SOUTH AFRICAN CANINE BREED REGISTRY
Registered Breeders’ Code of Ethics
The following code of ethics (COE) outline the ethical breeding practices expected of all SACBR breeders. All SACBR breeders are required to sign the COE. All breeders who are signatory to the COE may be subject to a kennel inspection (with notice) at any time deemed necessary by the SACBR, and may be subject to penalties being levied should substantiated violations or transgressions to the COE be proven, cancellation of breeding rights under the SACBR registry. If any canine found not to conform to the breed standard or its progenies after registration, the SACBR reserves the right to cancel membership and pedigrees and all previous ancestry records.
Breeding Practices
· All Canine used for breeding must be registered prior to use for breeding. Both parents used in breeding must be registered prior to mating.
· Conscientiously plan each litter. The stud dog and bitch to be mated should be selected by the breeder based on pedigrees, the parents' conformation (according to International standard for each breed) and temperament. In-breeding should not be allowed between brother and sister and between mother and father with their own offspring.
· Breed only to/from adults that are free from any inheritable defects, and avoid the introduction of any detrimental factors. Do not breed any adults with genetic defects. Always breed to improve the Breed characteristics according to the breed standard.
· Breed only healthy, mature bitches preferably not before the second heat, allowing one heat spacing between litters. At all time evaluate the condition of the bitch before mating is allowed. It is recommended that bitches over the age of six (6) years without prior examination are not bred, consultation and approval.
· Do not breed any bitch too more than one stud dog during a single heat period. Should a second breeding occur unintentional, the resulting litter must be registered as not suitable for breeding purposes.
Stud Services
· All stud dogs registered with the SACBR prior; Special care must be taken to prevent a stud dog from breeding with its own offspring.
· Stud dogs should only be bred with outside adult bitches who meet the SACBR breed standard and who are free of genetic defects and any other visible defect. If bred with any other bitch that is not registered the offspring would not be registered unless the bitch is inspected and found to comply with the SACBR breed standards and then registered.
· A stud dog owner must certify the use of the specific stud dog during breeding by signing the particular Litter Registration Application and noting the date of breeding and whether the mating was supervised or not.
Health and General Responsibilities
· All Canines must be kept under clean and sanitary conditions. A sufficient diet should be fed and clean water should always be available.
· Provide adequate kennels and exercise areas as per the requirements of the breed. Do not kennel any breed on wire flooring. Provide adequate dry conditions and shelter against extreme heat and cold. Health protection should be provided through regular inoculations, de-worming and pro-active veterinarian examinations. General sanitary conditions would also improve the health condition of all breeds. All breeds in kennels should not be in direct contact with each other as it provokes fighting that could cause injury or death.
· All breeders are subject to external scrutiny and should be prepared to address concerns and improve breeding practices where necessary.
· Ensure constant human contact and exercise on a regular basis. Supervised interaction between dogs should also be encouraged.
Sale Responsibilities
· Breeders should apply for Litter Registration Certificates directly after birth of the litter. Breeder’s pays for first transfer fee, all buyers must be issued with a Litter Registration Certificate for their puppy at date of sale. It is the Breeders duty to sign this document, breeder or new owner can apply for pedigree (registered post applies)
· Puppies should not be younger than eight (8) weeks but preferable ten (10) weeks old prior to leaving the breeder's possession. If couriered, shipped or any other type of delivery requested, the puppy should be older that eight (8) weeks.
· The breeder should only sell a puppy or adult to a buyer when he is confident that the buyer would care and look after his Canine.
· Sell only to proper homes where the buyers indicate that they have a fair knowledge of the breed and will give the Canine the proper care, attention and exercise required. Inform the buyer on the qualities and weak points of your breed and do not knowingly use misleading or untruthful statements in selling or advertising. A buyer should be fully aware of any genetic defect or illness that the dog might have before he/she buys the dog.
· All buyers provided with the following information: Dietary requirements, general health information and FIRST inoculation and de-worming records. It further recommended that the veterinarian provide a general health certificate.
· All breeders should be responsible for Canines sold for their lifetime. If a purchaser cannot keep a dog the breeder has sold, the breeder should make every effort to assist the buyer in finding an appropriate home. If a new home can not be found the breeder should prepared to take the dog back and be responsible for placing it in an appropriate home or give it up for rescue.
· Breeders should not knowingly sell or consign puppies or adults to pet shops, brokers or puppy mills, nor supply dogs for raffles, prizes or similar projects.
· The use of a sales contract is recommended when selling a puppy or an adult dog.
I have reviewed and fully understand the contents of the SACBR Code of Ethics, and hereby acknowledge and agree to comply with the above as a SACBR Registered Breeder. This document is a lawful agreement and binds all parties concerned. This document dated on the 15th day of July 2009 surpasses all previous Code of Ethics signed.
