new proposed code of ethics...... whats your say???

Below is a cross posted message from the outcome of the st bernard forum at dunsmore ........






Having attended the St Bernard Forum at Ryton on Dunsmore on saturday I was
interested to see a copy of the "Proposed Code Of Ethics". The code was
introduced to the meeting because the content concerns the health & welfare of
the breed.
The code consists of 19 clauses, the first 14 of which are Kennel Club
requirements. I believe clause 17 is also a KC requirement. The proposed code is
to be or has been put to each four of the five club's AGMs. One club missed the
deadline for inclusion on the notice of the AGM. Today was the first time I had
seen this proposed document. During discussion it was apparent that I was not
alone and a suggestion was made to bring it to the notice of St Bernard owners
by two methods. I am putting it on the UK St Bernard site and Kathy Lane will be
asked to include it in her breed notes for Dog World & Our Dogs.
I believe that if 4 of the 5 clubs pass this code at their AGMs, the Kennel Club
will accept it for the breed. Several concerns about the clauses 15 to 19 were
raised at the meeting and to enable members of ukstbernards to become familiar
with them I have copied these last 5 clauses.



15. Bitches should not produce a litter under the age of 24 months.
16. Bitches should not produce a litter over the age of 5 1/2 years.
17. Members will, when breeding dogs, adopt as a minimum standard the
principles, requirements and recommendations as embodied in the KC
Accredited Breeder Scheme. It is also recommended that members who breed
should apply to join the scheme.
18. After the 1st January, 2012 all puppies to be made permanently
identifiable by the breeder before being sold by one of the following:-
Micro-chipped or Tattoo.
19. All breeding Dogs & Bitches must be hip scored by the 1st January,
2012.

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.


It is my understanding that the requirements for the Accredited Breeder Scheme
in clause 17 include the use of the health schemes for the breed including the
hip scoring in clause 19.
Please post any comments on ukstbernards or for further information contact
Health and Welfare Co-ordinator Jim Cootes jcadelphi@.... Also keep an
eye on AGM notices for the Proposed Code Of Ethics.

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 with out reservation that any Veterinary Surgeon performing an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural confirmation 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 the breed.

7) Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to caused a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.

8 ) Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will 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 accompany a dog)

14) Will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs not mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog.

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.

I agree with it and I think that code will benefit and protect the breed.