MIDAZSSC

Ethics

Code Of Ethics

The Mid-Arizona Shetland Sheepdog Club (MASSC) has established the following Code of Ethics to guide members in the normal course of breeding, exhibiting, selling, judging and owning Shetland Sheepdogs.

All candidates for membership will be given a copy of this document prior to joining the club; and, by joining the club signify their acceptance of this Code in its entirety.

An Ethics Board consisting of five (5) members in good standing chosen by the President will hear all cases regarding violations of this code and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will take action in accordance with Article II, Section 5, Paragraph C and Article VII, Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Constitution and By-Laws.

1. Care of Dogs

A. As a breeder/owner I will provide the best possible health, cleanliness and veterinary care for my animals, as well as proper nutrition and socialization; and should pass these recommended measures along to new owners.

B. I will make every effort to be a good neighbor, being careful to see that my dogs do not annoy my neighbors due to noise, poor care, unhealthy living conditions or lack of supervision. I will make every effort to keep my dogs contained within my property limits.

C. I will clean up after my dogs on show grounds and motel grounds when participating in dog shows and other events.

D. I will be prepared to support and provide loving care for puppies and adults until placed in proper homes. I agree to take back any dog, at any time in its life, that I have bred. Upon return of the dog, I will undertake to find a suitable, loving home. If no home can be found, I will provide a home for that dog for the rest of its life.

2. Breeding - General Practices

A. I will never breed for the sole purpose of financial gain. I will breed with the intention of improving the breed. To that end, I will select the stud and matron with an eye to conformation and temperament after a careful study of the breed standard, pedigree and basic principles of genetics. I will not knowingly crossbreed my stock or breed to unregistered stock.

B. I will safeguard my dogs from unplanned matings and will do all in my power to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

C. I will have all my breeding stock tested by a board-certified ophthalmologist for hereditary eye anomalies and certified by OFA or PennHip for hip dysplasia. I will make copies of these tests available to those with whom I do business (i.e. stud owners, bitch owners, puppy buyers).

D. I will never breed/utilize a Sheltie that exhibits a crippling genetic defect or other severe hereditary fault. And, I will be willing to euthanize any Sheltie whose genetic defect negatively impacts upon his/her quality of life.

E. I will encourage novices to seek the advice and assistance of more experienced owners and breeders. And, I will provide such advice and assistance as I am able.

F. I will assist novices who purchase a show prospect from me. And, I will provide a written contract clearly stating their options (i.e. replacement, cash refund, etc.) should this show prospect develop a disqualifying fault or severe hereditary problem (Dermatomyocitus, PRA, hip dysplasia, etc).

Bitches A. I will use discretion in breeding bitches under a year of age.

B. I will never engage in over-breeding of bitches without regard for the bitch’s health and quality of life.

Studs A. I will not advertise my stud to the general public.

B. I will not breed to pet quality or unregistered bitches.

C. When breeding to qualified bitches, I will: Stress the minimum price of puppies; Assist the dam’s owner is seller the puppies if needed; Have them agree to not sell puppies to pet stores or give puppies to any humane society, dog pound or research facility; Have them agree to use a spay/neuter contract or AKC limited registration for all pet quality puppies. If they refuse to agree to the above terms, I will refuse the stud service.

3. Sales

A. I will be discriminating in the sale of puppies and concerned about the type of homes in which they are placed.

B. I will not be involved in dogs being donated for raffles or giveaways nor sold or consigned to pet stores, animal brokers or research facilities.

C. I will not knowingly sell a dog with a crippling genetic defect or other serious hereditary fault without the buyer’s knowledge and understanding of that defect.

D. I will not sell dogs without true representation to the purchaser regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the breed in general, nor use misleading or untruthful statements in selling or advertising.

E. As a seller, I will provide registration forms (specifics according to AKC Rules and Regulations) or reasons withheld. Guarantees, if any, will be in writing as will a history of previous veterinary and maintenance care. A 24 to 48 hour return option should be included.

G. I will not sell pets with puppies back, litters back or stud services back.

H. I will sell pet puppies on a spay/neuter contract or use the AKC limited registration procedures.

I. In general, I will not allow puppies to leave for their new homes prior to 8 weeks of age. However, if the purchaser is a proven performance exhibitor, I may use discretion in allowing the puppy to leave no earlier than 7 weeks of age.

J. I agree to take back any dog, at any time in its life, that I have bred. Upon return of the dog, I will undertake to find a suitable, loving home. If no home can be found, I will provide a home for that dog for the rest of its life.

K. Breeding arrangements should never be established which would encourage the pet buyer to undertake a breeding program. If a “breeder” does not have the time, facility or desire to themselves have a litter out of a particular brood matron, that dog should not be passed to a pet buyer just to produce puppies.

4. Personal Behavior

A. I will educate the public concerning my breed, its care and its maintenance.

B. I will keep accurate records of matings, pedigrees, sales or transfers and services. I will pass only accurate records to purchasers of Shelties or services.

C. I will not knowingly under any circumstances be part of or contribute to false registrations.

D. I will support Sheltie rescue via referrals, foster homes, assist in fund raising, etc.

E. I will encourage good sportsmanship and cooperation in the improvement of all pure bred dogs.

When confronted by a situation not covered by this Code of Ethics, I will conduct myself as I would like to be treated under similar circumstances.