There was a time in the world of breeding and showing animals that breeders found it necessary to belong to the prevailing, established club associated with their animal and/or breed in order to be considered an accepted “member” of established, ethical, “connected” people dedicated to their hobby. There was also a time in the world where people shared a common purpose in the betterment of their animals, had respect for one another, and above all maintained personal and professional integrity. I am sorry to say that I have found in my experience that this is no longer so, and I cannot continue my membership with a certain organization due to a complete difference of opinion as to what constitutes standards of right and wrong.
* It seems to have become the norm to enter DOZENS of animals from one rattery in order to put the odds in one’s favor. This only wastes the judges’ and the club’s time; with so few ratteries entering shows these days, why put on a show for only one rattery (the one entering dozens of rats)?? Why can’t a breeder select the best from his/her rattery, and leave the rest at home? What is the point of having judges examine 50-60 or more rats from one rattery?
When I took Best in Show at the 2008 NIRO show, I entered no more than 6 or 8 rats (if that many), taking only those I considered the best in my rattery. There was no need to take every good rat I owned; as a breeder, I am quite able to make that judgment myself.
* I am also aware of an incident of a fellow member who entered a young rat at a show that had already been sold as a pet, and then refused to deliver the rat to the person who had already paid for it because the rat had won a good placement at the show. (How unethical and dishonest is that, renigging on a sale?) Unlike some, I value my pet people!
* When I sell a rat to another breeder, it is a *breeding/show quality* rat, and not a pet quality rat that has no redeeming qualities other than “good temperament” — that ought to be a given! It also isn’t a sneezer right out of the carrier!
* I am aware of preferential treatment of members by the board, and when asked repeatedly for explanation, they refused to offer one.
The “Northern Illinois Rat Organization” has lost it’s focus, IMHO. It’s board and membership is comprised of people no longer residing in the state of Illinois; indeed, the recent show wasn’t even held in the state! I expect when I go to a Michigan club’s show, I will travel to Michigan… but when I go to the Northern Illinois club’s show, I go to… INDIANA? Part of NIRO’s creed is to educate the public on the joys of rat ownership, but their show, while held in a rented facility, was not open to the public. How is the public to be “educated” when they can’t even set foot in the show, the club’s one-and-only event? Previously publicly displayed educational photo-displays were set out at the show (viewable from photos of the event), but of what use is that when the public wasn’t allowed to attend?
Rather than fight upstream, a new club was formed nearly a year ago, even before the most recent events. While other clubs have recognized each other for some time, linked to each other’s websites, and supported each other’s shows, the AARC has not been acknowledged. I wonder what scares them? Indeed, if the AARC did the work of putting on an additional show during the year, it would simply be another opportunity to champion rats. Yet, in spite of written introductions, and now NARR recognition, the AARC goes ignored.
For the above reasons, and more, I have decided to not renew my membership in NIRO; it is not the club I joined in 2006, and not the caliber of individuals I care to associate with. My needs for association with like-minded individuals who share a devotion to the fancy and the opportunity to show my rats (eventually) will be met in the AARC.
