A Message from the Board ...

The Board of the ILU supports the recent statement by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and condemns 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 have 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 have not abandoned their dogs!

In addition, the Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH) strongly condemns the further escalation of violence against the Ukrainian population. Due to the participation of Belarus in this anti-national invasion initiated by Russia, all Exhibitors and Athletes from Russia and Belarus are excluded from VDH exhibitions, exams and sports events.

The German Leonberger Club (DCLH) has affirmed that these rules will apply to the forthcoming Leonberger World Show to be held in Leonberg in 2022 and that all Russian and Belorussian resident Leonberger owners will be excluded from this event.

The board of the ILU welcomes and supports the decisions by the FCI, the VDH and the DCLH.