I am assuming that I don't live in your part of the Country but I've never heard of "Petland", but I must question who would ever purchase a pet from a place called "Petland"??? Just hearing the name brings visions of puppy mill bred dogs to mind. Any event, I did visit the site you post and it doesn't confirm that the deal is a fact, only alleged. Big difference. I don't really care what the AKC does. I have three pure bred dogs from a breeder who is a maniac about careless breeding tactics, over-breeding and inbreeding of dog lines. That said, she still is a business woman, but one with some ethics (something hard to find these days). My breeder's puppies are sold with restricted registration i.e.; you can register your dog, but you cannot breed the dog because any puppies could not be AKC registered. The breed I am interested in is a very popular breed because of the legendary good nature of the dogs. My breeder chips the pups so I don't technically have to register the dogs, I only have to register the chips. IMHO, we in the USA are getting screwed coming and going. If this this story is true with the AKC, it just another example of big businesses not having to account for the more than questionable activities and for certain conflict of interest. Thanks for the heads up.

Labmomma, sorry that link I posted was from a week ago or so when all of this first happened and it happened behind closed doors and without warning. It's a done deal between the AKC and Petland and sadly it looks like it may last. Each breed delegate was dumbfounded, shocked and angry there wasn't more of a discussion before this merger took place. I'll supply a link to the Golden Retriever Club's response to the AKC... sad to say it seems that my own breed club the National Shiba Club of American is a little more forgiving. I have two rescue Shibas and a retired champion and from the standpoint of being involved in Shiba rescue makes this partnership all the more distressing to me.
Bob

Here is a link that might be useful: Golden Retriever Club responds

Bob - thanks for posting. I have through the Golden Retriever link, sent an email to AKC (not that they care). Some very good points were made by the Golden Retriever Club. I don't know about anyone else who posts here that has an AKC registered pet, but I've never received anything from them with regards to educational material at all. The only thing I get from them are requests for money or to purchase Christmas cards with pet pictures on them. I am planning to add to my family soon and rest assured that although I know my pet will certainly be qualified for the registration, I will refrain from doing so, thank you very much. I hope all that read your post will go to the Golden Retriever link and email AKC regarding this. I realize alot of dog lovers on the site are owners of dogs that have been rescued and such, but that in it of itself is an even bigger incentive for petowners everywhere to use their voice.

Thanks again Bob for englightening me.

The AKC needs to be shaken to the core. If different breeding clubs were to pull out and form a different club? Do you think it could happen? I have never been a fan of the AKC anyway. I think there are too many good dog breeders to let them get by with this.

here's a petition against this merger below for all to sign that would be extremely helpful. Please sign it and pass it on!

Here is a link that might be useful: Make a stand

This is not a 'merger' folks.

I don't agree or disagree, as I don't have enough information or understand the motivation. But it's NOT a merger!

OP never stated it was a merger. If you visit the two sites you will better understand what is going on here. The point is not whether it is a "merger", the point is that those of us who had faith in the AKC should be concerned at this deal between the AKC and Petland.

Bob - Here's the response I received back from AKC via email. I don't have time to read it fully this evening, but thought that you and the other posters might like to see what the AKC says to justify this alliance with Petland.

RESPONSE RECEIVED 9-21-06

Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate and understand the concerns of our breeders and dog owners. We hope the information provided below is helpful.

At the September meeting of the AKC Delegates, the AKC announced a program in which Petland may facilitate the individual AKC registration process for eligible dogs sold in their stores. Today, many of these AKC-registrable dogs are registered with other registries or not at all. Several questions emerged following that announcement. We provide the following details to reduce misunderstandings about the program.

What kind of agreement does the AKC have with Petland?

Following are some of the basic facts about this plan:

Only AKC-registrable dogs are eligible for this program. The program does not provide registration to dogs not otherwise eligible for registration. We are doing this in large part to assure that AKC-registrable puppies already in these stores are registered with AKC.
AKC will educate Petland staff about the value and importance of AKC registration. AKC will highlight the opportunity for participation in appropriate AKC events and the importance of programs like AKC Canine Good Citizen to promote responsible dog ownership.
Petland will encourage new puppy owners to register with the AKC. Petland will help the customer complete the AKC registration form online, similar to the current online registration process. The customer will pay the entire AKC registration fee in the store. Petland may charge the customer a small processing fee to cover their cost. Registering in the store increases the likelihood that the puppy owner will register their new puppy with the AKC. Research has shown that if dog owners dont register their dog soon after acquiring it, they are less likely to do so in the future.

