Please read and considering acting upon this important communication from the AKC.

January 28, 2019 www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/maryland-ask-committees-oppose-bills-infringing-ownership-rights/ Maryland House and Senate committees are considering bills over the next week that could cause an owner to permanently lose ownership of their animals when they are suspected of cruelty – even if they are found not guilty. The AKC agrees that anyone found guilty of cruelty should be punished appropriately, including being responsible for the care of animals seized. However, under Senate Bill 152 and House Bill 135, a person could lose their animals forever just for being accused of cruelty unless they pay monthly fees (as determined by the agency that seized the animals) for the boarding of animals for the duration of the trial and any appeals. These requirements imply the guilt of an individual before a conviction has been reached, and is likely to legitimize if not increase frivolous accusations and harassment of breeders and multiple-pet owners by anti-breeder radicals. Those who reside, participate in dog events, or are co-owners of dogs in Maryland are strongly encouraged to contact the committees and express your concerns with Senate Bill 152 and House Bill 135. Summary: Senate Bill 152 and House Bill 135 contain several new provisions regarding animal ownership and cruelty charges: 1) Require that owners accused of cruelty post a bond to cover the cost of care of all animals seized for the entire length of the trial/appeals – and permanently forfeit ownership rights (regardless of ultimate outcome of a trial) if even one payment is missed. The court determines the amount of the bond based on information provided by the agency caring for the animal and will include transportation costs, medical care, and ongoing food and sheltering needs. In addition, the bill specifically states that the court may not consider the accused person’s ability to pay when determining the amount of the bond. AKC believes this punishes dog owners who may lack the resources to board one or multiple pets for months on end during a trial, particularly while also mounting a legal defense. Such owners could be forced to give dur to financial constraints to up their animals before a verdict is reached, even if the court finds them not guilty.If the owner is ultimately found not guilty, the money is refunded; however, the dogs will not be returned if a payment is missed during the trial regardless of the verdict. 2) Require that upon conviction the mistreated animal be removed immediately, and the ownership rights transferred to the impounding agency. AKC recommends that the rights of co-owners who do not currently possess the animal also be considered, and that they be given the opportunity to claim the animal prior to its permanent transfer to a shelter or rescue. What You Can Do: Contact the committees prior to the hearings and consider attending the hearings if possible to express your concerns. Read AKC’s article “Guilty Until Proven Innocent?” for talking points and more information on this issue. Senate Bill 152: Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Hearing Thursday, January 31 1:00 pm East Miller Senate Office Building, Room 2 Visit the Committee website for contact information House Bill 135: House Judiciary Committee Hearing Thursday, February 7 1:00 pm Visit the committee website for full committee contact information AKC Government Relations will continue to closely monitor these bills and provide more information as it becomes available. For questions, please contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.

Come join us this spring in climate-controlled comfort for our *new* AKC Rally trial held on Sprinturf in our training building in Halethorpe, Maryland!  You’ll find the premium on our website under Events on our AKC Obedience Trial Information page.

This trial is limited to 60 runs/day and entries open on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.

If you’re looking for a chance this winter to work on some agility skills and training issues in a well heated, trial-like environment, be sure to check the schedule of Friday night agility run-throughs on our Agility Run-Through Information page.

This coming Friday’s agility run-through is cancelled.

But – if you’re looking for a future chance this winter to work on some agility skills and training issues in a trial-like environment, be sure to check the schedule of Friday night agility run-throughs on our Agility Run-Through Information page.

New January and February dates will be posted soon !

Entries open on Friday, November 30,  2018 for Oriole’s AKC Agility trial held on January 25, 26 & 27, 2019 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, MD.  This is our annual trial in conjunction with the 2019 World of Pets Expo;  don’t just come for the agility – come for the shopping too!

Trial services are provided by Clantyre Show Secretary Services. The entry method is First Received.

The particulars for this trial, along with a link to the premium list, can be found on the Oriole AKC Agility Trial Information page.

Oriole is happy to host Emily and Stephanie Kaiser from Kaiser K9 for a half day seminar on training K9 Scent Work.  Emily and Stephanie have over 15 years of experience training dogs and working in professional scent detection.

When: Sunday, December 2nd, 2:00 – 5:00 pm

Where: Oriole Dog Training Club, 9 Azar Ct., Halethorpe, MD 21227

Cost: $45 for a three hour seminar

This informational seminar will cover the principles of scent detection and an overview of the training and preparation necessary to compete in scent work trials.  Taught by professional detection K9 handlers and trainers, the information presented in this seminar will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the “what’s”, “how’s”, and “why’s” of scent detection training.  Whether you plan to compete or are just looking for a fun game to play with your dog, this seminar will start you on the right path to success in training and competing in scent work!

Please note, this is not a working seminar, but rather a comprehensive training presentation for owners.

Reserve your spot today! Email ODTCSeminars@gmail.com

M. Nicole Fischer Photography is returning to Oriole Dog Training Club in Halethorpe, MD to offer indoor portrait sessions! For the first time, we’re opening sessions to folks who aren’t Oriole members, so feel free to share ! The dates are:

• Sunday, November 25, 2018 from noon to 7:30pm
• Monday, November 26, 2018 from 9am to 6pm

These aren’t holiday photos per se, but images will be delivered quickly and in time for holiday giving and card-making. And you can also make a few fun shots of dogs wearing scarves and hats — Nicole never gets tired of that!

Spots are very limited, so *email* nicole@mnicolephoto.com ASAP for details if you’re interested.

Looking to make this year’s holiday card or memories?

Barking Mad Pet Pics will be having an Action Santa Phoot Shoot at Oriole on Nov 24, 2018 from 10am to 2pm.  See the details here.

Entries are still open for Oriole’s new December 1 AKC Scent Work trial.  This trial will close on Saturday, November 17 or when the entry limit of 120 is reached, whichever comes first.  You can find the premium list to enter on infodog.com or on our trial information page.

For more information on this new sport, check out the AKC’s Scent Work web site.

The August 2018 Artful Dodgers CPE agility trial is featured on the latest episode of CPEtv !    Watch as host Nick Sparks hits on the highlights of the trial held at the Oriole Dog Training Club, meets with the  local rescue group, the Animal Allies Rescue Foundation (AARF),  and explores some old and new landmarks in the nearby Baltimore area.  Enjoy !