19 August 2020

Subject: Live appraisals of SABBS registered dogs

Dear SABBS Board Members,

It is with great regret that we as registered SABBS breeder members approach the Board in writing today regarding the present situation with live appraisals. It is understood by the members that no live appraisals will be allowed for in Level 2 of the current Covid-19 Lockdown (as prescribed by the President of the Republic of South Africa, effective from midnight on 19/08/2020). This conclusion is drawn after numerous members engaged with the SABBS administrative offices and provincial representatives.

It is thus for that the members write in objection to this decision taken by the Board and humbly ask for reconsideration. This is in line with the Constitutional objectives of promotion of the breeding and genetic improvement of the Boerboel breed worldwide (Section 2.1 a) and to ensure the accuracy of all records of pedigrees, performance, ownership and other particulars of all dogs registered or eligible for registration as Boerboels with the Society (Section 2.1 c) is upheld.

The breeder members are presently being disadvantaged by the strict implementation of the Zoom appraisal system, as it is understood that the appraisal scores are awarded conservatively. Although it can be appreciated that the Board has gone to every extent to assist breeder members in this regard, we are requesting live appraisals in line with the relaxation of the Covid-19 Lockdown level 2.

As breeder members it is acknowledged that the Board has performed to its best abilities within the rigid restrictions of the imposed Lockdown regulations and we express our deep thanks. We however thus suggest to the Board that live appraisals with limited attendance and Covid-19 safety precautions be allowed during Level 2 Lockdown.

All breeder members in support of this writing further offer to support the Board in the current crises in terms of administrative tasks and arrangements, where it should be deemed necessary.

Yours faithfully,

SABBS breeder members

(undersigned)