News & Views

January 2026

1/16/2026

We have received a very sad note from Tessa Abbott letting us know of the passing of her husband Tim on the 20th December 2025. Tim was a quietly reserved man with a smile on his face at all times. Tim's parents Lance & Barbara Abbott were well known Saluki enthusiasts in the 1960s. Lance was Secretary of the Coursing section of the SGHC. As it happens Tessa (Hope & David Waters' Daughter) and Tim started their relationship on the coursing field. I suppose their parents insisted that they join them for coursing meetings, not wanting to leave their teenage children at home. So you might say with the marriage of the Abbotts and the Waters, Tim's life has always revolved one way or another with the Saluki Club.

In Tim's business life he was a printer. Until he retired from Trendell's Ltd. his company printed "The Saluki Book of British Champions.

Recently we met up with him for a 'listening project' session with Tessa, Chris Ormsby and David Steel. It was interesting listening to them reflecting on the past. Tim related about the deep rivalry between the Abbotts and the Waters. The Abbotts championed the smooth Saluki while the Waters the feathered variety. I would not be surprised to find out that Tessa and Tim may of found this slightly amusing.

Tim and Tessa have been fortunate to have have a long and full life. I know until recently they were keen campers, oft travelling Our sympathy goes out to Tessa and their two adult children at this very difficult time. Tim, may you Rest in Peace. Funeral will be family only.

0 Comments

DEc 2025

1/16/2026

0 Comments

CONGRATULATIONS to Darren & Monique Thomas on their Sincerity Kalimantan Cashar (IMP FIN) JW on having a great trip to Belgium. Uuno was a shinning star winning BOB at the Brussels Dog Show 2025 Christmas show but went on to be shortlisted in Group 10.

Just an update on the new rulings regarding importation of dogs, not, before 6 months of age.  I spoke to DEFRA who advised me to email the ‘Animal & Plant Health Agency’ which is located in Weybridge. Supposedly they would come back with an answer.  As no acknowledgement of any sort arrived, I went back to DEFRA, again with my concerns.  It seems we have a law which was ratified on 2nd December 2025 but there is no management plan at this time from APHA. So, until a plan has been put together puppies are still allowed to come in as they were.  Interestingly, when DEFRA spoke they were a little vague on the rules for breeds that need genetic diversity but did not mention that they have not set up any guidance.

This country is heading back to the years pre 2000 with the enactment
Of the ‘Import of Dogs Bill”. It has made its way through Parliament, House of Lords just waiting for Royal Assent. I can not image what was going through the mind of Danny Chambers, a Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament, supposedly a veterinarian when he brough this ‘bill’ to his peers. Truly this was a man that was pulling on heart strings, thinking by making a law for puppies to only be able to enter this country from 6 months, this would stop any illegal importing. I can not verify this by fact but knowing my own personal experience of bringing puppies in, we work very hard to satisfy the spirit and letter of the law, we also know that the earlier the puppies are settled into their new environment, psychologically they have a better chance of integrating positively. What will change regarding animals that are being brought into the UK illegally? Trucks, boats, and planes will be still be bringing them in from unscrupulous breeders where ever they are. The other issue that is included in the act is ear and tail cropping, which is already illegal here. No one is naïve enough to think dogs can be only docked outside of the UK. As far as FCI countries, docking tails has been illegal longer then here. Just to give an example of the new law, you have a five-month-old puppy you want to take on holiday to France. You can take it but you can not return with it for a month.

The Royal Kennel Club has shot itself in the foot again. (I will keep to this subject for now). Breeding registrations have gone down, certainly in the case of Salukis. We used to breed but now have reached an age where we do not see ourself out lasting puppies so for our last three puppies we have ‘bought’ puppies. One from France, second one from Scotland and the final one from Germany. Many other breeders have either passed away or decided like us that it is time to call it a day. If we want a new puppy we have been forced to buy from abroad as litters here have been few and far between. These imports have gone through the rigorous procedures of registration with the RKC plus some will form the future of our breed. The RKC has been considered a spokesman for pedigree dogs so why were they not lobbying to the public/MPS the pitfall of this newish law? This law has closed the door for imports so people will be forced to go out to find puppies elsewhere. First place will be internet. We all read about the different breeds on offer on the net. Puppy farmers will be inundated with the lucrative market becoming even larger.

My final question is ‘Why was the Royal Kennel Club’ not there doing what should be their job, standing up fighting for the future of our DOGS as lobbyists.

0 Comments

News and Views
Staying in Touch

Judge for Hound Association of Scotland

January 2026

DEc 2025

Our newest family member

Email

News and ViewsStaying in Touch

Judge for Hound Association of Scotland

January 2026

DEc 2025

Our newest family member

Email

News and Views
Staying in Touch