Security at Shows – Protecting Dogs & Exhbitors

BY WILLIAM GIVEN

HOW DO WE PROTECT DOGS & EXHBITORS AT DOG SHOWS?

This year, the Westminster show and Crufts were disrupted by animal rights activists. The recently held Coronado Kennel Club dog show in Albuquerque, New Mexico was delayed due to an active shooter incident and thankfully no one was injured. And, this past weekend at the Woofstock shows in Vallejo, California, at least three two-person teams set themselves to the task of releasing dogs from their kennels.

These four separate incidents should serve as a wake-up call for Show Chairs and Show Committee members. Clearly, it is time for us to take security at our shows to the next level. Dog shows are soft targets and the simple truth is every event and each venue has its own set of vulnerabilities. The larger the show, the more likely it is that something can go wrong. Even a false alarm can send waves of panic through your exhibit hall and the grooming area.

For those who have never been a Show Chair or served on a Show Committee, I will tell you there is a lot that goes in to planning a successful dog show. Now, more than any time in the past, it is prudent for the Show Chairman and the Show Committee to take a proactive approach to ensure the next event is a safe and secure one.

Event security entails far more than just dotting the venue with people wearing a brightly colored t-shirt with SECURITY on them in big, block letters. The process is complex and requires extensive coordination and communication. By employing the right security practices, your club can ensure the safety of your exhibitors and their dogs, spectators, judges and stewards, and everyone working the show, plus it will help to prevent damage to the venue and related property, and it has been proven to reduce the incidents of theft.

Use the following ten event security tips to take a proactive approach and ensure your next club’s next show is a safe and secure event.

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Posted by Alex on Jul 17 2018. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.