GENERAL CODE OF ETHICS
All members
of the SWRA undertake to abide by the KC imposed general Code of Ethics.
Club members:
1.
Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and
arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.
2. Will
agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation
on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, may
report such operation to the Kennel Club.
3. Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.
4. Will
abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.
5. Will
not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.
6. Will
agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the
dog or to the breed.
7. Will
not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to
neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
8. Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will
be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.
9. Will
clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being
exhibited.
10. Will
only sell dogs where there is a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy
life and will help with the re-homing of a dog if the initial circumstances
change.
11. Will
supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning
responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
12. Will
ensure that all relevant Kennel Club documents are provided to the new owner
when selling or transferring a dog, and will agree, in writing, to forward any
relevant documents at the earliest opportunity, if not immediately available.
13. Will
not sell any dog to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers or directly
or indirectly allow dogs to be given as a prize or donation in a competition of
any kind. Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration
certificates as stand alone items (not accompanying a dog).
14. Will
not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely
advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog.
15. Breach of these provisions may result in
expulsion from club membership, and/or disciplinary
action
by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal
action, as appropriate.
As a member of The South Western Rottweiler Association I further agree:
To conduct myself at all times (whether as exhibitor or
spectator) in a manner, which will reflect credit upon me, The South Western
Rottweiler Association and the breed REGARDLESS of location or
circumstances.
To co-operate and participate with The South Western
Rottweiler Association, and other show‑giving clubs, to share aid and
information with those interested is the breed.
To read and familiarise myself with, and abide by, the
Kennel Club Standard for the Rottweiler.
To maintain good standard of the physical and mental well‑being
of my dogs and to care for them properly, obtaining professional veterinary
care whenever necessary.
That good mental health includes regular contact with people
and exposure to the outside world. I would also urge any puppy purchasers to
provide obedience training at the proper age.
BREEDING
A: I will only breed from those dogs and bitches
believed to be clear from known serious hereditary defects, are mentally
stable, and not suffering from acute nervous problems. They shall have been x‑rayed
and scored under the BVA/KC H.D. SCHEME and shall not have a combined score of
more than 20. (Differential hip scores shall not be more than 10)
B: If the owner of a bitch: I will
breed only from healthy, mature bitches, conscientiously planning each litter.
Save in extraordinary circumstances, bitches shall not be mated prior to two
years of age nor after the 7th. birthday, and shall not be bred from
more than once in any period of 12 mouths.
C: If the owner
of a Stud dog: I will only use healthy, mature: dogs which have
passed their 12th. month. I will refuse stud service to any bitch
that has not reached her 24th
month, which has passed her 7th. birthday or which I consider
to be in poor health. I will satisfy myself as to the suitability of the bitch
for breeding and will only advocate bitch owners to breed if they have the
facilities, time and resources to adequately care for a litter.
D: I will keep accurate records of matings, litters, sales and registrations. When advertising or selling stock. I will be extremely cautious to describe my stock accurately, especially with regard to potential prospects of young stock in order to avoid inadvertently implying a guarantee of show success.
SELLING
A: I will remember that my prime concern if breeding is
to produce healthy, sound dogs which will be a credit to the breed. I shall be
honest in dealings with buyers and fellow‑breeders and endeavour to co-operate
towards an improvement of the breed.
B: I will, to the best of my ability, attempt to help
prospective buyers be available to answer their questions and provide
assistance whenever possible.
C: I will only sell puppies of at least seven weeks of
age. To the best of my knowledge they will be sold is good health and of sound
temperament.
For each puppy sold I will provide at the time of sale:
·
Kennel Club Registration or Application Form
·
Three-Generation Pedigree (at least), satisfactory
Diet Sheet, Inoculation details
·
Worming record
Puppies sold over the age of 12 weeks will have commenced
an, Inoculation program.
D: If Registration is to be withheld, it must be by
mutual agreement in writing between myself and the purchaser.
E: I will refuse to recommend breeders who do not
conform to the obligations expressed in this Code. I will not sell dogs;
bitches or puppies to dog wholesalers, retailers, pet shops or laboratories and
will not donate a Rottweiler for raffle or similar purposes.
F: When a puppy or puppies are taken in lieu of a stud
fee, or as part of breeding terms, I understand that the vendor is fully
responsible far the condition of the puppy or puppies at the time of sale, and
that their puppy or puppies should not be sold unseen.
G: I understand that "Breeding Terms" must
not be used as a means of foisting stock onto those persons unable to afford
the price of a puppy, such arrangements
should only be used to place bitches is homes where their welfare and
furtherance of the breed will have been fully investigated.
H: I will use either The South Western Rottweiler
Association recommended Conditions of Sale or another written agreement upon
any sale, and shall exercise every possible care as to the suitability of my
Rottweiler's future home.