GSMD Club Open Show

Great Swiss Mountain Dog Club Open Show *** DATE CHANGE***

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we have to change the

date of the Club’s Open Show that was due to be held on 2nd May. It will

now be on Saturday 29th August at the same venue - Hollowell

Steam Museum Rally Field, Northants, NN6 8RB.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this change may cause; however, we

really hope you will be able to join us in August for this lovely event, which

is held in conjunction with the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain’s

Summer Garden Party. So there will be lots to see and do. Our Open Show

will include ’Special Beginners’ classes so if you have not yet tried your

hand at showing - come along and give it a go! Due to the change, the

schedule is not yet available but please keep your eye on the Fosse Data

and GSMD websites also Facebook for announcements that entries are open.

AGM/Breed Appreciation Day

Great Swiss Mountain Dog Club AGM, Breed Appreciation Day

(BAD) including exam, and other activities

! Saturday 16th May 2026 at Steventon Village Hall,

The Green, Steventon, OX13 6RR

Registration for the AGM will start at 10:30am with the meeting starting

at 11am. This will allow time for registration along with tea/coffee and

biscuits prior to the start of the meeting.

To include: Carting, from beginners to those needing help moving on in their

carting discipline. There will also be other activities taking place outside for

those not wanting to attend the BAD.

Please note: We will need numbers in advance if you want to attend the

BAD. It is free of charge for members, £5 for non-members and this will

need to be paid in advance. To attend the BAD and multiple choice exam

the price is £20. Please contact: Sue Parkin-Russell via

spaclere@btinternet.com for a booking form and payment details, if

required.

The plan is to start the BAD at 1pm, after the AGM has finished with time

for a short lunch break. Tea, Coffee and biscuits will be available

throughout the day. Lunch is optional, we just ask for a donation to cover

the cost of the food.

If you intend to take the multiple choice exam, please ensure you are at

JEP (Judging Education Programme) Level 1 on the Kennel Club website,

before applying to take this exam.

Swisshaven Breeder Banned

Unlicensed breeder fined and banned from selling dogs

An illegal dog breeder was fined and banned from selling dogs for two years following a successful prosecution by Swindon Borough Council.

Published: Tuesday, 4th July 2023

Kimberley Barton pleaded guilty to breeding and selling four litters of puppies from 1 January 2022 to 1 January 2023 without a licence contrary to section 13 (6) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Friday (30 June). The 58-year-old, of Melfort Close, Sparcells, was fined £120 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £48, plus costs of £600, which magistrates pointed out was roughly the cost of a dog breeding licence. She was also made subject to a prohibition order preventing her from dealing in dogs for a minimum of two years. The court heard how Ms Barton sold the puppies for around £2,000 each and would have been aware of the legislation surrounding the breeding of dogs as she is involved in dog shows. Magistrates were told that the breeding operation was complex with sperm being imported from the USA. Ms Barton advertised puppies for sale and entered into formal sales agreements with clients. The Council’s solicitor, Daryl Bigwood, told the court that the local authority had received complaints that some of the puppies were not adequately socially adjusted and some had to be returned. The Council received complaints of Ms Barton refusing to provide refunds when puppies had been returned, while also refusing to refund deposits for puppies that were not available as advertised. Mr Bigwood added that there was evidence Ms Barton had bred at least a further 18 puppies since becoming aware of the investigation, which showed an “ongoing and flagrant disregard for the law”. The prosecution was brought against Ms Barton following a complex investigation supported by both Wiltshire Police and the RSPCA. Councillor Kevin Small, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Licensing, said: “The regulations for breeding dogs are in place to protect the animals first and foremost, but also the people who are buying them. “I’d like to thank our Animal Welfare team for their diligence in bringing this prosecution forward, but also our partners in Wiltshire Police and the RSPCA who helped us with the investigation. “We take cases involving animal welfare extremely seriously and will not hesitate to prosecute if we have enough evidence. If you are unsure about whether a dog breeder is licensed please visit our website, where we list any licensed dog breeding establishments in Swindon.” Swindon Borough Council news RSS feed