|
International Kennel Club of Chicago
6222 West North Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60639
(773) 237-5100 (773) 237-5126 fax
www.ikcdogshow.com email ikcdogshow@ameritech.net
July 28, 2008
Alderman Edward Burke
Alderwoman Virginia Rugai
Alderman Eugene Schulter
Chicago City Council
121 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60602
RE: Mandatory Spay/Neuter Ordinance
Dear Aldermen Burke, Rugai and Schulter:
The International Kennel Club of Chicago is writing you today because our concerns about the proposed ordinance that would require mandatory spaying/neutering of dogs over six months of age. Chicago has long been recognized, and was most recently named as the most dog-friendly city to visit in North America. Adoption of this ordinance would severely tarnish that reputation.
We believe that adoption of a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance will be detrimental to the sport of purebred dogs, as well as to all dog owners in Chicago. We strongly suggest that dog owners obey the existing laws and the authorities having jurisdiction enforce these laws. May I remind you that one in every three households in the nation owns a dog as a pet.
The International Kennel Club of Chicago, established in 1900, is a member of the American Kennel Club. In late February of each year, the International Kennel Club of Chicago, Park Shore Kennel Club, Blackhawk Kennel Club and Great Lakes All Terrier Association hold our annual dog shows at McCormick Place. In February 2009, IKC will hold our 145th and 146th annual dog shows and the weekend attracts more than 100,000 spectators of all ages.
50% of the people who enter their dogs at these shows are local owners and responsible breeders, the other 50% come from across the country. During these shows, we use approximately 2000 rooms at the Hyatt McCormick Place, Ramada Inn and other hotels in the area.
At our shows, we have dogs not only entered in the Conformation, but also in Obedience, Rally, and Agility. In addition, we offer the AKC Canine Good Citizenship test. IKC also offers Jr. Showmanship and Jr. Dog Judging competitions. Our club is considered an outstanding source of breeder referrals as well as training site referrals. In attendance are AKC, University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine and The Anti-Cruelty Society to be of assistance to individuals wanting professional assistance and information.
Mandatory spay/neuter is an ineffective solution to animal control problems because it fails to address the heart of the issue - irresponsible ownership. These laws are extremely difficult to enforce and can be evaded by irresponsible animal owners by not licensing their pets. The proposed ordinance will not reduce the number of dog-fights, dangerous dogs, or dogs in the shelter. It will hurt responsible breeders like our members who raise healthy, well cared-for dogs and work to ensure that these puppies are placed with responsible owners.
Responsible owners are already complying with local animal control laws and will be unfairly punished by enactment of this ordinance, while irresponsible owners will continue to be the source of these problems for the community and local shelters. If all dog owners would obey existing laws presently on the books, there would be no need for the ordinance you are proposing.
On behalf of the International Kennel Club of Chicago, I respectfully ask that you reconsider the present draft of the ordinance as responsible owners and breeders will be severely impacted.
As President of the International Kennel Club of Chicago, past Chairman of the American Kennel Club and present Chairman of the Palm Beach Humane Society, I believe I have the experience that may be useful to anyone in the city council or any committee that would be willing to listen to me about a more equitable solution to animal control problems. I hope you will accept my offer.
Sincerely,
Louis Auslander
President
|
