What I thought was ‘the end’ about the topic of animal abuse and neglect turned out not to be.
I keep thinking each time there is a comment or a specific point gets some good discussion going, that flyballers who read this blog will say that all-encompassing thing that clicks the light on for everyone.
By ‘george’ I think I’ve found it. Did you see it, too?
Bottom line for NAFA flyballers is out there. If you are a flyballer who agrees that animal abuse and neglect related to a flyball event is OK in your interpretation of your world, just sit tight as you are in good hands with NAFA leadership. They have spoken and they have taken action accordingly. Your dog’s ONYX plaque will look good next to the person’s convicted (which, coincidentally, your tourney entries and hostings have/will help pay for.)
On the flip side, if you are not OK with this entire scenario you are the one in charge of your interpretation of your world and you have the capabililty to tell NAFA and to do or say something to change it.
Enough said, I trust.
v/r, Linda
Amendment to this Post, February 28, 2012
The following was published on NAFA website:
“NAFA® Board of Directors Meeting Highlights, January 20, 2012- Raleigh, North Carolina
• The board ratified the decision of the Executive Director to suspend Carla Thomas based on her conviction for animal abandonment in Pinellas County, FL. The Board considers this suspension to be indefinite and at the discretion of the Executive Director.”
I subsequently inquired (again) whether the suspension included the person’s dogs but NAFA refused to answer.
Regarding U-FLI’s decision, I was contacted this past weekend and, in my opinion, leadership has made a sound and ethical decision by suspending the person as well as their present and/or future dogs from tournament participation.
I had not really put these ideas together until just this morning upon seeing the announcement on NAFANews Yahoo that voting has begun.
Before getting to the heart of this post, if you are not a delegate vote holder with the ability to cast a vote, you are still able to communicate your voice directly to NAFA via their website contact link. They may suggest you direct your comments to your Club Owner; however, I believe NAFA still has the obligation to listen to what you have to say as well.
If you are a Club Owner, a Judge, a Regional Director or a Board of Directors member, what do you think about the Rules (i.e., combination of Rules of Racing, Policies and Procedures, By-Laws and NAFA Articles of Incorporation) as they relate to the person convicted of animal abuse & neglect related to a flyball event (as described and discussed in the previous posts on this topic)? Do you plan to become involved and let NAFA know what you think?
Before you answer, have you read the previous posts and previous comments? If you have not yet had the opportunity, I ask that with all due respect for other flyballers and readers of this blog, please be so kind as to take time to read them before responding to this post. I know it will mean a great deal to concerned flyballers all across the country and very much appreciated by the readers of this blog.
In addition, I offer for everyone’s consideration the following request I sent to NAFA leadership yesterday:
To – NAFA Chairman of the Board…, NAFA BoD et. al, NAFA Officers et. al.
Re – Original request and subject (below, dated October 6) and follow-up regarding person convicted of animal abuse and neglect related to a flyball event, their continued participation and/or their dogs’ continued participation at a tournament November 12-13, 2011 in Region 11, Florida.
Date – December 1, 2011
I request the entire NAFA leadership included above review this issue and respond to the author herein as well as the NAFA flyball community as a whole with regard to the subject above; specifically:
1) explain their interpretation of the Rules of Racing, Policies and Procedures, By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation Statement of Purpose (i.e., referred to in combination herein as Rules) that relate to this specific issue including the continued participation at yet another tournament noted above.
< including but not limited to a) the original requested sections outlined below (Chapter 5, Article IV, Article VI) along with Articles of Incorporation 'purpose', b) was the person suspended, c) if so, under what time parameters, d) were the person's dogs included in the suspension, e) if dogs not included, explain why
2) explain their interpretation of NAFA's Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics specifically with reference to Chapter 5, Section 5.1, a-e
3) explain their interpretation of a 'suspension', including their interpretation of 'NAFA benefits and privileges' as they apply to the following statements found in several places in NAFA's Rules:
"…to suspend or place on probation individuals or Clubs from all NAFA benefits and privileges for infraction of NAFAr Rules of Racing or Corporate Policies and Procedures…"
< specifically, but not limited to a) name all the NAFA benefits and privileges that could be suspended, b) what, if any, benefits and privileges were suspended in the above case
As the issue of animal abuse and neglect related to a flyball event is an imporant and integral component to the integrity and good name of all NAFA flyball participants, your timely attention to this request is anticipated and appreciated.
Sincerely,
Most readers of this blog already know my perspective. I believe they would also like to know yours if you are willing and able to share your thoughts.
v/r,
Linda
