21.08.2025 | The FEDCO FCI Portfolio holders

The FEDCO FCI Portfolio holders, Jenny Hubbard and Michael Vorster attended the FCI General Assembly held in Helsinki, Finland from Monday 4 August to Wednesday 6 August.

 

Monday was the A20 Section Meeting, opened and chaired by the A20 President, Mr Augusto Benedicto Santos III from the Philippines. Mr. Santos went through important discussion points that were discussed by the FCI Executive Committee the day before. These included what to expect from the FCI General Assembly on Tuesday and Wednesday.

 

Tuesday and Wednesday was a two-day jam-packed agenda at the FCI General Assembly. Voting took place for candidates whose term had come to an end and were up for re-election plus potential new candidates, presenting to the General Assembly hoping to fill various positions on the main board and other commissions. The standing president of the FCI, Dr Tamás Jakkel was voted in as President for a further two years. Countries competing to host a future WDS presented to the General Assembly as too why they should be considered to host a future WDS. Countries applying for various FCI membership status also presented to the General Assembly why they should be approved. The tail docking and ear cropping was a hot topic of discussion and explained in detail to the General Assembly. A task team will be set up with experts of the various breeds plus the countries of expertise. The task team has strict criteria to operate within and will give regular feedback to the FCI Board.

 

Both Jenny and I had numerous meetings with the FCI Executives, which included amongst others, to adopt the FCI Breed Standard for new KUSA recognised breeds and the FCI International Judges status.

 

The FCI General Assembly ended on Wednesday evening, Jenny and I stayed on to attend the World Dog Show. This was done at our own cost. It was a wonderful experience to see such a large number of dogs in attendance and sit at ringside to observe breeds that are not here in South Africa. The highlight was watching the World Dog Challenge on Friday evening, with the Afghan Hound, Multi Ch Zaida Bint Muti vin Haussman from Chile taking top honours.

 

Both of us flew home on Saturday evening, exhausted after an eventful week.

 

Michael Vorster (Fedco FCI Portfolio Holder)

21.08.2025