The Kennel Club has published a new Code of Conduct to remind exhibitors and competitors of their responsibilities whilst taking part in all canine activities and also when discussing shows, trials and events online.

Whilst the Kennel Club believes that the overwhelming majority of people taking part in dog activities do so in a responsible and sportsmanlike manner, it is concerned at the increasing number of complaints which it has received about incidents of abuse, in particular through the negative use of social media.

The guidance offered in the new Code of Conduct is included to help ensure that everyone participating in dog activities is free to do so in an enjoyable and fun way, especially the dogs themselves. The code is intended for use primarily as a guide, but does outline some of the penalties which the Kennel Club has at its disposal to deal with serious cases of transgression. As such, it should be read in conjunction with relevant regulations as listed in the Kennel Club Year Book.

Over recent years, there has been a rapid growth in the use of social media as a form of instant communication and there is a need for those who use Facebook, blogs and chat rooms etc to understand their responsibilities. For this reason, there is a specific section within the Code of Conduct giving general guidelines on participation on social media websites.

A word from the Kennel Club
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Communications Director, said: “Thousands of people take part in a wide range of canine activities, week in week out, because they are a fun way to spend time with their dogs and they get to meet others who share common interests. Undoubtedly, the vast majority do so in a well-mannered and sportsmanlike manner, however rarely a week goes by without the Kennel Club being contacted by someone who feels that they have been abused or slighted in some way by a fellow competitor, either at an event or more frequently through the internet.

“As a result, we felt that the time was right to remind everyone involved in the world of dogs that it is essential that anyone who wishes to attend a show, trial or other event should be free to do so without fear of anything which might spoil their enjoyment. The world of dogs is still under great scrutiny and it is important that we continue to show unity in our enjoyment of our hobbies. We hope that the code will be seen in a positive light and will be of benefit to all.”

Copies of the new code will be available on the Kennel Club stand at the Bournemouth, Welsh Kennel Club and Darlington championship shows over the coming months as well as the International Agility Festival, and at all future events which the Kennel Club attends. Copies can also be obtained by contacting Hayley Swann-Ross in the Canine Activities Team on 0844 463 3980 ext 319 and is available to download from the Activities and Events section of the Kennel Club website.

Read the full Kennel Club Code of Conduct here.