Rabies Challenge Fund
Dear SBCA Members:
The SBCA Board has voted to support the Rabies Challenge Fund that is headed up by Jean Dodds, DVM. This program is in the process of running 5 and 7-year studies to prove the rabies vaccine is effective for those extended periods of time. When these studies are completed the laws will be able to be changed to eliminate the 1-year and 3-year vaccines in favor of one vaccine every 5 or even every 7 years instead. It is reported that the rabies vaccine is the one that produces the most serious after effects in dogs so this is a vital study for the health and safety of our dogs not to mention the cost savings for their owners.
The SBCA is going to match all member donations up to $2,500 to enable us to send our total donations of at least $5,000 to the Fund. There is an added benefit for personal donations as they will be tax deductible; just make your checks out to “The Rabies Challenge Fund Trust” and send it to our Treasurer, Linda Baker, at 108 Hopewell-Princeton Road, Hopewell, NJ 08525. We will match your donation to double its effect!
We suggest you send the cost of a single rabies shot of $25 as an investment in lowering your future rabies expenses. If that is more than you are comfortable with at this time, send $5, $10, $15 or whatever amount you can, no amount will be too small or too large. We will publish the names of the donors in the Winter issue of the Fancier so you get the recognition you deserve.
This is a wonderful opportunity to do something of great benefit for our dogs and we sincerely urge you to participate with your donation today!
Thank you for your concern and anticipated generosity.
Donna McPhate
SBCA President
Special Announcement:
Over the last number of years there has been a growing concern that we have been over vaccinating our animals. A number of studies from Europe have shown that the rabies vaccine is probably effective for at least 5-7 years. In the U.S., rabies vaccination cannot be given less than every 3 years. Why? Because there are no challenge studies that show its effectiveness for longer times. The Rabies Challenge Fund (RCF), started by Dr Jean Dodds, was created to fix this problem. Once completed, if it shows that 5 or 7 year vaccination can protect against rabies, the laws requiring more frequent vaccination can be changed. The study is completing year 3 and only has one more year before it can complete the 5 year challenge. Unfortunately it is a very expensive study even though many of the researchers are donating their time for free. The RCF is funded by private donations, such as from individuals and breed clubs such as ours. The SBCA board has decided that a great way to promote giving to this worthy group is to set up a challenge of our own! For every dollar that a SBCA member or subscriber donates to the Rabies Challenge Fund through the SBCA, the club will match it dollar for dollar, up to $2,500. Our $5,000 donation will go a long way in making this goal a reality. The dollar for dollar challenge is for a limited time so please contact Donna McPhate, SBCA President, for more information or send your contribution to: Linda Baker, SBCA Treasurer, with checks made payable to The Rabies Challenge Fund so that you may claim the donation on your income tax return.
David Trachtenberg, SBCA Health Committee Co Chair
TALLY 09 – 38
HOUSEKEEPING MOTION
Motion:
I move that the SBCA establish a Rabies Challenge Fund (RCF). Pending Board approval, the SBCA shall create an account for the RCF. For each dollar contributed by a SBCA member or subscriber to the SBCA RCF fund, the SBCA contributes one dollar up to a maximum SBCA contribution of $2,500.00. The goal will be to raise a total of $5,000.00. The SBCA RCF challenge will begin on September 1, 2009 and end on October 10, 2009.
Motion by: Palmblad
Seconded by: Predmore
Ballot to Board: Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Date of Tally: Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Motion Status: PASS 11 – 0 - 0
In Favor: Baker, Cataldo, Colby, Janz, McPhate, Palmblad, Predmore, Temple, Valko, Wilson, Zappala