President’s Message

“It has been a tumultuous week for so many of us with this “rain bomb” sitting over South East Queensland for so many days and causing significant flooding. I know that many of our members have been affected and our hearts go out to them.

Ours is a supportive community in times of crisis and it has been great to see members rallying to the assistance of others. Whilst Facebook can have its downside it has proven to be a great communication tool over this last week, linking up those in urgent need with those close at hand who can help with members and their dogs. I encourage members to continue to use the Dogs Queensland Members Page as a notice board where they think that other members may be able to assist in a practical way. We will be monitoring these posts to see whether Dogs Queensland can also help. There was also a Dogs Queensland message on 1 March 2022 reminding members and affiliated clubs that we have a Disaster Relief Fund.

Whilst insurance cover may eventually go some way towards replacing the essential items, we also realise that there is a need for immediate access to funds to ensure that our members’ dogs are kept safe and cared for. This is absolutely critical. The cost of temporary boarding, feeding, replacement of secure fencing / kennel runs, veterinary care and transport are all very real expenses confronting our members across the State.

So we have invited our clubs/members who have been directly affected by this tragic event to apply for immediate financial assistance using the previously established Dogs Queensland Disaster Relief Fund. Please use the attached Dogs Queensland application form (link below) to submit your request for assistance and it will be processed as a priority. https://emarketing-au.s3-ap-southeast-2. amazonaws.com/59095/jDIQ42RaUyQWd_ NLPMaOiUybBcz1t_rpUXXEN5gNbaM/2703062.pdf Dogs Queensland has also acceded to a request from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to use our Durack Sportsgrounds as a base for up to 30 Fire Appliances and their volunteer and employed crews over the next three weeks during the response to this flood disaster. Working together for good outcomes for our community is what it is all about.

Ukraine I think that we have all been affected by the events unfolding with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Our dog community is part of an international dog community and I thought I would share with you the attached letter (click here to access the link) sent by the Ukrainian Kennel Union to the FCI. We are both members of the FCI- the Federation Cynologique Internationale.

In response the FCI has cancelled any FCI shows or awards in Russia and has established a fund to directly support the dog people in need in Ukraine. We will provide more information about this initiative when it is to hand.

Life Memberships It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the 3 recipients of Life Memberships for 2021. They have each made, and continue to make, huge contributions to our dog world on a voluntary basis. • Ms Ainslie Carius • Mrs Linda Halliwell • Mr Peter Mayne

Dogs Queensland Dog Sports Awards I enjoyed attending these 2020/21 awards over a clubhouse lunch on Sunday 20 February 2022. It was a very special event well supported by many clubs with their own decorated tables. Our Vice President Barb Murfet, who makes a huge contribution to our Dog Sports, was in good form and it was great to see Senior Vice President Carolyn Pearen there with Director Carolyn Ryan as “official photographer”. There were many special moments but a poignant one was the 2020 award of Track and Search Grand Champion to Debbie Schmidt’s German Shepherd dog “Furi”. Debbie had flown down from Townsville specially for the day to receive the award. Her mentor had been the well-known Mal Holland who sadly died recently. And the award was in memory of Furi too as he has since died.

These are very special partnerships and wonderful to see them recognised at these award events. A bouquet to the organisers of this most enjoyable event.

”Stay safe. Ulla Greenwood, President Dogs Queensland 2 March 2022

Breeder Alert –Puppy Scam Websites

Dogs Queensland has become increasingly aware of Puppy Scam Websites using legitimate Dogs Queensland Registration and Queensland Breeder Identification (BIN) Numbers to sell puppies. Dogs Queensland Registration Numbers are obtained from legitimate websites such as Dogs Queensland or DogzOnline, where they are displayed as required by the Queensland Government.

Please see the Queensland Dog Breeder Fact Sheets for regulations and guidelines for Queensland Dog Breeders.

An example of a typical scam is: •A Dogs Queensland Membership number is lifted from current advertising on the internet. •The scammer researches and obtains personal details of the breeder including name, suburb, prefix. •A domain name similar to the Kennel prefix is registered on an offshore registry. •Once the breeder has ceased advertising the litter of puppies a new website is published. •No physical address or phone numbers are advertised on the website. •The seller avoids permitting you to physically see the cyber puppy and only sends non genuine pictures. •The seller insists on only accepting payment by a crypto currency or a funds transfer.

As a breeder what can you do to avoid being an unknowing victim of a Puppy Scam: • Regularly Google search the internet for websites using a similar Domain Name as your Prefix. • Put a warning notification in your online advertising to alert buyers to check any website they are looking at is legitimate. • Encourage puppy buyers to verify breeder information with Dogs Queensland and make direct in-person contact with you. • Ensure puppy buyers check communications are made with verified contact details. • Encourage puppy buyers to meet the puppy and breeder before handing over payments.