The British Gordon Setter Club Code of Ethics

The Kennel Club has issued a code of ethics to be adopted by all Breed Clubs, which forms Part A of this Code. The Kennel Club has approved for publication the BGSC Code of Ethics which forms Part B of the code

Download the British Gordon Setter Club Code of Ethics

All members of the British Gordon setter Club undertake to abide by this Code of Ethics

Part A - General Code of Ethics

Club Members will:

1. Properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required
2. Agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, or who carries out a caesarean section on a bitch may report such operation to the Kennel Club
3. Agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.
4. Abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.
5. Not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.
6. Agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.
7. Not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
8. Ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away form home.
9. Clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.
10. Only sell dogs where there is a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy life and will help with the re-homing of the dog if the initial circumstances change.
11. Supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
12. 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. 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. Not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed not falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog.

 

Part B - Club Code of Ethics

15. A breeder shall only breed from those Gordons believed to be as free as possible from any serious defects and which are not suffering from any acute problem. To this effect it is recommended that all breeding stock shall have been through the KC/BVA HD Scheme and that all breeding stock be DNA tested for PRA (rcd4) and regular eye tests to be carried out as per AHT recommended gudelines. At all times the improvement of breeding stock must be the primary consideration.
16. Stud dog owners shall satisfy themselves as to the suitability of bitches, i.e. type, temperament, age, health and KC/BVA scheme tested etc.
17. It is recommended that bitches should not be mated until at least 21 months of age and not older than 8 years. No bitch should be bred form more than once a year or be expected to produce more than 3 average size litters, i.e. 25 to 30 puppies in total.
18. Puppies should not be sold under the age of 7 weeks. The breeder shall take all reasonable steps to ensure the suitability of prospective owners and the conditions in which the puppy will be kept. Prospective owners should be advised of the characteristics of the breed. Gordons should not be sold to pet shops or dealers. It should be stressed to the owners that they contact the breeder in the event of any problem with their puppy and the breeder accepts the responsibility to help as far as possible for the lifetime of the dog. The Club is always available for advice but the breeder should be the first contact.
19. The breeder shall provide a copy of the pedigree, a diet sheet and complete details of worming and any inoculations at the time of sale.
20. Breeders shall at all times exercise extreme caution when advertising or selling.
21. If puppies are sold on breeding terms a breeding terms contract shall be endorsed by the Kennel Club.
22. Owners shall at all times maintain a high standard of health and care for their Gordon.
23. Members should give very serious consideration to the above before proposing or seconding prospective new members for the Club.

 

UNDER CLUB RULE 11(g) MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO ABIDE BY THIS CODE OF ETHICS AND ANY BREACH WILL BE CONSIDERED SERIOUS.

 

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.

May 2011

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