At its meeting on 4th October 2016, the Kennel Club Disciplinary Sub-Committee considered the conviction of Ms A K Adams of Norwich, from the Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court for offences contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The Committee imposed the following penalties:
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1 |
To disqualify her from exhibiting at, taking part in, attending and/or having any connection with any event licensed by the Kennel Club. If any person disqualified under this sub-paragraph shall attend any canine event whilst disqualified the General Committee shall have the power to increase the period of disqualification |
[A11 j (4)] |
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2 |
To disqualify her from being or becoming a member of any canine club or society registered with or affiliated to the Kennel Club |
[A11 j (5)] |
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3 |
To disqualify her from acting as an Officer or serving on the committee of any canine society |
[A11 j (6)] |
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4 |
To disqualify her from taking part in the management of any event licensed by the Kennel Club. |
[A11 j (7)] |
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5 |
To disqualify her from judging at any event licensed by the Kennel Club |
[A11 j (8)] |
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6 |
To disqualify her from effecting registrations of any or all dogs and/or progeny of such dogs which are owned and/or registered by them (whether or not jointly owned and/or whether or not owned and/or registered in the name of a nominee). |
[A11 j (9)] |
The above listed disqualifications are to be for ten years from 4th October 2016.
The Committee, following the imposition of these penalties, would draw the attention of the respondent to the effect of Rule A11 sub-section n.
The committee noted that a five year disqualification from owning/keeping dogs was imposed by the magistrates court. The committee also noted that Ms Adams did not respond substantively to the referral under Rule A12 and no mitigation or contrition has been expressed.
Before reinstatement, Ms Adams would need to reapply and give satisfactory written reassurances and undertakings to the General Committee that she had appropriate resources in place to meet the welfare requirements* of the dogs then in her care and control should she intend to resume any of the activities as listed above.
*It is worth expressly stating the needs of an animal which must be met to the extent required by good practice under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 are:
(a) its need for a suitable environment,
(b) its need for a suitable diet,
(c) its need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns,
(d) any need it has to be housed with, or apart from, other animals, and
(e) its need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.