FCI Statement and Sanctions Regarding Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

---

The current situation in Ukraine is taking a toll on Ukrainian citizens and all those currently located there. Ukrainian dog breeders are a large dog-loving community, and European breeders want them to know they are not alone. In our community’s limited ability to do anything regarding the Russian aggression on Ukrainian territory and citizens, the governing cynology association took a significant step. It is another sanction that aims to isolate Russia.

The FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) made a statement on their official Facebook page about preventing Russia from holding cynology events with FCI titles. Here’s what they said.

FCI first statement

On the 26th of February, the president of FCI wrote a statement condemning Russia’s actions against Ukraine. Dr. T. Jakkel wrote;

“As the President of the FCI, I express my deepest sorrow on the recent war situation in Ukraine. My hearts and prayers go out to all those affected by the situation in any form. Like everyone else, I truly hope these saddening times will come to an end soon.

I heartily thank each breeder, kennel club, authority, civil organization throughout Europe who immediately started to organize help for those in need, escaping their homes.

I thank all those who try their best to help those stuck in their homes, unable to move with their dogs.

The great International support shows the real spirit of the FCI community, and we would like to encourage everybody to continue this work being the most important activity related to the situation these days.

My personal RESPECT goes to everybody involved in this rescue movement that makes us proud and proves that we belong together!

The FCI General Committee has decided in consultation with the FCI Agility Commission to cancel the next Agility FCI World Championship, scheduled to take place in Moscow this September, because the utmost priority of the FCI is the safety and wellbeing of our competitors and officials.

I strongly believe that PERSONAL CHARACTER GOES IN FRONT OF NATIONALITY! At this moment, judging our own people (sharing the same passion and profession) based on what was decided by others only could create general hatred and emotions that never lead us to any acceptable solutions.

I  ask everyone to remain sensible during such dark times. No matter how hard it is due to your fears, sorrow, loss, or grief.

We follow the situation carefully and will inform our community about any possibility of further help needed. I contacted some of our strategical partners to provide help for those in heavy need, even though that can be life-threatening.

In order to decide the possible next steps for the support of our members, the FCI General Committee holds its urgent extraordinary meeting.

My prayers go to everyone suffering on these tragic days.”

Second FCI statement

After the initial statement, on the morning of the 28th of February, the FCI General Committee made an official announcement following the General Committee meeting. The statement from their official Facebook profile stated;

“The FCI and its General Committee officially condemn the invasion of Ukraine by the armed forces of the Russian Federation. This conflict and aggression cannot leave anybody indifferent, and we all feel concerned, sad, and angry.

The invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Army has also put entire families of our dog community in complete distress. This war has placed our breeders and their dogs at great risk, directly threatening their welfare and their lives. Many had to flee; others are surviving in precarious conditions, hiding in shelters where food and basic commodities are becoming very scarce. Yet, in these terrible and trying times, they did not abandon their dogs!

These horrifying circumstances contradict the written priorities and welfare recommendations of the FCI, as well as our policy and aims.

The situation has led the FCI General Committee to hold an extraordinary meeting on Sunday, 27th of February 2022. Important decisions were made within the legal limits of the FCI and its General Committee based on the FCI Statutes and Standing Orders.

From the 1st March 2022, and until further notice, the Russian Kynological Federation (RKF) will not be allowed to conduct - on the Russian Territory - any event wherein FCI titles or prizes are awarded (CACIB shows, CACIT trials, CACIAG competitions, etc.)

In order to give the opportunity to our Members/Contract Partners and any other persons to express their solidarity and help towards the Ukrainian people, their dog lovers/breeders/keepers, the FCI will open a bank account, specially for this purpose, where all donations are welcome and will be forwarded, with full transparency, to help the Ukrainian Kennel Union (UKU) and the Ukrainian breeders badly affected by the war and in serious need, living either in Ukraine or having fled to neighboring countries.

The FCI will contribute to this fund in a substantial manner. Further details will be communicated in the following days.

The FCI is a huge community, a united and strong family, so let us all stand up and show our solidarity for Ukraine!

The FCI General Committee members,

Dr. T. Jakkel, FCI President

G. Jipping, FCI Vice-President

B. Müller, FCI Treasurer

M.A. Martinez

R. de Santiago

C. Molinari

J. Hindse, President of the FCI Europe Section

JL. Payro, President of the FCI Americas and Caribbean Section

D. Santos, President of the FCI Asia, Africa, and Oceania Section

Y. de Clercq, FCI Executive Director”

The amount of support Ukrainian people received is tremendous, especially those involved in cynology. We certainly hope that this FCI decision might become a small stone on the road to peace in Ukraine.

As soon as the FCI General Committee makes the donation account public, we will add it to this article and hopefully help at least a bit with our contribution.

World Dog Finder team