German Shepherd Dog Specialist Judges to member organisations of the Weltunion der Vereine für Deutsche Schäferhunde (WUSV) that are not members of the FCI’s National Canine Organisations (NCOs) in various countries of the world. This decision came about as the result of a legal challenge mounted by three WUSV-affiliated Clubs in various countries against an earlier directive issued by the VDH.

The VDH appealed the Dortmund finding to the Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf and, on 7 September 2020, the Higher Court ruled in favour of the VDH, causing the three claimants to lose their case.

Members may recall that, in the Fedco update posted mid-May 2020, it was reported that the German Shepherd Federation of South Africa (GSDFSA) had applied for a Judicial Review under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) to have certain actions of the Registrar of Animal Improvement in the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) (since renamed Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development – DALRRD) set aside. The impugned actions were the Registrar’s decision to register KUSA as the Breeders’ Society for 218 canine breeds (including German Shepherd Dogs) and as a Registering Authority for canines.

The above application was heard on 9 March 2020 and on 11 May 2020, the Honourable Shanaaz C Mia, Judge of the High Court, Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg, dismissed the application with costs.

We refer all those involved in the organisation and management of KUSA-licensed Shows and Events to the Minutes of Fedco 06-2020, in particular to Items 3.12.2 (Clubs’ Disclaimer Notice) and 3.12.3 (Clubs’ Right of Admission Reserved Notice). These Minutes were distributed to all interested parties in July 2020 by the KUSA Office and the respective Provincial Councils and are also available of the KUSA website.

At its meeting held in June 2020, the Federal Council resolved that, for the reasons set out in detail in the Minutes, it would be mandatory for Clubs and other Show and Event organisers to display the following Notices at all KUSA-licensed Shows and Events:

This serves to remind all KUSA Clubs, Members and Organisations that the use of Prong (Spike) and Electric Shock Collars as a means of training dogs is not condoned by the Kennel Union of Southern Africa.

This notice serves to remind all KUSA Members of the following:

1. In 2007 KUSA published the following:

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Spike and Electric Shock Collars

Members are reminded that the use of spike and electric shock collars for the training of dogs is prohibited and anyone found using them may be liable to having Disciplinary action taken against them. Members should also be aware that should spike or electric shock collars be used, it is possible that, if discovered by the authorities, they could be charged with an offence in terms of Section 2(F) of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962 (as amended).]

Extract of Section 2(F) of the Animal Protection Act No 71 of 1962 (as amended) :

2. (I) Any person who-

(f) uses on or attaches to any animal any equipment, appliance or vehicle which causes or will -cause injury to such animal or which is loaded, used or attached in such a manner as will cause such animal to be injured or to become diseased or to suffer unnecessarily;

2. KUSA Regulations are specific under SCHEDULE 05B(04) – Working Utility Dog, where it states:

3.3 Collars

The Judge(s) will ensure that during the exercises each dog under his jurisdiction wears only a plain training collar. Nothing will be attached to collars during exercises except leads when required. No spiked collars to be used. Tick collars and repellent devices will be allowed.

3. KUSA Schedule 05B(02) (Appendix B) -- FCI GUIDELINES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL UTILITY DOG TRIALS and INTERNAITONAL TRACKNG DOG TRIALS (IGP) states under the Preamble:

a. When it comes to training the physical as well as the psychological health of the dog is top priority. It is imperative then that the dog be handled in a fair, orderly and humane way .

b. It remains the ethical responsibility of man to raise and adequately train the dog. The applied methods must meet the standards of behavioural sciences, especially in regards to the breed. In order to achieve the upbringing, training or training effect, it is important to not utilize force and to use positive methods for the dog. Furthermore, it is imperative to decline the use of techniques that do not utilize the proper training, raising and training aides . Using a dog for dog sport has to be oriented to his capabilities, his competitive spirit and his willingness. Influencing the dogs training capabilities through the use of medication or animal cruelty must be avoided .

4. KUSA Schedule 05B(02) – Regulations for International Working Dog Trials and International Tracking Dog Trials (IGP) states:

3.3.7: Where there is a conflict between the Regulations for the International Utility Dog Trials and the International Tracking Dog Trial of the FCI and KUSA Schedules and administration, the KUSA Regulations will apply insofar as they do not alter the FCI IGP Trial rules.

