http://www.fossedata.co.uk/downloads/pdf/CRUFT_MAR_12_Announcement.pdf

"IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL DOG SHOW EXHIBITORS
The Kennel Club has announced an important new requirement which will affect exhibitors competing
at Crufts next month, and all other dog shows with immediate effect.
The General Committee of the Kennel Club has approved a recommendation which requires
exhibitors to display the exhibit/bench number on their crate, cage or container at all times. This is
particularly important when cages etc are not on benches, and at unbenched shows.
Each exhibitor is responsible for providing their own crate or cage identification and should note that
the original exhibit/bench number card, as provided by the show society, must not be used for this
purpose.
This requirement follows a recent meeting of the Show Executive Sub-Committee's Benching Working
Party, where it was agreed that it is important to be able to contact exhibitors and identify dogs where
a dog may be in distress or where the crate might be blocking a gangway.
At benched shows soft crates may only be put on benches if they are the appropriate size for both the
dog and the bench, and the crate can be securely attached to the bench.
Both of these points have been introduced with the safety of all in mind, but most importantly that of
the dog, and to minimise potential incidents and injuries.
Exhibitors should note that the above requirements have been introduced with immediate effect and
will therefore apply to exhibitors attending Crufts.
The Kennel Club would also take this opportunity to remind exhibitors that Show Regulation F(1).17
requires that dogs should be present on their benches at all times except when being judged,
prepared for exhibition or exercised."

> This is
> particularly important when cages etc are not on benches, and at unbenched shows.
> Each exhibitor is responsible for providing their own crate or cage identification and should note that
> the original exhibit/bench number card, as provided by the show society, must not be used for this
> purpose.
>

How is one supposed to show the number for their dog at unbenched shows when we are only informed for general/group champ shows what each dogs number is!!!

Have to check a catalogue I suppose

Absolutely crazy........

> Absolutely crazy........

Why?

>where it was agreed that it is important to be able to contact exhibitors and identify dogs where

a dog may be in distress or where the crate might be blocking a gangway.
Seems very sensible to me and in everybodies interest.

OK, I can see the reasoning behind it, but why should it not be OK to use the bench number? 

Presumably so the bench's identification remains.  Surely it will not be a great deal of trouble for people to do this? 

I don't see a great problem, and it will only affect those that use cages. Note though it is immediate effect so that means at shows from this weekend already!

A tip: cheap cardboard luggage labels can be used, buy a pack and keep in your show bag! You just tie them on. Or even just buy a pack of large sticky labels and keep in the show bag. I'm quite used to both with showing other animals. Just remember to place the new one over the old one or remove the old one, as otherwise things will get very confusing after a few shows.... :)

Clever woman, read my mind, I've been on Ebay and ordered some nice large brown ones; £3.

I do wonder how they're going to police this, though?

If the crate is on the bench, and the bench is identified, then why does the crate have to be identified as well?

> If the crate is on the bench, and the bench is identified, then why does the crate have to be identified as well?

it doesnt, it is when cages are not on the benches.. well that how I read it??

>> If the crate is on the bench, and the bench is identified, then why does the crate have to be identified as well?

>it doesnt, it is when cages are not on the benches..

It just says it's 'particularly important' when they're not on benches, not that they don't have to be identified if they are on a bench.

all a bit blurry...needs to have been written more clearly for dunces like me!!!

Yet another reason for me to stop showing!!!!!

> Yet another reason for me to stop showing!!!!!

Thats a bit of an extreme reaction isn't it?

> Yet another reason for me to stop showing!!!!!
> Thats a bit of an extreme reaction isn't it?

not really, you dont know me & there are alot of other reasons...this is just another, like I said!!

what exactly are we suppose to put ON these labels?

Your bench number...!

It tells you: "requires exhibitors to display the exhibit/bench number on their crate, cage or container at all times."

I have just been reading a schedule for a Champ Show, no unentered dogs tent but NFC £15 or spectator dogs £5- I know which I would choose. BUT what is to stop a spectator dog being crated and left in an aisle or get into distress, nothing appears to have to be displayed on the crate! It says it applies to exhibitors.

Can you tell me the difference between a NFC dog and a Spectator dog?

NFC gets a bench I believe, hence the price! it can then be benched next to the dog you are exhibiting. Spectator dogs can be brought in by the public (heaven forbid!) and they have to complete paperwork with the Secretary. I think that's right anyway, I gave up as a Secretary just when the spectator dog rules came in.

