ESAA Board of Directors Meeting – Via Teleconference

November 12, 2013

In attendance: Mary Coldiron, Kathy Cunningham-Roy, Tony DiSiena, Janet Gray, Anna Harlow, Judi Hunter, Dave Mates, Bob Mellis, Carl Necker, B.J. Parsons, Anna Quigley, Julie Quirk, Coleen Raber, Bob Stevens, Harvey Wooding.

The meeting called to order at 8:05 EST.

USDA/APHIS Injunction: Diane Michelsen, ESAA legislative liaison, was asked to join the teleconference so she could explain the injunction in greater detail.

-Diane gave the Board a brief history regarding the new USDA regulation. With the “backing” of HSUS, the intent was to cover the large volume sales over the internet. However, it now included hobby breeders who might sell through internet contacts.

-They got 75,000 comments of concern over the proposed ruling, but those comments did not have any effect on the ruling.

-The ruling limits anyone who has 5 or more breeding bitches across a variety of species. These individuals may only sell “face-to-face”. Otherwise they must be a licensed facility subject to possible inspection. There is no “firm” definition of what constitutes a “breeding bitch”.

-The Associated Dog Clubs of New York have spearheaded a movement to file an injunction against this ruling. Supposedly the more people/organizations who get behind this movement, the more strength the movement should have.

-Harvey shared that AKC is attempting to get APHIS to give a more specific definition of hobby breeders. It is felt that APHIS’s concern is centered more on large retail /internet breeders. AKC also got advise from their own legal department, as well as outside counsel, indicating that AKC would not qualify as a valid plaintiff.

-Diane’s contacts are concerned that if the ruling goes through and does not work out, it will be very difficult to get it rescinded.

-Mary expressed concern over our tax status if ESAA gets involved in donating money to this cause. The legal issues need to be investigated by a tax attorney.

-Janet expressed the expectation that small breeders and clubs would appreciate AKC’s leadership in suggesting some procedures for us to follow.

-Diane has already send several communications to the membership regarding these issues.

-Harvey suggesting that ESAA communicate with the lead attorney asking pros/cons/etc. It was agreed that we should pursue this.

The Board thanks Diane so much for all of her work with keeping ESAA members informed on so many legislative issues, and in clarifying these issues for us.

Health Clinics:

-A group of ESAA members were hoping to create a health screening committee to continue to offer some of the screenings/DNA/microchipping/etc. for future Nationals. Initial costs were approximately $3,000 for supplies and ESAA helping with half of the testing costs. Some of the fees paid by members for the processing of the test have not yet been included in the final resolution.

-The membership gave a lot of positive feedback regarding the testing.

-The hope is to offer similar clinics at all ESAA National level events: hunt tests, field trials, agility trials, WGS, etc.

-A motion was made by Dave Mates, seconded by Anna Quigley, to form a committee to oversee the logistics of supplies and procedures for holding clinics at the National each year. The committee would also determine which other venues would lend themselves to similar clinics. The motion passed without objection.

Club Memberships:

-The Constitution and By-Laws specifies what that new club must be recognized by the Board for membership.

-AKC requires new clubs to submit a viable list of members for AKC approval.

-Clubs may approach ESAA for inclusion as a regional club regardless of approval by AKC.

-Tony DiSiena made a motion, seconded by Dave Mates, to recognize the Smoky Mountain English Setter Club. The motion was passed without objection.

-Dave Mates will come up with a proposal for future consideration to clarify how a regional club applicant becomes recognized by the Board.

The meeting was sdjourned at 9:40 on Mates/Quigley motion.

Respectfully Submitted,

Coleen M Raber

Coleen M. Raber

ESAA Secretary