“Reality Check” Posted on Facebook’s DPCA Members Forum 05/14/2015 by Jacque Matson
Jacqueline C Matson
REALITY CHECK
Not since 2004, the California bill SB 1548 banning ALL cropping and docking. Has ANY cropped/docked
breed been under DIRECT threat. Through the hard work of ALL cropped/docked breed from across the
country it was DEFEATED. Today many would have “you” the at-large Doberman fancier believe otherwise.
Reality is that on a monthly basis somewhere in the US, in a local city, county-parrish-provence , state and
federal laws ARE actually being debated and voted on. The CONSISTENT theme is BSL/breed specific
legislation, MSN/Mandatory Spay/Neuter laws and population numbers, NOT cropping/docking—especially
since 2004. Reality our ABILITY/”RIGHT” to own, compete and breed ARE under DIRECT THREAT from
the “REAL” animal right terrorists.
Reality is that anyone who has chaired a committee and worked directly with a board of directors will
understand/appreciate its complex relationship. An individual committee chair CANNOT be held solely
responsible for a board of directors actions or in-actions.
Reality is that the dog fancy ( including the DPCA) at large is at a MAJOR cross-roads. Facing the dilemma of
INCREASING/MAINTAINING their membership, participation at club events, shows and trials? All of this
while fighting the silent, but lethal animal rights agenda. The American Kennel Club does its best to stay
abreast of the potential pet ownership laws, but many times the dog fancier finds out about the proposed laws
too late to be effective.
Reality once was that Conformation funded the club’s war chest. Today in many specialty clubs, it is the allbreed obedience and all-breed agility trials that ARE funding the specialty clubs. Many clubs—specialty/allbreed clubs are folding. Participation in many organized dog activites are experiencing a DECLINE.
In the end the ONLY reality that SHOULD matter is, HOW do we as a club/fancy work together for ALL
DOBERMANS? It is EASIER to point out the PROBLEMS than to work on a SOLUTION. Its NOT about
what a few want to distract the TRUE reality of what is happening with ALL Dobermans, the ABILITY to owntrial and breed, Access to current health testing and bringing people back to the sport. Unlike some, I do NOT
have ALL the answers, BUT I have some ideas. The REALITY is that the Doberman NEEDS a hero. For too
long a vocal MINORITY wants you to listen to a their reality based on dated unsubstantiated arguments
For ALL Dobermans,
Jacqueline C Matson