[schildkoi]

Juat to play "devils advocate" here, you (JR) state:

Quote: Personally I’d like to see the ZNA chapters start a referral/recommended list of 2-5 dealers in their area . I’d also like to see ZNA chapters adapt a breeder/adviser as well as a sister ZNA chapter in Japan or elsewhere in the world. This kind of network will take care of dealer issues. JR

What criteria would be used for this "referral/recommended" list? Perhaps their QT/health procedures? Oh, what would they be measured against?

I am all for holding dealers/breeders accountible. That accountibility needs to meet a legal standard of "reasonable and ordinary care." The issue arrises as to what that actually is. By having health standards by a national oragnization (hobbyist or professional...doesn't matter), buyers can at least be assured that the dealer has been given the knowledge of what "reasonable" care is. The issue really becomes whether or not they take that knowledge into practice and continue utilizing such.

For the record, I have absolutely no knowledge or involvement with this AKCA proposal. In fact, the first I have heard of it was through this thread. Its been presented that this is something that may be interpreted as being "forced" on the dealer/breeder community. I doubt that this is the case nor the intent. There has been a large demand from the proffesional community to participate in the KHA program. That program was set up for the hobbyist community and I would suspect that this proposal is to meet the requests from those profesionals.

Good or bad (dependent on one's perspective), it would seem to me that ANY program that would increase the knowledge and hopefully practices, would be a positive step for the hobby.

Like the "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval," dealers can choose to participate or not I would think?

Oh and for:

Quote: I find the idea of amateurs telling professionals how to run their shops about as reasonable as professionals telling amateurs how to run their clubs and shows.

You mean they don't? The proffesionals sur do interdict into clubs and shows and on many levels and to differing degrees. What the proffesionals should be doing is telling hobbyists how to manage their ponds. Unfortunately, the overwhe;lming majority don't due to their lack of knowledge or do, also with that lack of knowledge. Yes, the more reputable do, but they are by far the minority. Which, once again goes back to where can this majority go to get this knowledge? Anyone else stepping up to the plate?

Just my 2 cents.

Steve