[Nancy1999]

I may be able to help you with the "linking part". To link a page, just "copy" the address, and paste it in the thread. Put you mouse over the address at the top of the page you want to link, right click on it and choose "copy." When you want to paste the link, just right click again, and choose "paste."

Here's one site I found. Summits for Urban Animal Strategies - the summit series They say:

The International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies is an annual event that brings together industry thought leaders representing all four sectors of the companion animal industry: animal control/,enforcement animal welfare, animal health/wellness and animal services. Delegates and speakers come from across Canada and the United States. The first five Summits have been held in Alberta. In 2011, the Summit will be held at the Fairmont Chateau Montebello in Quebec.

I think it's great the the Candanian Kennel Club is involved, and breed clubs can do a lot to help with animal protection. I think a goal would be to protect the animals without making it impossible for good breeders to continue. For example, putting limits on the number of dogs a person has may sound like a good rule, but it actually could hurt good breeders more than puppy millers, so it's important that people who really know the problems on both sides to help make the rules, not just commercial breeders. That's why it's important to get good breeders input.

It sounds like from what you posted, they are concerned about all the animals sold on the internet. It really is a tremendous problem, because people who sell over the internet don't have to have any home inspections, and in this country, do not have to be USDA inspected, NO MATTER HOW MANY DOGS THEY SELL. Much of the time, the dogs aren't registered with any legimate breed club, and are sold to anyone with the money to buy one. I'm not sure what a "homing episode" would be, perhaps dogs that have been sold to unsuitable homes?


The conference also will address the Humane Movement:

There have been four waves in the development of the Humane movement. The future may be challenging as the Internet expands the reach of pseudo Humane organizations who may not deliver any legitimate services in the areas where they raise funds. The companion animal industry has recognized this problem and has come together to develop a solution that will provide official recognition for compliant agencies. A new national seal of approval together with changes to the legislation governing Not For Profit Status may help identify the legitimate Humane organizations. Summits for Urban Animal Strategies

It sounds like they are trying to come up with some sort of "seal of approval" for various organizations, not only for the Humane Movement, but for:

A new national seal of approval will help service providers like Kijiji, pet stores and breeders to help pet families acquire a pet from a compliant source with confidence.

Of course, learning what will enable someone to have the "seal of approval" will be beneficial.

I'm for anything that helps the pet buyer be more informed, and I think it's great that they are trying to get input from many resources. I'm assuming compliance and non-compliance, means breeders who aren't complying with the regulations in place now, either because they aren't informed of the rules, or because they just don't care. While I don't believe in ignoring out "gut instincts", don't automatically assume this is a bad thing and will put good breeders out of business. I think you are wise to learn more about this.