This program allows the AKC inspections team to continue its active presence in the commercial sector. If puppies sold in retail pet stores are not AKC registrable, AKC loses the ability to inspect and influence the care and conditions in pet stores and the breeding kennels that supply the pet stores.
AKC and Petland are not engaged in an endorsement, partnership, affiliation or joint venture. A written agreement between AKC and Petland exists, in large part, to protect the AKC and ensure that all applicable AKC Registration Rules and Procedures are followed.
AKC does not endorse any breeder or seller of dogs. Our central message about how to buy a puppy -- to thoroughly research the breed and the breeder and to consult AKC resources, starting with the parent club -- has not and will not change.
This program has not changed AKCÂs registration policies. The AKC has always registered dogs sold through pet retailers as long as the pet store and breeder are in compliance with our standards for accurate record keeping and meet the AKCÂs care and conditions requirements. Read our Compliance fact sheet at: http://www.akc.org/press_center/facts_stats.cfm?page=6. The program with Petland offers AKC an opportunity to communicate the benefits of registration and involve new puppy owners in the world of AKC but does not imply an endorsement any more than AKC papers have in the past. It will ensure that AKC inspectors and investigators continue to have access to all kennels breeding AKC puppies. This will continue enforcement of our care and conditions policies and compliance with record-keeping.
Why is AKC encouraging the registration of all registrable dogs?

Today, many AKC-registrable dogs sold by pet retailers are not registered with the AKC by their owner. Less than 50 percent of AKC-registrable dogs are registered with the AKC. The AKC strategic plan targets this problem in all customer groups, including pet stores. When these new owners do not register, AKC and our clubs lose the ability to encourage them to become part of the fancy or to educate them about responsible dog ownership. We feel we can best promote our values and bring people into the world of AKC events by reaching out to new dog owners no matter where they choose to purchase their dog.
AKCÂs ability to influence legislation and public opinion is directly linked to the number of dog owners we represent. Ultimately, AKCÂs ability to take a leadership stand on any issue is closely tied to the size of our constituency (the number of people with AKC registered dogs).
AKC can best serve the interests of dogs and their owners by maintaining stringent standards and promoting the benefits of AKC registration. With more than 20 different for-profit businesses acting as canine "registries" in the U.S., it is important that the AKC distinguish itself as the genuine purebred registry. Many of these for-profit businesses will "register" dogs with little or no proof of lineage and none have any inspections or compliance standards. These businesses actively and aggressively work to convert AKC registrations into applications for their listing services. The fact that AKC can inspect kennels and pet shops and take action against them whenever necessary protects the welfare of all AKC puppies.
AKCÂs ability to offer important programs is directly linked to our annual registrations. In addition to subsidizing AKC events, registration fees provide support for a range of programs and services including the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the AKC Museum of the Dog. Registration income also provides an important source of funding for our scholarship programs, veterinary outreach, our compliance department, combating unfair canine legislation, providing disaster relief and much more.

What else is being done to promote AKC Registration?

We are less than a year into a five year strategic plan that has already introduced a suite of benefits and resources for the fancy including a breeder newsletter, full litter registration option, litter coupons, online accounts and enhancements to online dog registration. In addition, AKC has introduced new registration benefits like dog.com e-certificates for both breeders and individual registrants and complimentary first office visits at participating veterinarians. As we continue implementing the plan, additional programs for breeders and new dog owners will be introduced. We have made a significant investment in a diversified advertising campaign that communicates our mission and promotes the value of AKC registration and the integrity of our Registry. Our message embodied in our advertising tagline "WeÂre more than champion dogs. WeÂre the dogÂs champion" has reached almost 200 million people in print and broadcast media during the past year.

How will this impact rescue?

Dogs will be sold in pet stores whether or not AKC registers them. However the AKC feels that by bringing more registrants into the AKC fold we have the opportunity to educate them and involve them in programs that promote responsible dog ownership.

What prompted this agreement?

The AKC has undertaken a strategic plan to reverse the significant decline in registrations that has occurred during the last decade. The plan includes a number of separate initiatives. Together these initiatives are designed to regain market share, while maintaining a registry of unequaled integrity and size. The approach outlined in the plan is to increase registrations by addressing the needs of all customer groups  fanciers, breeders, pet owners and the commercial channel. This focus stems from a belief that purebred dogs are best served by the AKC, and that breeding programs are improved with our involvement. This inclusive approach helps position AKC as the voice for all dogs and all dog owners.

What are the next steps?

As a result of the questions raised both during and after the September Delegates Meeting the Staff will continue reviewing and communicating with our core constituency. A meeting will be held prior to the October Board Meeting which will include a number of Delegates and fanciers to discuss this initiative. The AKC Board of Directors will discuss this topic during the October Board Meeting. The program is under review by staff and management. Further details will be provided when they are available.

You may direct comments to:

· Email: puppyreg@akc.org

· Mail: AKC Operations, 5580 Centerview Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606-3390

Thank you,
David Roberts, Assistant Vice President
Registration and Customer Service

-----Original Message-----
From: kcornell@snip.net [mailto:kcornell@snip.net]
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 12:48 PM
To: info
Subject: Customer inquiry: Comment on site

Name: Kathleen Cornell

Email: kcornell@snip.net

Date: Sep-21-2006 12:43 PM

Subject: Comment on site

Comment: I am thoroughly disgusted to learn that the AKC has formed this recent agreement with Petland. I formerly respected the AKC and what I thought is stood for. In this unbelievably idoitic and irresponsible move, this alliance with Petland is encouraging puppy mill-type breeding and for those pet buyers who are none the wiser, a huge rip off is in store for them. Shame on them and please know that I will be spreading the word. I will not in the future register my dogs with AKC and you can sell my Westminster tickets to someone else, perhaps a Petland employee...

