Adopted: September 15, 1999

Revised: April 25, 2000

 

The American Bulldog National Alliance (ABNA) is recognized as an organization dedicated to preserving the future of the American Bulldog. Consequently, we must require responsible behavior by dogs, handlers and owners at any of the ABNA sanctioned events. We totally support the premise that the American Bulldog is a working breed and should be treated accordingly; at the same time, we are adamant in our position that stable temperament is paramount in our breed. Confidence and courage are key qualities in dogs that are routinely competed in activities that require them to interact with people and other dogs. Therefore the ABNA has set forth strict guidelines that establish rules and regulations pertaining to the conduct of dogs, handlers and owners attending ABNA sanctioned events.

1. Every club and/or individual that hosts an ABNA sanctioned event must choose and announce a "Show Superintendent" from the list of ABNA Representatives. It must be confirmed that this Representative/ Show Superintendent will be present and available at the stated ABNA event. It will be the responsibility of the Show Superintendent to keep a "watchful eye" on the grounds and rings in order to identify potential problems and to maintain a good order of discipline among all dogs, handlers and owners. Further responsibility includes enforcement of judges' decisions in regard to the following policy and to aid in the reporting of any infractions of this policy to the ABNA. In all cases, the decision of the Show Superintendent will take precedence over those decisions of others attending the show.

2. Each hosting club/individual shall include on their entry forms, a statement to the effect that owners and/or handlers are responsible for the behavior of their dogs. They are aware of their legal liability to assume any and all financial costs incurred from medical expenses, property damage, etc., caused by their dogs. Furthermore, no one will hold responsible the hosting club/individual(s) nor the ABNA as a whole or any individual holding an office within the ABNA for damages incurred. Non compliance with this policy will preclude those persons and their dogs from entry into any and all future ABNA events.

3. Any dog exhibiting an aggressive attitude that in the judges' opinion would prevent them from FULLY examining any given dog safely, and without incident, shall be disqualified from all events conducted that day. This same dog shall be crated for the remainder of the day, or be removed from the premises of the show site. There will be no refunds of entry fees for dogs that are disqualified.

4. Any dog disqualified under the conditions described above on any TWO given occasions shall be banned from ABNA show grounds and events for a period of six months from the date of the second offense.

*Note: Upon completion of the six month disqualification period, the dog may be eligible for re-entry into ABNA show grounds and events upon meeting ALL of the following conditions:

A. Written proof of professional socialization training.
B. A physical "hands on" evaluation of the dog by a panel of three ABNA judges.
C. Obtaining a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title from an ABNA certified CGC examiner.

In the event that the dog is reinstated under the three conditions above, any further offense shall be grounds for lifetime dismissal from ABNA grounds and events.

5. If a dog commits an unprovoked bite, it shall be grounds for a LIFETIME banning from all ABNA events. This action shall be retroactive concerning any dog known to have committed such an action. If this incident did not occur at an ABNA event, a detailed investigation by a committee of ABNA officers and representatives will be conducted. Following the investigation of such incident, a full report will be made to all officers and representatives for appropriate action. All incidents of dogs biting anyone, provoked, unprovoked or otherwise, at any ABNA event will be thoroughly reported by the responsible parties per this regulation. All incidents will receive proper consideration and appropriate action will be taken.

6. A grievance committee made up of three ABNA representatives will settle appeals from owners or handlers feeling that their dog may have been unfairly provoked. The president of the ABNA will appoint the members of the grievance committee for each incident requiring such action. The decision of the grievance committee will be final and binding. In the event of an appeal, the acting Show Superintendent and attending judges will make written recommendations to the grievance committee.

7. Record Keeping: It shall be the responsibility of the Show Superintendent in conjunction with the hosting Club or individual(s), and the attending judges to include within the official show report the names of any dogs, handlers and owners that were involved in any infraction of this policy as well as the date, time and location of the infraction. The report shall outline the incident in detail, the steps taken at the time and the recommended steps to be taken in the future. A copy of this report shall be made available to the grievance committee. The ABNA secretary shall be responsible for maintaining accurate records of any offenses or infractions associated with this policy.