At its December 2024 meeting, the Governing Council approved a significant amendment to the Dogs West Regulations regarding the commencement times of Sanctioned Events.

This decision followed a thorough review of various animal welfare and dog sport policies, along with an analysis of Western Australia's weather patterns.

The updated regulation now states:

B23.4 Commencement Times

All sanctioned events (including training, seminars and the like):

23.4.1 Conformation – all sanctioned events, held in the metropolitan area, must not commence prior to 6pm during the months of January to March inclusive. 

23.4.2 Performance - between 1 November and 31 March (inclusive), must not commence prior to 6pm or in the case of dawn trials, must be completed by no later than 10.30 am. 

23.4.3 Between 1 April and 31 December (inclusive), may be held at any time nominated by the respective club. 02/13, 07/13

23.4.4 Weather Extreme Heat: Conformation Only for Events scheduled for the months April to December. Where the Bureau of Meteorology - W.A. ("BOM") forecast at the website  (Western Australia Forecasts (bom.gov.au)  or Bureau of Meteorology – Weather mobile app for the venue of the event which is two days before the scheduled commencement time of the show is forecast to be 32 degrees Celcius or higher for the date of the show, the following will apply:

1. The event committee conducting the event must make a decision to either

a) Start the event at no later than 8.00am

OR

b) Start the event at no earlier than 6.00pm

OR

c) Cancel the event. This decision must be made no later than 36 hours prior to the scheduled      commencement time of the event.

OR

d) Postpone the event to an alternative date. This decision must be made no later than 36 hours prior to the scheduled commencement time of the event. The event committee will liaise with the Dogs West office for an alternative date.

2.  This decision, which is taken in accordance with Point 1 must be made available to exhibitors within four hours by every possible means of communication - i.e.  uploading the information onto the Dogs West website, electronic media, verbal telephone communication etc.

3.   All Schedules to be published relating to the months April to December must have the advice “Regulation B23.4.4 applies".  If the weather extreme heat policy is enforced for B23.4.4.1 (a)(b)(d) no refund of entry fees will apply. 

4.   It is the responsibility of an exhibitor to check two days prior to the event that the  Bureau of Meteorology - W.A. ("BOM") forecast at the website (Western Australia Forecasts (bom.gov.au)) or Bureau of Meteorology – Weather mobile app  forecasted temperature for the day is in accordance with these rules.

23.4.5   Severe Weather Warnings – All sanctioned events. Where the Bureau of Meteorology - W.A. ("BOM")website  (Western Australia Forecasts (bom.gov.au)or Bureau of Meteorology – Weather mobile app for the venue of the event have issued a Severe Weather Warning the following will apply:

1. The event committee conducting the event must make a decision within 2 hours of the warning to either

a) Start the event before the severe weather warning is due

OR

b) Start the event after the severe weather warning has ceased

OR

c) Cancel the event.

OR

d) Postpone the event to an alternative date. This decision must be made no later than 36 hours prior to the scheduled commencement time of the event. The event committee will liaise with the Dogs West office for an alternative date, if no alternative date is available then the event will be cancelled.

2.  This decision, which is taken in accordance with Point 1, must be made available to exhibitors as soon as possible by every possible means of communication - i.e.  uploading the information onto the Dogs West website, electronic media, verbal telephone communication etc.

3.   All Schedules to be published must have the advice “Regulation B23.4.5 applies".  If the severe weather warning is enforced for B23.4.5.1 (a) (b) (d) no refund of entry fees will apply.

4.   It is the responsibility of an exhibitor to check two days prior to the event that the  Bureau of Meteorology - W.A. ("BOM") forecast at the website  (Western Australia Forecasts (bom.gov.au)) or Bureau of Meteorology – Weather mobile app Severe Weather Warning for the day is in accordance with these rules.

23.4.6 Any event held within an air-conditioned venue is exempt from 23.4.5 provided all dogs are held within the air-conditioned venue at all times.

Effective from 1st January 2025, this amendment has been introduced with the primary goal of safeguarding the wellbeing of our dogs.

Purpose of the Amendments

• These changes prioritise the health and wellbeing of dogs by ensuring events are conducted in safer temperature conditions.
• They align Dogs West regulations with best practices in animal welfare and sporting event safety.

Heat Considerations (B23.4.4 - Weather Extreme Heat: Conformation Only)

• Events between April and December must adapt to high temperatures to prevent heat stress in dogs.
• If the forecast temperature reaches 32°C or higher, clubs must:
  • Adjust event start times (early morning or evening) OR
  • Postponeor cancel the event with sufficient notice.
• Clear communication requirements ensure exhibitors are informed in a timely manner.

Severe Weather Protocol (B23.4.5 - Severe Weather Warnings: All Sanctioned Events)

• If a Severe Weather Warning is issued, event organizers must act within two hours to decide whether to:
  • Adjust start times before or after the extreme weather OR
  • Cancel or postponethe event.
• This ensures that events do not take place under hazardous conditions such as storms, heavy rain, or strong winds.

Responsibility of Exhibitors

• Exhibitors must check the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast two days before an event.
• This ensures they are aware of potential schedule changes and can plan accordingly.

Air-Conditioned Venues Exemption (B23.4.6)

• Events held in climate-controlled environments are exempt, as dogs will not be exposed to extreme outdoor conditions.