To Whom this may concern, This Petition is being formed by American Cocker Spaniel (ACS) Owners, Breeders, Lovers and Fanciers in Hopes of Making the OFA Patellar Luxation (AKA Slips) Test a required test for ACS Breeders like OFA Hips and CERF are thru the venues of OFA, CHIC, AKC and ASC. What is Patellar Luxation? As written on OFA's website: The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). In Patellar Luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place, either in a medial or lateral position. Bilateral involvement is most common, but unilateral is not uncommon. Animals can be affected by the time they are 8 weeks of age. The most notable finding is a knock-knee (genu valgum) stance. The patella is usually reducible, and laxity of the medial collateral ligament may be evident. The medial retinacular tissues of the stifle joint are often thickened, and the foot can be seen to twist laterally as weight is placed on the limb. Sounds Painful doesn't it? It is. Not only for the dog who now has to undergo extensive surgery but also for the owners of these poor animals who now have to spend thousands to correct and maintain their dogs ability to walk but then to endure a lifetime worth of restrictions and limitations. Therefore, affecting our breeds ability to function properly as Pets, in the field and for Performance events. The rising concern and relevance of this problem in our breed is a huge concern to the Fancy. According to OFA website, as of Dec 2009 only 635 ACS have been evaluated for Patellar Luxation. Of those 635 evaluations we are ranked #4, with 18% being affected. Meanwhile, an astounding 11,888 ACS have been Tested for Hip Dysplasia and only 6% affected. Meaning close to only 5% of OFA tested ACS are being evaluated for Patellar Luxation. Of those, almost 20% are affected. How sad. Meanwhile, OFA Hip testing for ACS is a required test for CHIC and Patellar Luxation is not? Together I ask of you today to please read thru this petition and recognize we need action. We need you the Parent club and Organizations advocating for proper health screening to help us. I ask that not only ACS Breeders/Fanciers to sign this but Please the heart of our breed and pet owners too. Please share your stories and experience of this problem with us. The only thing I ask is to not mention any specific breeders names, kennel and otherwise. This petition is not for mud-slinging. Thank you,

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