Client details:

Cynthia, I don't think you are quite understanding the use of the word merger in this context. So let me explain better...."merger" as in 2 organizations partnering to bring anything to the table. Obvioulsy AKC had it's reasons to back Petland, but IMO it's another grave mistake.

I just went to the website and filled in the required information but not anything else. Then I went to the next page and want to know why there was information about NARAL on there.

What does one have to do with another? If I was allowed to see that they have other petitions that I could click to that would be one thing. To piggyback it onto this is crummy.

I chose not to sign the petition because of this.

Robyn

Robyn, I am confused! on the petition I sent I didn't see anything about NARAL? Nor any piggy backing?????

My point Labmamma, is that people using the incorrect terms without information spin even further off point. This is a marketing agmt, nothing more. And it's light years away from a merger in the legal sense. Merger is a very poor term to use for this as it is inaccurate and misleading. Non-profits don't 'merge' with public companies anyway. Once again we have emotional spin-off instead of pragmatic review of facts.

Labmomma, thank you for posting the response and wouldn't you know I received one by email from another person I know.

First let me begin that it was I who used the word merger in my second post above. In retrospect that was a poor choice of words... partnership would have been a better choice.

Second Petland is a pet store, they are located in close to 30 states and also 4 other countries. In addition to dogs, they sell all of the other animals usually associated with pet stores.

What this partnership means is that the AKC which operates as a non-profit registery will now reap the benefits of one of the largest puppymill brokers in the US... the Hunte Corp. With Petland selling puppies and directing new owners to register with the AKC... they are guaranteed to fill the cash drawer. Let's face it... it's been that way for a long time anyway. Since a conformation breeder usually limits the number of litters they produce not much income is generated in registration fees... puppymills do not set a limit and the majority of these puppies are sold at places like Petland.
Bob

AKC has never had the DOG as the first priority anyway. Although they have tried through the years various ploys to make AKC registration seem like a great thing, their luster is wearing off. Mostly because people have finally realized that the ONLY qualification for AKC registration is "proven" lineage of a certain breed and the registration fee. The "proof" lies with the honesty of the breeder who fills out the forms. I sincerely doubt that puppy mills REALLY know the exact lineage of their dogs, or that they never "cook the books" to obtain registry for mutts. Not that there's anything wrong with mutts, but they shouldn't be passed off as a purebreed dog if they are not. And I'll be a coyote's uncle if that never happens. I've seen some dubious AKC "purebreed" dogs that look nothing like what they are supposed to, all from puppy mills.

The AKC has continually refused to not register dogs with preventable heritable diseases such as hip dysplasia, etc. so that the next generation of AKC dogs is also afflicted. If they really cared anything about dogs, they wouldn't register ones with preventable heritable diseases. Period.

I do not currently have a dog, but what bugs me about the AKC is their requirements to mutilate and torture dogs. If a dog is born with long ears, why not let them keep them? The British have the right idea as far as that goes. Dogs look better with their real ears, and they should be allowed to keep them. I would never, ever, give any support to the AKC for that reason alone. Now, if they are really in cahoots with puppy mills, that's even worse. I can't see me ever having a pure bred anyway, but I do know things happen, and I could end up with one. (My sister's daughter brought home a Great Dane that someone she knew couldn't keep any more. She wasn't expecting it, but he's a beloved member of her family - real ears and all!) If, for some unexpected reason, I end up with a pure bred dog, I will not have anything to do with the AKC.

Sally

Cynthia writes: My point Labmamma, is that people using the incorrect terms without information spin even further off point. This is a marketing agmt, nothing more. And it's light years away from a merger in the legal sense.

Cindy X writes: No one used the word "merger" in a legal sense. I used it one of it's other context's. I suggest you look it up in Webster if you have a problem with one of it's meanings.Geeesh!
I also resent your implication that I am off point. I happen to understand AKC quite well, extremely well actually, and regardless of their explanation this is anything but ethical(in a moral sense) just to be clear.

cindyx ~

Well, here is step #4 of the petition that I linked.

I was just surprised to see three organizations associated with this petition. That is what I meant by "piggybacking".

Robyn

Robyn, thanks for your explanation. I thought you actually meant piggybacking as in one petition riding on another. Petition.com is a non partisan service which is why I was confused in what you said.

Sally, I too never thought I'd own a purebred anything, but I am now the proud mama of a toy poodle who was AKC registered by her backyard breeder. Its a long story, but she ended up at the Humane Society where I volunteer and I fostered her and ended up having to buy her from the breeder because she belonged in our family.

I emailed the AKC about this man and his practices... never heard a word back from them. The dog has seizures and should never be bred - he just claims she never had any while living with him. Probably hard for him to notice them since she was living in a cage her whole life.

I took the AKC paper and put it in my file. It means nothing to me and they won't get a dime from me to register her in my name with them.
Sher

I have two dogs who are puppy mill rescues. They were complete emotional messes when I got them. It took one 2 years to really trust people. The other one isn't there yet because I just got her about 6 months ago. I find it morally irreprehensible that the AKC supports these animal abusers in any form.