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Many breeders register puppies with registry companies to market the dogs as "approved" purebreds. In 2010, the American Kennel Club (AKC) suspended Kathy Bauck's privileges for ten years.

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REGISTRIES

Many breeders, such as Kathy Bauck, have used the label "AKC-registered" or other registry companies as a means to market their puppies. This can be deceiving to many consumers who are unaware of registry processes because it suggests to consumers that the animal has a "stamp of approval" — that the dog is healthy or a purebred, when it may not be.

The AKC and other dog registries verify if a dog is purebred, not whether the dog is healthy or if the breeder's conditions and practices are humane.

Recently, even the "purebred" status has been challenged. For years, registry companies have been based on the honor system where the breeder is trusted to complete the paperwork of the dog's breed accurately; some breeders have falsified documents and misled consumers.

In addition to the AKC, Kathy Bauck may also be using the American Canine Association (ACA) and the International Canine Association (ICA).

American Kennel Club revokes Bauck's privileges for 10 years

On January 11, 2010, the American Kennel Club ("AKC) suspended all AKC privileges for Kathy Bauck. As recorded in the AKC Gazette, February 2010 issue: "The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended the following individuals from all AKC privileges for ten years, effective January 11, 2010, and imposed a $2,000 fine for conduct prejudicial to purebred dogs, purebred dog events, or to the best interests of the American Kennel Club based on their violation of the AKC's Cruelty Conviction Policy: Ms. Kathy Jo Bauck A.K.A. Ms. Kathy N. Allan Bauck (New York Mills, MN) Multiple breeds

• View: Bauck privileges suspended by AKC

Editorial Comment: While it is good that the AKC acknowledged the actions of this breeder and suspended her privileges, it is also disappointing that her privileges were revoked after Kathy Bauck was charged with animal cruelty and convicted of animal torture.

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