THE recent addition of the “Sinners List” to the GCCF website begs the question - what makes cat breeders and exhibitors such a bunch of law breakers? Also, are GCCF in breach of the Data Protection Act by publishing names and addresses without the express permission of those listed, both on the website and in the ‘official journal’.

There are currently over 200 people on this list. When added to the number of people who have gone through the disciplinary procedure and have complied with the draconian terms of ‘punishment’ it amounts to a considerable number indeed. Many of these people are guilty of no more than a simple clerical error. It’s little wonder show entries and subsequently club funds are plummeting to such an extent.

Being very familiar with the ‘dog fancy’ under the guidance of the Kennel Club, I can guarantee that, since its inception in 1873, never has there been anything like this number of people ‘banned’ from the breeding, exhibiting or judging of dogs, despite there being many more thousands of animals taking part in these activities. A lot of these same people are also involved in the cat fancy. There are also many more dog shows than cat shows. Incidentally, vetting-in at dog shows was abolished over 20 years ago with no resultant epidemic of any disease affecting dogs.

What is it about GCCF that they have taken it upon themselves to exert their authority in such a dictatorial fashion on a group of people who are pursuing what is mainly a hobby? Can they honestly say to themselves that they have never made a simple mistake? Relative to the bigger picture of the cat fancy, on a worldwide basis GCCF are pretty small fry so why are they doing their level best to deter as many otherwise law-abiding people as they possibly can from this hobby? Cynical perhaps, but do they rely on their disciplinary procedures as a source of income?

It is certainly beginning to look that way. Somewhere along the way the welfare of cats and their owners has got lost in the absolute quagmire of petty rules and regulations formed by a group of people who have no other claim to fame.

Has the time not come for GCCF to come to their senses and do their bit to help stem the tide of falling entries and have an ‘amnesty’. The restoration of the majority of these so called offenders to allow them to pursue their feline activities would both increase GCCF and club income.

Many of the people listed are doing just that under other governing bodies thereby denying GCCF the cost of their registrations, transfers, show entries etc., and imposing severe financial penalties on the many clubs who are struggling for survival because of the continually decreasing entries at their shows.

It is a very sad situation indeed when the so called governing body is doing its level best to add to their woes.
A. MacLean (Ms)

THE GCCF Rules are in place to protect the welfare of cats, to protect the interests of breeders and owners and to control the functions of registering cats and organising cat shows. The rules are all agreed democratically by the Council, which is made up of Delegates elected by the Cat Clubs affiliated to the GCCF and represent the breeders and owners. Disciplinary action can be taken against those who break these rules.

In August 2004, the Birman Cat Club proposed that the full Suspension List be included on the GCCF website in order that breeders could consult it for disqualified names before agreeing to sell a kitten to an unsuitable person, as not all breeders buy OUR CATS.

At their meeting in September 2004, the Executive Committee agreed to this, with the proviso that the inclusion of suspensions arising under the Fixed Penalty Scheme would be deferred until these had been confirmed by one of the Disciplinary Committees.

People who make “simple clerical errors” are given ample opportunity to correct them before disciplinary action is taken.

In no way can the disciplinary procedures be regarded as a source of income - in fact, they represent a significant expenditure each year. In 2003, the costs of the disciplinary procedures amounted to £46,716, while £3,295 was received in fines and costs. Figures are not yet available for 2004”.

Valerie Tough, for GCCF

Thank you

DEAR friends, show managers and cat lovers - thank you all very much for sending me your get well wishes, cards and flowers during my recent spell in hospital.

Hopefully I am now on the road to recovery and I look forward to returning to judging at shows again in March.

There were some shows I was sadly unable to attend, and I apologise to all of those Show Managers and exhibitors concerned.

I do hope 2005 will be a Peaceful and Happy New Year for everyone.
Margaret Walkden

Supreme Class in 2002

MY wife and I have just been to the Supreme Cat Show 2004. My wife exhibits Persian Neuters. After the final result of this year’s show, I was drawn back to our first show we went to in 2002.

We were very excited, as my wife was showing two White Orange-eyed Persian Neuters. One of her cats won UK Grand Premier Class, the other cat Premier and Best of Breed. We waited with anticipation for the Best of Variety Class, as this was our first show.

When the Persian Neuter BOV Class was about to be judged we waited with great excitement as all the BOVs brought into the ring were really a wonderful collection of cats. As we stood watching Mrs Rosemary Fisher whittling down the number of cats, our excitement grew as there were now only two cats remaining, one being my wife’s cat.

I would not have liked to have been in the judges position as she had to decide the winner. After what, to us, seemed an age, the winner was Chinchilla, Yankedoodle Fairy Dust - who went on to become the Supreme Exhibit. My wife’s cat, who had come so close to the winner, was Lindenlea Reachfor Thesky, who was Supreme Exhibit this year.

I wonder if there’s been a class at the Supreme Show before where two Supreme winners came face to face as in 2002?
Janet & Tom Raffaelli

Big Cat Rescue

WE decided before Christmas that, rather than sending cards, we would make a donation to Big Cat Rescue (BCR). For those of you who don’t know, this is a rescue sanctuary based in Tampa, Florida, and it takes in cats of all sizes from tigers and leopards to lynx and jungle cats. All the cats are homeless, they may have been ex-performing cats or people’s pets. Some have been severely abused and have both mental and physical problems. In total, there are over 150 rescued exotic cats living there.The place is manned by trained volunteers and a skeleton staff.

Every penny donated goes to give the cats a better life.
I have visited BCR several times. The last time was in July, just before all the hurricanes hit Florida. I spent four days digging ditches, helping to clean and feed the animals and doing anything that I could to help. When the hurricanes hit, I had returned home, and felt helpless as I watched the American new channels 24 hours a day. Thankfully, no animals were killed or injured but a substantial amount of damage was done, including the need for a new security gate, which will cost $10,000+.

Steve and I are due to visit BCR in April, when again, I hope to be working with the big cats.

If you speak to the BCR volunteers, their main wish for BCR is that it is no longer needed but until American laws change to stop people breeding, buying and selling exotic cats, this is most unlikely. In the meantime, donations, large and small are gratefully received.
You can see information on my trips to BCR at http://www.butters.f9.co.uk/bcr/index.htm and visit their website at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Very Happy New Year to everyone.
Daphne & Steve Butters