105.05

WORLD AGILITY CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Kennel Club has recently been informed by the FCI that, at its General Committee meeting held in April, a decision was taken that, as from 2006, the FCI will only be accepting entries from its ‘Member Countries’ to its FCI World Agility Championships and any other FCI Championships held for working disciplines.

This decision was taken without any opportunity for discussion and, if brought into effect, would mean that from next year, the usual Kennel Club Team would no longer be able to attend the FCI Agility World Championships; nor would teams from the American Kennel Club or the Canadian Kennel Club.

A letter on behalf of the Kennel Club General Committee has been written to the FCI in the strongest possible terms, protesting against this decision and requesting a review of the decision. A meeting to discuss the matter has also taken place between the KC Chairman and Secretary and the FCI President and Executive Director.

As a result, the FCI has agreed to revisit the matter once it has had the opportunity to consult with its own FCI Agility Commission. The Kennel Club hopes that, with the help and support of the American Kennel Club and the agility world as a whole, the FCI General Committee may be persuaded to change its mind.

It should be remembered, however, that the Kennel Club’s International Agility Festival 2005 will feature a World Open Agility Championships with an open entry for both the team and individual classes. It will be the only “world” event held by an officially recognised kennel club which is open to all dogs whether pedigree or crossbreed. The FCI has recognised that many of its member countries may wish to attend this event and has assured the Kennel Club that no restrictions on attendance will be made.

The Festival is to be held over two days at the East of England Showground, Peterborough Cambridgeshire on Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th August this year. For full details of this event including the schedule, please visit the Kennel Club website www.the-kennel-club.org.uk.

7/6/05

ENDS