I wait someone with better knowledge to enlighten us :)

A spectator dog is owned by the general public that goes in to spectate and not take part, so I would be very surprised if they'd allow anyone carrying a cage to bring a spectator dog. It would look like an exhibitor and we have to enter NFC.

I know that the majority of spectator dogs are owned by the general public some of whom fancy " a nice day out!" and decide to take the dog into an unfamiliar environment BUT what if they are unaccompanied and need to use the facilities, the dog would have to be left somewhere hence the need for a crate. My husband does a lot of stewarding and we don't show that much but if I want to go into the showground and I have one of the dogs with me ( I will not leave them on the caravan site) then I will need pay, I would rather pay £5 than £15!! Sorry to go off topic and Goldimali I'm not trying to be awkward but you have started me wondering!!

No you've got good points Sawheaties. I tried to find the ruling on the KC website but can't.

I think i will take bench cards home after the show and use for crates at the next show, write on the back of them. I pay for them after all :)

> i will take bench cards home after the show

I have been doing that for years, they make good places to write notes, shopping lists etc :)

> A tip: cheap cardboard luggage labels can be used, buy a pack and keep in your show bag! You just tie them on. Or even just buy a pack of large sticky labels and keep in the show bag. I'm quite used to both with showing other animals. Just remember to place the new one over the old one or remove the old one, as otherwise things will get very confusing after a few shows.... :-)

Fantastic idea, however my dogs will probably pull them into the crate and shred them lol

Well I'm confused ..( yes I know ...nothing new there !)

if this is the ruling : The Kennel Club would also take this opportunity to remind exhibitors that Show Regulation F(1).17
requires that dogs should be present on their benches at all times except when being judged,
prepared for exhibition or exercised."
- then surely there should be No dogs in crates off of their bench ...how then can they be blocking the gangways etc ?...also if the dogs are on their benches then they are already easily identified by their ring number so why do they need another form of identification ? ......

Hmm ..seems to me that the simplest thing would be to enforce the dogs on benches ruling and ban crates unless they too are on the bench ....no ?

Yvonne

> Hmm ..seems to me that the simplest thing would be to enforce the dogs on benches ruling and ban crates unless they too are on the bench ....no ?
>

I suspect this is to facilitate enforcing that rule.  If they can easily identify a crate and dog they can also easily identify how long it was kept away from the benches, whether it was due in the ring etc.

They changed the ruling from must to should a few years ago, now only Crufts say dogs MUST be on the benches. I.e. they give you more leeway.

I,d like to see this taken a step further and exhibitors numbers displayed on parked cars as well maybe a sticky label sent out with exhibitor passes then it would be easier to find those who leave dogs unattended in cars .

> exhibitors numbers displayed on parked cars as well

Yeah better idea to me...there has been a slight update on the release yesterday, which may answer some questions we have had

For further information:
FAQs for identification of crates/cages

Introduction
The Kennel Club has recently announced that it requires exhibitors to display exhibit/owner identification on their crate, cage or container at all times when attending shows.
Q. What has happened/ been brought up or whatever to make this necessary?
A .This requirement has been introduced as a possible solution to the ...risk of not being able to identify dogs which might be unwell, in distress or involved in some other type of incident; and to prevent the possibility of dogs manoeuvring soft crates off their bench due to the crate not being properly secured.
Q. How is the exhibitor at open shows supposed to know the number of their dog before they get to show - so as to be able to bring the appropriate number identification?
A. At open shows or unbenched shows where a bench number may not be known in advance or is not required, any form of exhibit/owner identification is acceptable. The purpose of this requirement is for show organisers to be able to identify a dog which may be in distress and therefore have some route to contact the dog's owner via tannoy messages etc.
Q. Why do exhibitors need to have a number on the crate ....Why not their name and address and mobile number - they know that before they leave home?
A. It is preferable for the exhibitor's version of the bench/exhibit number to be used as the primary form of identification (for simplicity). However, if exhibitors choose to provide alternative identification that still enables the show management to trace the dog's owner that is acceptable.
Q. Why can't the exhibitor use the original exhibit/bench number card, as provided by the show society?
A. If bench numbers are removed, exhibitors and the show management may be unable to trace the correct benches - this will cause a number of logistical problems. Bench/ring cards have a specific purpose and should not be used for any other means.
Q. Will the show society be providing me with an addition bench card?
A. No, each exhibitor is responsible for providing their own crate or cage identification.
Q. What do you have to write the number on? E.g card, a label, luggage tags?
A. Any of the above is acceptable providing the chosen form of identification doesn't fall off the crate/cage. The importance being that if a dog is in distress the show organisers have some form of identification to trace the owner.
Q. What kind of fixture is suggested for metal/soft crates?
A. Any fixture which allows the crate/cage to be securely fastened to the benching chain is acceptable.
Q. Why has this requirement been introduced with immediate effect and without allowing exhibitors to make suitable arrangements to comply?
A. The requirement for owner identification is simple and generally good practice. It does not require a period of notice for exhibitors to comply. In respect of the safe use of benches, this been a longstanding regulation and was issued more as a reminder to exhibitors.
Q. The Kennel Club expects exhibitors to comply with its reminder that Show Regulation F(1)17 requires that dogs should be present on their benches at all times except when being judged, prepared for exhibition or exercised. Why then, if it, expects this regulations to be observed, does it feel the need to create requirements for numbering crates, cages or containers at all times, "when cages etc are not on benches".
A. Firstly not all shows are benched and in the event of an exhibitor leaving their dog unattended in a crate or blocking a gangway show officials will be able to trace the owner. This requirement has been introduced with the safety of all in mind, but most importantly that of the dog, and to minimise potential incidents and injuries.
Q. Have soft crates been banned?
A. No, Soft Crates have not been banned, but is important that exhibitors recognise that they should only be used if they are the appropriate size for their dog and if stored on a bench, the crate can be securely attached to the bench.

