LINES FROM LINDA AKC DETECTION DOG TASK FORCE AND PUPPY PROTECTION PROGRAM EXCITING NEWS INTRODUCING PHASE II PROGRAM MANAGER STACEY WEST
BY LINDA AYERS TURNER KNORR
T he purpose of our Detection Dog Task Force is “to study specific areas in which the AKC can help address the crisis (of a short- age of high-quality explosives detection dogs for US national and public security), work toward improving incentives for US breeders, while also advancing recognition of purpose-bred dogs as crucial to our nation, and AKC as preeminent authority on canines.” The primary role of the DDTF is as “facilitator.” The AKC is uniquely positioned to bring together the leading expert breeders, trainers, research- ers/scientists, purchasers, government officials, private buyers, and others to collaboratively address the obstacles that prevent the US from being able to produce the dogs this country needs. Three key areas of the DDTF focus include: Public Policy/Government Relations, Breeder Education and Out- reach, and Educational Conferences/Seminars. DDTF Chair, Dr. Carmen Battaglia, commenting of the program’s ori- gin said, “The AKC Board authorized the establishment of the AKC Dog Detection Task. The task was to develop a pilot program and demonstrate
AKC Detection Dog Task Force team Stacey West, Dr. Carmen Battaglia, Sheila Goffe, Melissa Ferrell, and Chris Sweetwood meeting in front of the AKC Headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina.
44 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2020
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