Surprisingly I agree with AKC.  Honestly, I don't really like a lot of what AKC stands for; but on this topic, they are doing the right thing.

The issue is participation in their organization vs. suspension (or ban) for a person convicted of animal neglect and abuse.

There is such a person presently known to some in the flyball commnunity, convicted in her community for animal abuse and neglect which resulted in her dog's cruel and inhumane death.  The person's name is public knowledge; it is Carla Thomas, also known as Carla Parravani. 

The AKC suspended Ms. Thomas, aka Ms. Parravani, in a public newsletter in 2013 (source: https://images.akc.org/pdf/secretary_page/April_2013.pdf) 

Her 15-year suspension was accompanied by a $3,000 fine according to the newsletter.  Quote:  "...from all AKC privileges for fifteen years and imposed a $3000 fine, for conduct prejudicial to purebred dogs, purebred dog events, or to the best interests of the American Kennel Club...Inappropriate Treatment Policy...". 

In addition to her AKC affiliation Ms. Thomas, aka Ms. Parravani, is also involved in dog sports such as flyball.  The AKC is loosely affiliated with NAFA flyball because the AKC now recognizes and publishes NAFA flyball titles for it's AKC members.  

Here is the follow-up to my last blog post with the outcome of my inquiries with the AKC, NAFA and U-FLI in regard to Ms. Thomas, aka Ms. Parravani, current and future participation in each organization as it relates to the sport of flyball.

AKC flyball titles:

"The AKC will not issue an AKC title to an individual suspended from the AKC if a title application were received."

NAFA flyball participation:

"As an independent organization NAFA reserves the right to determine the type and length of any disciplinary action in regards to competing in our sport.  I feel that the length of Carla's suspension was appropriate for her actions and the BoD agreed.  You are free to generate your own personal opinion however this will be my final conversation regarding this matter."

U-FLI participation:

"....It was a sticky, controversial situation that U-FLI became involved with regarding Carla's alleged abuse/neglect..."

The AKC suspension is still in effect and will be until approximately 2028.  In NAFA, the suspension is lifted.  In U-FLI, the suspension is lifted.  I wish NAFA and U-FLI would follow AKC's example.  The integrity of the flyball community deserves no less.

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball 

Here is an old post brought back into focus and updated due to current circumstances in the flyball community.  May you, the reader, find your truth along the way and thank you for reading this blog.  

In truth,
I Like Flyball

UPDATE - 2015

After the following new post to one of the flyball community lists, I asked and received confirmation the person looking for help with her dog's medical bills is the same person in my 2013 blog post (see link at bottom).  Me, personally, I am not certain whether or not adults are capable of changing their behavior.  From the beginning of this incident there were, in my opinion, cover-ups and outright lies surrounding this person's conviction and subsequent actions taken by both flyball organizations.  Even so far as the person's dogs prior to the incident being 'owned' by her then immediately after the story broke to the flyball public, some of these same dogs appeared under a different owner's name (it appeared to be under the spouse's name at that point).  Me, personally, I do not trust people who repeatedly obscure the truth and tell outright lies.

At the present time, there is a request for 'medical bill' help for this same person's one dog.  I'm fairly sure based on the description of the dog's health issue it is most likely not the fault of the dog owner.  However, what bothers me is the flyball organizations' continued involvement with the dog owner all along, from the very beginning of the issue, through the conviction of animal abuse, to allowing the dog owner name change which made it possible for this person's other dogs to still compete in flyball and earn titles and to this day soliciting other flyballer's help for someone who was convicted.  

Do people change?  Perhaps.  Did this person change?  I have no honest idea.  I do not trust the person based on previous reports and subsequent analysis.  And, I do not support flyball organizations continuing to solicit to the flyball community on behalf of this person.  

That is my truth and I simply want to share it with those who may have never heard of the original issue.  

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball

here's the current post August 2015:

(quote)
From: "'Chris Sells' via U-FLI Flyball" <flyballlist@googlegroups.com>
To: "U-FLI List" <flyballlist@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2015 7:26:32 AM
Subject: [U-FLI Flyball List] Zoom's Medical Bills - Go Fund Me

Many of you have met Carla at Championship's and her dog Zoom, they need your help.

 

[click here to support Zoom's Medical bills, link disabled when posted here]

 

(end quote)

Here's the original post from 2013:

http://flyballcanbefun.blogspot.com/2013/06/does-recent-past-come-back-into-play-or.html

*edited 8/16 to remove association with a specific flyball organization due to confirmation from the organization the person's post for solicitation is not affiliated in any way with the flyball organization and the organization does not support the solicitation