5. KUSA Schedule 9 – Code of Ethics for Members of the Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA) states:

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF KUSA MEMBERS AS DOG OWNERS OR KEEPERS

KUSA Members shall, at all times, ensure that dogs owned by them, or entrusted to their care,

3.13 are not trained or worked beyond their willingness or capabilities and strictly confine training to methods that are humane and which do not cause undue fear, distress, or pain;

Members shall, at all times,

5.7 refrain from verbally or physically abusing any dog for not having performed to the expected standard or for having failed to achieve an expected award, or for any other reason whatsoever;

6. KUSA Regulations are specific under SCHEDULE 05M – Regulations for Flyball where it states:

10.2 Collars, Flyball harnesses and Leg wrapping

10.2.1 All dogs competing are to wear a flat buckle collar or Flyball harness of any material. Nothing in size. No hanging parts are allowed that are liable to flap around when the dog is racing. Holding any dog by the scruff of the neck or other parts is not permissible and will result in disqualification from the team.

10.2.2 Protection wrapping on dog’s legs may be used. Such wrapping should in no way impair the dogs’ performance and should not have any loose or hanging parts to it.

10.2.3 Unacceptable collars for all dogs attending Flyball events will include:

● Electronic collars

● Dummy electronic collars

● Pinch, pressure or prong collars

7. Other areas within the KUSA Constitution where there are references to the use of collars are:

Schedule 05N – Basic Working/Behaviour Test (BH)

1. On Lead Heeling - the on-lead dog, wearing an animal rights approved collar or harness

This is a serious matter. First and foremost, please ensure that dogs are trained by trainers who are keeping up with the modern view of positive reinforcement training. Prong, spiked and electric collars are simply cruel, being used to apply an aversive (stimulus that is painful or unpleasant) in order to prevent the animal from performing a particular behaviour. Under the Regulations of the Animal Protection Act the use of these collars is a Criminal Offence. KUSA has no alternative but to institute disciplinary action against those members or clubs which are found to utilise this method of training.

The German Shepherd Dog fraternity worldwide has noted with interest the judgement handed down by the District Court in Dortmund, Germany, that the Verein für das Deusche Hundewesen (VDH) had violated German and European antitrust laws by seeking to restrain the SV from releasing its German Shepherd Dog Specialist Judges to member organisations of the Weltunion der Vereine für Deutsche Schäferhunde (WUSV) that are not members of the FCI’s National Canine Organisations (NCOs) in various countries of the world. This prompted KUSA to seek confirmation from the FCI that, since this ruling was based on antitrust principles, it sought to bring about parity in all groupings’ access to SV Judges, whether German, or otherwise, irrespective of affiliation.

KUSA consulted with the Executive of the Asia, Africa and Oceania (A2O) Section of the FCI and received confirmation that KUSA-affiliated Clubs were equally entitled to apply for, and be granted, SV Judges to officiate at German Shepherd Dog Specialist Championship Shows in South Africa. The President of the A2O Section, Mr Augusto Benedicto Santos III, undertook to state the FCI’s position on this matter in writing and has subsequently provided KUSA with the letter below.

Following the Dortmund ruling, it is now abundantly clear that KUSA-affiliated German Shepherd Dog Specialist Clubs may no longer be denied access to SV Judges and hopefully it won’t be too long before one or more of our Clubs will host a Specialist German Shepherd Dog Judge from Germany to officiate at a Show held under a KUSA-licence!

July 29, 2020

Dear Jenny

AVAILABILITY OF SV JUDGES TO CLUBS AFFILIATED TO KUSA

I refer to our recent Zoom meeting and thank you for seeking the counsel of the Executive of the Asia, Africa and Oceania Section of the FCI on certain issues affecting the Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA). It was most useful to learn more about the challenges faced by KUSA in South Africa and I hope that Gopi and I were able to make a productive contribution towards addressing some of them.

You raised, inter alia, the issue of the availability of SV Judges to officiate at KUSA-licensed events following the judgement handed down by the District Court of Dortmund, Germany when, on 4 March 2020, the Court confirmed its interim injunction of 12 February 2020 by way of oral proceedings. As you correctly pointed out, the Court found that the instruction issued by the VDH to the SV in December 2019, violated European and German antitrust laws. In essence, the VDH’s instruction sought to prevent the SV from making specialist German Shepherd Dog Judges available to WUSV member Clubs in foreign countries where those Clubs did not belong to the FCI’s National Canine Organisations (NCO).

