Australian National Kennel Council Limited ABN 77 151 544 679 trading as Dogs Australia
PRESS RELEASE
Members contacting Dogs Australia Directly
Recent discussions regarding members contacting Dogs Australia directly, have
highlighted the fact that some members may not be aware of the history and
Constitution of ANKC Ltd. An explanation of its relationship with the State and
Territory Member Bodies can be found in the “About Us” section on the Dogs
Australia website and in the Constitution. We hope the following extracts from them
will help members understand why any matters concerning Dogs Australia must be
referred to their Member Body.
History
When the original Constitution was drafted in 1958, a vital resolution was, “That the
Australian National Kennel Council be constituted so that it is empowered to act only
as a co-ordinating and recommendatory body”. Over the succeeding years the
Australian National Kennel Council gradually moved in character from an “advisory”
towards a “co-ordinating” body, many changes were made to rules and procedures.
In 1982 a new Constitution was adopted which designated ANKC as a Co-ordinating
Body. This change of Constitution enabled many decisions to be made which would
previously have been rejected. It also led to wide discussion on various issues and
areas where ANKC might take control or take over the improvement of certain
activities.
The following extract from our Mission Statement reinforces that position:
“To act as spokesperson on all canine related activities on a national basis on behalf
of State Member Bodies and to pledge assistance and support to the respective
State Member Bodies”.
There are 33 Objects listed in the Constitution; the following illustrate the
ANKC role as a Co-ordinating Body
d) To act as a federal organisation representing the interests of its Member
Bodies in each of the States and Territories of the Commonwealth of
Australia.
f) To promote uniformity in regard to laws and regulations affecting Dog owners
and breeders throughout the Commonwealth of Australia.
g) To enable its Member Bodies to take co-operative action on matters which are
of common interest and are for their mutual benefit in the promotion of canine
affairs.
A very important item in the Constitution is Clause 4. Interference with Powers
This is a long clause but it is very instructive and recommended reading.
4. Except where expressly provided in this Constitution, the ANKC shall not
interfere with the exercise of the powers or responsibilities of a Member Body,
without the express written authority of such Member Body. The ANKC
recognises that Member Bodies have the following exclusive powers in
relation to themselves and their activities respectively:
Logistically
There are currently just over 29,000 members of Dogs Australia Member Bodies, the
Dogs Australia office staff consists of the Administrator and a part-time Assistant.
The Dogs Australia Directors are appointed by the Boards of their Member Bodies,
they have in turn been elected by the members, they are the go to for Dogs Australia
issues.
Hugh Gent OAM
President & Chairman of the Board
December 2024
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DA Press Release Members contacting Dogs Australia Directly (.pdf)