More importantly, on what grounds has the AKC determined not to suspend? Why would the AKC want to promote this kind of corrupt, illegal behavior? Why would the AKC NOT take a strong stand in a legal case involving purebred dogs that
resulted in a prison sentence?
Clover Hedlund who plead "not guilty" heard all of the testimony and evidence prior to taking the stand in her own defense. The Court found Ms. Hedlund guilty of felony theft for intentionally stealing a champion AKC stud dog owned by a fellow AKC breeder/exhibitor. At the suggestion of the District Attorney's office, the Findings of Fact and Order in the case of State of Minnesota vs. Clover Svea Hedlund (First Judicial District Court File No. K3-03-1505), were forwarded to the American Kennel Club.
To date, Hedlund has failed to provide any information about Clipper's neutering or any information as to veterinary care he may have received during the time of his disapperance.
Dog theft cases seldom reach the courts. Because authorities and others truly cared, this one did. Clipper is happy back living the life he deserves today. The agony and pain of not knowing what happened to Clipper for a year and a half, is something truly impossible to put into words.
I am Clipper's owner.
Every member of A.K.C. is a representative of the organization. Is this the way the group wants its members to behave? I think not. A.K.C. should make an example of individuals who do things in such violation of its rules. True, this might not be regarded as animal cruelty since many of us own spayed or neutered dogs, but this was not her dog to surgically sterilize and that alone should merit suspension. Just my humble opinion.
Ms.Hedlund should never be allowed to come near any dog show and be forever denied AKC involvement. To allow her any privileges is in poor judgement by those AKC people who allowed this come about. Boot the thief out
The Baseline: CONDUCT PREJUDICIAL TO THE SPORT OF DOGS.
When we throw the ribbon down we may be suspended.
When we break the law...I guess we may overlook the deed?
Ms Hudlund is guity of Conduct Prejudicial to the Sport. She does not BELONG with us.
I agree wholeheartedly that anyone who commits a crime of this sort should lose all AKC priveleges, possibly for life. Some of AKC's policies regarding what is deemed prejudicial to the sport of dogs is misguided, to say the least. An assault on an exhibitor is not considered as bad as falsification of registration records. I know of another incident where a dog was stolen at a show, the exhibitor assaulted, witnessed by the judge and other exhibitors, and all AKC did was a $300 fine and a 2 year suspension from AKC events.
This is a horrendous crime in it's own right, and I am ASTONISHED at the AKC's decision. Clover Hedlund is a dog theif, and wrongfully neutered a champion dog. This woman is a threat to dog owner's at any show she would attend, and her being allowed to remain a member of the American Kennel Club, and to be able to continue to show dogs is a crime unto itself. I most certainly agree with Janet Maas' comments as well.
I believe Ms. Hedlund should have her AKC privileges suspended for at least 10 years. This would coincide with her 10 year probation as ordered by the court.
AKC does not hesitate to suspend individuals for actions far less serious than this. Theft of a dog is a very serious matter; enough the person was convicted and had to serve a jail sentence. This seems to me another case of AKC turning a blind eye when it suits its purpose. Justice is often administed by AKC on the terms of who a person is and how influential. Letting this person off without having to answer for their actions opens the door for any person to copy this crime. The owners of this dog; fortunately got their beloved dog returned but the impact this action can have on their breeding program plus the fear of this happening again cannot be measured. This could very well drive them out of breeding & exhibiting.
It's only just that this woman not be able to participate in AKC events. How can she be trusted to not do something like this again? She's a threat to the entire community of dog showing. I'd be afraid to attend shows knowing she was on the grounds.
I am amazed that a charge of felony theft of an animal would not be an automatic suspension of privileges for life. Perhaps a better petition than this one would be to remove Mr. Sharp and the rest of the AKC Compliance Dept. from their positions.
I may only be 17 years old but I have always wanted to show in the AKC, ever since I was a little girl. But this, this is so disturbing that I might just turn from my dream! What’s to say this wont happen again! I strongly suggest suspending this women!
This at the very least is unsportsman like conduct which is a violation of the AKC rules. If one can be suspended for foul language to judges and fellow competitors, one surely should be suspended for this cruelty.
After some twenty years of showing dogs I am shocked at the complacency of the A.K.C of late.
These actions are and embarresment, for those of us who are Ethical exhibitors and Breeders.
I am just curious, what monetary compensation did AKC get out of it? If nothing, then why allow this horrible person to maintain her AKC priviledges. I wouldnt want to be caught dead in the ring with such a despicable person, nor would I want to somehow acquire a dog from her. Do the right thing!!
It seems, to me, that theft of a purebred dog is 'conduct prejudicial to the sport of purebred dogs', especially if the perpetrator then castrated the animal. There must be some provision in the AKC rules and regulations that will cover the suspension of this person. I urge the AKC legal team to find such a provision and implement it in this case.
It appears that the AKC is truely "in it for the money". Not prohibiting Hedlund from showing in the future will certainly keep me from entering any shows that she might attend.
P.S. AKC this will cost you money in the long run.
Criminal acts involving an animal should be penalized by AKC. Failure to do so, in a sense, endorses the action in question. I would sincerely hope that this decision would be revisited by the Board.
At a time when it is critical that that the dog world presents itself with integrity and solidarity, I find it an atrosity that the AKC would not suspend Clover Hedlund for an illegal act in reference to a purebred dog, or any dog for that matter.
I petition the AKC to reconsider what can only be considered a lapse in judgement.
Just absolutely horrible. How can you let a monster like this continue to stay a part of this organization. You should all be ashamed for not doing anything about this before the petition.
Citing "conduct prejudicial to the sport of purebred dogs" applies, in the main, to conduct at shows and events. Nobody has indicated that this dog was stolen from a show or event site.
If a strict interpretation of current AKC rules and regs does not cover tbis situation, then it is time to amend them as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, there must be some provision In AKC rules and regs that can provide for some sort of a sanction against Ms.Hedlund without running the risk of a counter suit.
This is deplorable and inexcusable. The penalty should carry life-time suspension. Perhaps we have the wrong people handling the AKC and should be removed from office. Officers that can read and enforce the Consitution, By-laws and Rules of OUR CLUB should be seated.
I wonder if the AKC would have taken more action if she had killed the dog? How can anyone feel their dogs are safe at AKC events if they are unwilling to even take action against a fancier with a dog related felony conviction!!
Shouldn't you view this as a kidnapping just like the government would if it were a human being? I live outside the U.S. and your country is living under an "anything goes" mentality nowadays. Very sad!
This is simply more proof that AKC does not care about what is "right". It's all about "where is the money" to them. They lost my respect a long time ago. They need to get their hands out of their pockets and start acting responsibly. Apparently Hedlund has more dogs registered with AKC than Alford.