KUSA statement on developments in the Netherlands affecting brachycephalic breeds

20th of June 2020

The Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA) stands in solidarity with the National Canine Organisations (NCOs) around the world in advocating for the health and preservation of purebred dogs. The circumstances that have led to the recent decision by the Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in Nederland (Dutch Kennel Club), to limit the registration of twelve purebred brachycephalic breeds, and further allow cross-breeding to increase muzzle length, is most disappointing. The impact of this decision will affect many responsible breeders in that country, making it impossible for them to continue improving the health and conformation of these breeds, within the framework of their breed standards.

These restrictions will have the greatest impact on the responsible breeders who focus on breeding healthy dogs, which best represent the breed standard, with no impact on those who breed indiscriminately. 

The prevalence of health problems in brachycephalic breeds is of concern to KUSA, particularly those pertaining to respiratory function and temperature regulation. These conditions related to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) can have a serious and lasting effect on the welfare of affected dogs.

Fedco Update - German Shepherd Federation of South Africa vs Registrar of Animal Improvement and Others

Members will recall that the German Shepherd Federation of South Africa (GSDFSA) applied for a Judicial Review under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) to have certain actions of the Registrar of Animal Improvement in the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) set aside. The impugned actions were the Registrar’s decision to register KUSA as the Breeders’ Society for 218 canine breeds (including German Shepherd Dogs) and as a Registering Authority for canines.

On 11 May 2020, the Honourable Shanaaz C Mia, Judge of the High Court, Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg, delivered her Judgement in the above matter, explaining the main issue at stake as follows:

“The main issue for determination is whether the Registrar was empowered to take the decision to issue a certificate to KUSA as a Breeding society on the 23 October 2015 and as a Registering authority on 13 June 2016 without consulting the Federation before taking the decision. Flowing from that, taking into account the provisions of s 7 of PAJA which prescribes the timeframe of 180 days for the institution of a review application; whether the application for review was brought within the prescribed timeframe.

The South African Elbow Dysplasia (ED) scheme was initiated in 1999 to assist breeders to improve breeding selection to reduce the incidence of this very common and often crippling disease in dogs, particularly larger working dogs. Certification is done according to the Guidelines of the International Elbow Working Group (IEWG) and as approved by WSAVA. The number of views required to certify dogs varies in different countries with increasing views resulting in more accurate grading.

In 1999 the minimum requirement of a single flexed lateral view of each elbow was instituted to start the SA scheme to minimise costs and gain greater breeder compliance. We are now 20 years further with additional knowledge of subtle radiological changes in dysplastic elbows as well as the X-ray digital era upon 98% of veterinary practices. This creates additional opportunities to improve ED grading accuracy with minimal cost implications.

In discussions with KUSA and the National Clinicians Group of the SAVA and based on IEWG guidelines and a recent article* on the incidence of hip and elbow dysplasia in South Africa, the following two views of each elbow will be required for elbow grading as from 1 June 2019:
• Fully Extended ML view
• Pronated CrCd view
Minimal, if any, cost changes to owners are envisaged with the introduction of the new views.

The KUSA HD/ED approved radiologists will also directly inform veterinarians of these changes. KUSA members are however requested to confirm the extra views with the veterinary practice at time of admission of their dogs for ED radiographs. Incorrect submissions of the old single elbow view will be accepted for the first three months after the implementation date to allow a smooth transition period. Updated HD/ED application forms are available on the KUSA website.

Phenotypic hip and elbow dysplasia trends in Rottweilers and Labrador retrievers in South Africa (2007-2015):

Are we making progress?

Canine hip and elbow dysplasia are major orthopaedic problems prevalent the world over, and South Africa is no exception. Hip and elbow dysplasia phenotypic status is certified by a number of different radiographic schemes in the world. South Africa uses the Fédération Cynologique Internationale system to certify hips, and the International Elbow Working Group scheme to certify elbows.

STATEMENT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERAL COUNCIL ON THE FEDCO DECISION TO REQUIRE THAT OWNERS OF DOGS ENTERED AT KUSA CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS BE MEMBERS OF KUSA

It is both curious and disappointing that members of KUSA, who should have the best interests of the organisation at heart, express such vehement opposition on social media to Fedco’s decision to redress an historical deficiency in the Constitution by expecting owners of dogs entered at KUSA’s Championship Shows to be members of the organisation.

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Death and taxes are the only sure things in life. Have you made provisions for your dogs in your will to protect their future?

A microchip is a permanent pet ID. Having your dog microchipped increases your pet’s chances of getting home if it is lost or stolen.

Importing dogs and/or frozen semen is a necessary, yet stressful process that many KUSA members endure to ensure the excellence of their bloodlines. A lot of the stress can be taken away by knowing what is expected from you to make the process a success.