Hope that is clearer for some...lol

I noticed someone suggested putting your address on the label, isn't this advertising the fact that there may not be anyone at home giving burglar's/dognappers an ideal opportunity to break in and not be disturbed?

Yes mobile number and your entry number added when you get it should be enough.

A Name and initials will enable the show secretary to look up the ring number and the other way round an address is not needed.

Right ladies:

Ive got a show tomorrow and Im ready!
Ive got a picture -type keyring someone gave me, you know the ones...picture of dog slipped into a squareish clear frame.
Ive got sticky labels which just fit the back of it and Ive put my name...leaving a gap for me to write my number on when I get there.
Just peel off label and replace for each show. All taken to the show in my little A5 plastic envelope ( 99p WH Smiths) that I use to put all my paperwork for shows and take any in any case.

The key ring will be attached to a plastic 'spring' type clip which I attach to my trolley.
Prototype will be tried tomorrow, by next week some bright spark will have the perfect solution on the market :-)

> by next week some bright spark will have the perfect solution on the market

:-D Very true.

> xmlns=>Prototype will be tried tomorrow, by next week some bright spark will have the perfect solution on the market

When all this started yesterday someone on Facebook suggested luggage tags, I googled this morning and it's already mentioned in the ad about putting them on dog cages at shows.

Youve got to admire the entrepreneurial spirit!

We have cut pieces of white board and will tie-wrap to the crates and the write on/ wipe off at each show.  Perhaps I will permanent mark surname initial too to cover delays getting numbers

What happens with two dogs using the me cage. As I usually take one for NFC and when the other is in the ring I put him in.

Put both numbers on.

Well it worked ok but few people had bothered.

Was at an open show today (Maidenhead) where some people had bothered and some hadn't.

I was told by a friend who was there that they only saw a couple.

I was also at Maidenhead and only saw one exhibitor who had labeled their trolley and it wasn't me as I had forgotten all about it.how

When I mentioned this new rule to my friends at the show none of them were aware of it even though they had all received their crufts passes. They simply hadn't read the sheet included and had put passes etc in a drawer.

I have now decided to put my details on a piece of card inside of a plastic keyring and attach it to my trolley.

I was spectating a t breed club champ show today & quite a few had done it but found some that hadnt bothered aswell....I am thinking perhaps best to do it at every show rather than not....a little while before my next show though & have come up with a good idea(well copy somones from the show today...simple but worked).

At an open show today and didn't see one crate with a tag/label on..

My OH made me a great one that I can wipe clean the number and re-use. We went to the Barrow open show yesterday and left the bloomin thing on the coffee table at home!!!
Although the show secretary told us about the new rule I think we were the only ones with our number on our crate (scribbled on a bit of paper) :-)

hi Paula Dal, just seen your post and had a chuckle--I was suitably inspired by the KC ruling to go out and buy some PVC signboard, cut it up and have just perplexed the dogs by rummaging around under the stairs for my drill that hasn't seen the light of day since a rather desperate job on a curtain rail. I was just admiring my handiwork  (complete with four holes tapped to use cable ties for fixing to the crate) and realised that I don't even know what I need to write on it...just their exhibit numbers? my name? the kennel name we don't yet have?

In Dog World the KC say that a simple luggage label with your exhibit number is fine, or "any alternative ID which will enable the show management to trace the dog's owner" is acceptable.