[Wylie's Mom]

Update:

For those PMing me asking if this can be re-opened, the answer is no.

Here is an example as to why: I've also received PMs from YT members asking if they can post threads that say "I've heard there are people wearing YTCA / AKC / Sporting Dog Alliance T-SHIRTS - and that these people are poisoning dogs at shows/ dog events!!". So, can they post those threads? No. Because 1) whether or not they "heard" this happened does not mean it is true and 2) just because someone is wearing a t-shirt advertising an organization, does not mean that the organization on the t-shirt has sanctioned, whatsoever, the actions of the person wearing the t-shirt.

YT is not the place for tit-for-tat threads - no matter the organization. Threads like this are only going to be extremely problematic.

If you have heard a rumor that may warrant posting some kind of warning to dog owners, then do so. But there is no need to charge any group with responsibility unless there is proof, such as a police report.

Simply put, we're not going to allow YT members who have a dislike for Group A, to post unsubstantiated rumors about the heinous acts they "hear" Group A is doing. Because if we allow that to run amok, then we must also allow all threads regarding unsubstantiated rumors about Group B, C, D, etc, no matter how outlandish. {and yes, I've had requests asking if someone can post that the YTCA is poisoning dogs, bc it's along the same lines as the perpetually re-cycled "anti-freeze" post from last week...so...think about it, we're just not going to allow that kind of quid-pro-quo to take-off here at YT}

In a nutshell, if some kind of warning really needs to be posted - then post the basics regarding the story/rumor that was passed along. Such as "We are hearing rumors there may be people doing this ____ at dog shows. Please be aware of this and take the necessary precautions to protect your dogs. If I can find additional proof via newspaper reports, or police reports, I will be sure and follow up."

That would the be the appropriate way to post a true concern regarding a rumor.

{as an aside, but related, it has also been circulated that these "rumors" are often re-circulated at dog shows, and through dog websites merely to generate more anti-animal welfare feelings, which in the end - just hurts all animals, imo}