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Dog-Gone It: American Kennel Club Wants World Dog Show Out Of Russia

dogs-buttsWe've already reported on requests to move the 2014 Winter Olympics and Miss Universe contest out of Russia because of the country's barbaric treatment of LGBTs. Now another organization is asking for a boycott of the Evil Empire: The American Kennel Club wants the FCI to move the World Dog Show out of Russia where it is scheduled to take place in 2016:

In a letter, AKC chairman Alan T. Kalter and CEO Dennis Sprung lay it out in an open letter to Rafael de Santiago of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, the leading international dog-show organization:

One of the most compelling aspects of the human-canine bond – cherished internationally more than ever before – is the fact that our dogs love us unconditionally. Dogs do not discriminate. Gender, race, sexual orientation and other status do not enter the equation of responsible pet ownership.

That is why the American Kennel Club and our constituency are puzzled and disappointed by the decision to allow Russia to host the 2016 World Dog Show. The proliferation of anti-gay and lesbian laws in Russia today is both disturbing and shocking to our community. The choice of this country as a venue for such a prestigious dog show flies in the face of the ideals of the human-canine bond...

As exhibitors, breeders, handlers and trainers, we teach our dogs many things. But there is no denying, they teach us too. Our bond with dogs is not defined by the type of person who holds the leash. We cannot support competition in an environment where tolerance does not exist.

The AKC is asking the World Dog Show be moved to " a nation that respects and upholds human rights for all its citizens." (We shudder to think how gay pooches would be treated.)

Dogs in Review editor Allan Reznik also announced a planned feature on Russia would be pulled, stating  "We are not feeling particularly celebratory toward that country."

Source: Dog Channel via Towleroad

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