• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • About Towleroad
  • Towleroad on Social Media
  • Privacy Policy

Towleroad Gay News

Gay Blog Towleroad: More than gay news | gay men

  • Body
  • Daily Resist
  • POLITICS
  • Travel
  • Music
  • Theatre
  • Film
  • TV
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Men
  • Marriage Equality
  • Space
  • Trans Rights
  • Books
  • Science
  • Gay Iconography
  • TowleREAD

American Kennel Club Wants 2016 World Dog Show Moved from Russia Over Anti-Gay Laws

August 11, 2013 by Andy Towle

American-kennel-club-logo

The American Kennel Club has called on the FCI to move the World Dog Show from Russia where it is scheduled to take place in 2016, because of Russia's human rights abuses against gay people.

KalterHere's the letter, via DogChannel.com:

Dear Rafael,

One of the most compelling aspects of the human-canine bond – cherished internationally more than ever before – is the fact that our dogs love us unconditionally. Dogs do not discriminate. Gender, race, sexual orientation and other status do not enter the equation of responsible pet ownership. That is why the American Kennel Club and our constituency are puzzled and disappointed by the decision to allow Russia to host the 2016 World Dog Show. The proliferation of anti-gay and lesbian laws in Russia today is both disturbing and shocking to our community. The choice of this country as a venue for such a prestigious dog show flies in the face of the ideals of the human-canine bond.

On behalf of the American Kennel Club, our member clubs, and the American purebred dog fancy, we urge you to move the 2016 World Dog Show from Russia to a nation that respects and upholds human rights for all its citizens. The international dog community deserves to enjoy the World Dog Show in a place that stands for freedom and equal rights for all. AKC cannot and will not support participation in the 2016 World Dog Show if it is held in Russia.

As exhibitors, breeders, handlers and trainers, we teach our dogs many things. But there is no denying, they teach us too. Our bond with dogs is not defined by the type of person who holds the leash. We cannot support competition in an environment where tolerance does not exist.

Yours respectfully,

Alan T. Kalter (pictured)
Chairman of the Board

Dennis B. Sprung
President and CEO

Allan Reznik, the Editor-in-Chief of Dog Channel, also announced that a scheduled feature on Russia for its November 2016 issue would be pulled:

A boycott of the Olympic Games is being called for and with the World Dog Show scheduled for Moscow in 2016 the FCI is facing pressure to change its venue unless these violations of basic human rights are rescinded. AKC President Dennis Sprung and Chairman Alan Kalter issued a courageous statement protesting Russian President Putin’s anti-gay law.

We have many gay breeders, exhibitors, handlers and judges proudly participating in our sport worldwide. In light of Russia’s violation of these basic human rights, and given the strides that have been made recently in the USA with respect to equal rights, DOMA defeat, etc., we at Dogs in Review feel it would be inappropriate to feature Russia in our November International Issue. We are not feeling particularly celebratory toward that country. Moreover, we urge our American judges with invitations to officiate in Russia to reconsider their assignments, at a time when visitors traveling there could be arrested and detained, with the blessing of the Russian government.

Filed Under: News, Russia Tagged With: American Kennel Club, dogs, News, Pets, Russia

Recent Posts

  • Bipartisan Calls Grow for 25th Amendment Removal of Trump from Office

    Bipartisan Calls Grow for 25th Amendment Removal of Trump from Office

    1 hour ago
  • Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook Has Banned Trump Until Transition of Power to Biden is Over

    Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook Has Banned Trump Until Transition of Power to Biden is Over

    3 hours ago
  • ‘Co-Conspirators in Sedition’: Here Are the Names of Every Republican Who Voted to Overturn Election Results

    ‘Co-Conspirators in Sedition’: Here Are the Names of Every Republican Who Voted to Overturn Election Results

    4 hours ago
  • Woman Shot to Death During Pro-Trump Capitol Rampage Was QAnon Zealot, Said She Was Putting Politicos ‘On Notice’ in Social Media Videos: WATCH

    Woman Shot to Death During Pro-Trump Capitol Rampage Was QAnon Zealot, Said She Was Putting Politicos ‘On Notice’ in Social Media Videos: WATCH

    4 hours ago
Previous Post: « Australian PM Kevin Rudd Promises Marriage Equality in 100 Days if Elected: VIDEO
Next Post: Gospel Singer Donnie McClurkin Withdraws from MLK Concert After Objections from Gay Activists »

Primary Sidebar

  • Bipartisan Calls Grow for 25th Amendment Removal of Trump from Office

  • Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook Has Banned Trump Until Transition of Power to Biden is Over

  • ‘Co-Conspirators in Sedition’: Here Are the Names of Every Republican Who Voted to Overturn Election Results

Recent Posts

  • Bipartisan Calls Grow for 25th Amendment Removal of Trump from Office

    Bipartisan Calls Grow for 25th Amendment Removal of Trump from Office

    1 hour ago
  • Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook Has Banned Trump Until Transition of Power to Biden is Over

    Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook Has Banned Trump Until Transition of Power to Biden is Over

    3 hours ago
  • ‘Co-Conspirators in Sedition’: Here Are the Names of Every Republican Who Voted to Overturn Election Results

    ‘Co-Conspirators in Sedition’: Here Are the Names of Every Republican Who Voted to Overturn Election Results

    4 hours ago
  • Woman Shot to Death During Pro-Trump Capitol Rampage Was QAnon Zealot, Said She Was Putting Politicos ‘On Notice’ in Social Media Videos: WATCH

    Woman Shot to Death During Pro-Trump Capitol Rampage Was QAnon Zealot, Said She Was Putting Politicos ‘On Notice’ in Social Media Videos: WATCH

    4 hours ago
  • FOX News’ Ainsley Earhardt: I Hope That Trump ‘Will Be Able to Forgive’ Mike Pence for Not Helping Him Overturn Election: WATCH

    FOX News’ Ainsley Earhardt: I Hope That Trump ‘Will Be Able to Forgive’ Mike Pence for Not Helping Him Overturn Election: WATCH

    5 hours ago
  • Lindsey Graham, Who Has Enabled Trump for Years, Rants ‘Count Me Out, Enough is Enough, I’ve Tried to Be Helpful’ After U.S. Capitol Attack: WATCH

    Lindsey Graham, Who Has Enabled Trump for Years, Rants ‘Count Me Out, Enough is Enough, I’ve Tried to Be Helpful’ After U.S. Capitol Attack: WATCH

    6 hours ago
  • GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz Claims Violent Rioters That Stormed U.S. Capitol Were Antifa Members Dressed as Trump Supporters: WATCH

    GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz Claims Violent Rioters That Stormed U.S. Capitol Were Antifa Members Dressed as Trump Supporters: WATCH

    6 hours ago
  • Overhead Video Shows Moment Trump Mob Broke Through U.S. Capitol Barricade: WATCH

    Overhead Video Shows Moment Trump Mob Broke Through U.S. Capitol Barricade: WATCH

    6 hours ago
  • Trump Commits to Orderly Transition of Power After Pushing Violent Mob to Attack U.S. Capitol

    Trump Commits to Orderly Transition of Power After Pushing Violent Mob to Attack U.S. Capitol

    6 hours ago
  • After Dark Day of Violent Insurrection at U.S. Capitol Incited by Trump, Congress Certifies Biden Win: WATCH

    After Dark Day of Violent Insurrection at U.S. Capitol Incited by Trump, Congress Certifies Biden Win: WATCH

    6 hours ago

Most Commented

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • About Towleroad
  • Towleroad on Social Media
  • Privacy Policy

Footer

Copyright © 2021 · Log in