Following a recent proposal made by the Show Executive Committee (SEC), the Kennel Club Board has agreed that, in line with its child protection policy, the following wording be added to all dog show schedules and entry forms, with effect from 1st January 2018:
‘Children under the age of 11 are the responsibility of and must be accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian’.
In introducing this new measure, the SEC was of the opinion that, by adding the above statement to the entry form and schedule, it will be clear that the parent or guardian would be responsible if the child was unable to control the dog being exhibited. However, the SEC was also of the view that it would remain the responsibility of the show society to ensure that it provided a safe environment for all people attending its show.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “The Kennel Club is keen that people attending any events run under its jurisdiction have a good time and feel safe. In relation to young handlers, it is very important that their parent or guardian takes responsibility for ensuring that any child under the age of 11 is in full control of any dog they are entrusted to handle. This new wording makes it abundantly clear that parents and guardians have their role to play when attending such events.”