Crufts 2008 – our best show ever!

Crufts 2008 was undoubtedly our best show ever! During the course of the year from Crufts 2007 we entered into discussions with Petlog – the KC’s Pet Identification Service and Vets Get Scanning (VGS) with the intention of joining forces to present a united front in the campaign to prevent dog theft and encourage permanent identification for pets. The result was three stunning stands in hall 2 of the NEC.

The Petlog stand manned by manager Celia Walsom and her energetic team gave vital information and guidance on microchipping while the rear of the stand divided into two with Dog Theft Action and Vets Get Scanning focussing their information on avoiding dog theft and encouraging vets to scan all new dogs – a perfect example of co-operation and co-ordination!

DTA’s new slogan for Crufts 2008 Dog Theft – Don’t Be A Victim and an image of an unused dog lead and collar, appeared on a huge back drop that was visible from every aspect and also on our new flyers and car stickers. These drew attention to our warning to avoid dog theft wherever and whenever possible.

We were delighted to welcome existing and new friends to the DTA stand. They showed their support by signing the Jester’s law petition, playing “Guess the Name of the DTA Dog” or making a donation to the DTA Scanner Appeal. For all this the Trustees are very grateful and appreciative as it enables us to offer more literature to the public.

One of the long-standing and treasured aspects of our mission is to present organisations in the welfare and rescue world with a microchip scanner. So committed is DTA to  permanent ID that we present microchip scanners to deserving organisations that rescue and rehabilitate dogs so that they can be sure that they never rehome a stolen dog. These organisations are recommended to us by word of mouth and we invite key figures in the canine world to make the presentation on our behalf.

This year we presented 3 Pet–ID Identifier Scanners that were generously donated to the DTA Scanner Appeal by Sarah Fry Sales Director of Pet-ID. The first was to Lynsey Wardell and the lovely Pudsey of Bullies in Need – an organisation that rescues Bull Terriers, presented by Roy Barraclough MBE. The second was to Jayne Shenstone of German Shepherd Rescue UK presented by dynamic duo –Dog of the Millennium, Endal and his human partner and DTA Vice Chairman, Allen Parton.

Anne Evans-Wallet and Sue Lunt co-founders of Rottweilers in Need received their scanner from Dangerous Dog Lawyer; Trevor Cooper accompanied by Mary McPhail the KCLC Breeds Council Rottweiler representative and DTA’s Nikki Powditch who founded Jester’s Law.The proceedings took place under the watchful eyes of Anne’s Rottweilers; Morgan and Roxy who represented their breed with dignity and grace.

Our final presentation was the first Dog Theft Action & Vets Get Scanning Dedication Award. This award seeks to honour those organisations that have recognised the concerns of DTA & VGS with regard to dog theft in the UK and have worked hard to address those issues that can be brought into their everyday working practice. This award was presented to Petlog for their dedication and determination to provide a support network to dog owners when the worst happens.

The award was presented to Celia Walsom on Sunday 9th March by TV presenter Victoria Stilwell who said, “I was delighted to be asked to present the very first Dedication Award on behalf of Dog Theft Action and Vets Get Scanning to Petlog in recognition of the work they do to reunite pets with their owners and the unfailing support and enthusiasm they have given to the campaign to reduce dog theft in the UK.”

A large crowd gathered at the DTA and VGS stands in hall 2 to observe the presentation. Victoria made reference to the devastating consequences when the unique relationship dog owners build with their pets is severed by dog theft. She praised the Petlog team for their tireless efforts to reunite missing dogs with their owners. She described the team’s commitment, innovation and determination to draw attention to permanent identification of pets and the concern and compassion displayed at such a crucial time in any dog owner’s life.

After the presentation Neil Ewart Chairman of DTA said, “Dog Theft Action is delighted that so many organisations and individuals have offered enthusiasm and support for our mission. ‘Petlog’ in particular provides a unique service for all dog owners in the terrible time when they lose a beloved pet. We have worked very successfully with ‘Petlog’ for over three years and have greatly valued their advice, information and most importantly their encouragement. DTA looks forward to continuing this association and building on this strong working relationship with Petlog.”

Debbie Matthews founder of Vets Get Scanning said, “Petlog has strived tirelessly to encourage vets to recognise the need to scan dogs routinely. By acting as a go-between Petlog is able to reinforce the importance of microchipping as well as helping vets to realise what dog owners need and expect. VGS is delighted to honour Petlog with this award.”

Ends 01.04.08

Information for editors:

www.petlog.org.uk
www.vetsgetscanning.co.uk
www.doglaw.co.uk
www.rottweilersinneed.co.uk
www.pet-id.net
www.germanshepherdrescue.co.uk
www.bulliesinneed.org.uk