Move Montgomery Agility to an Indoor Facility

Closed — 90 supporters

Final supporters

Meg B.

Linda L.

Lynn M.

social b.

Mary W.

Ginger R.

Lisa D.

Lorri L.

Cheryl H.

Cindy S.

+80 more

Started by Anonymous 13 years, 4 months ago

2 Updates 6 Comments

Montgomery Agility ("The Terrier Trials") has been held in Kimberton, PA on an outdoor field. Historically, it has served its purpose well. Terrier loving agility, Rally and obedience exhibitors have been able to participate in each of the dog sports at one trial location preceding the Montgomery conformation show. The popularity of dog sports has led to an increase in the number and types of venues available to competitors. Increasingly competitors choose to trial at indoor venues for a multitude of reasons. Unpredicatable weather resulting in poor footing are leading reasons. So that weather conditions during the first week of October and soaking rains which are common and which make the running conditions hazardous for dogs and humans are increasingly criticized. As a result, entries have been decreasing over the last several years -- and predictions are that they will continue to decrease as indoor trials increase. For instance, there are competing indoor trials held on the weekend before and after the "terrier trials" at In the Net. In the Net is a large indoor soccer arena which can hold three agility rings with crating and offer RV space, car parking and an adjoining room for obedience with its own crating space. Multiple AKC and USDAA agility trials have been held over the last few years. Popularity of the location is proven by the number of AKC trials that fill on opening day. In the Net is located about an hour west of Kimberton on the Pa. turnpike. Plans are being proposed to move the event to In The Net in 2014. The event would be held on Monday through Thursday so that there would be no conflicts with conformation/ club events on Friday prior to Montgomery weekend. The West Highland White Terrier Club of America, who currently holds the lease for the site at Kimberton is voting on whether to support the move to "In the Net" in May. If you are in favor of this move and would be more likely to attend the event if it were held indoors please sign the attached petition.

Please also share this petition with other terrier competitors!

Animal Welfare Community Event

Updates

April 16, 2013

I have been reading your stories about the dangerous mud and the toll these conditions take on our dogs. It is clear that we cannot keep risking everyone's physical safety just to maintain a tradition that no longer works for our community. I am currently putting together a formal request to the committee to show them the real human and canine cost of staying outside.

April 16, 2013

The momentum behind this move is undeniable and it reflects how many of us have spent too many mornings shivering in the mud with our dogs. Watching this community rally for safe, indoor footing makes me feel so much better about the future of these trials.