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United States Caucasian Ovcharka Preservation Society Breeders Code Of Ethics. |
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Note: Print And Send All Pages. |
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I. Background
It is common knowledge that there is a severe pet overpopulation problem besetting our nation today. Each year, millions of perfectly healthy, happy pets -- many of them purebred -- are euthanized because there are not enough homes for all of these animals.
How then can we, as dog breeders, justify putting even one more animal on the face of this earth? We can only justify our breeding programs by producing better dogs -- dogs that will provide better service, demonstrate more reliable temperaments and greater health than the dogs here now. History has set the rules by which we can accomplish these improvements; the process is well-known and documented. In addition, to assure that we do not contribute to the already staggering pet overpopulation problem, we must prevent wanton overbreeding.
In short, we justify our right to produce more lives by virtue of the quality of the lives we produce and by the integrity with which we produce them, the care with which we place them, and our concern that we breed the few for the many rather than many for the few. In other words, we justify our right to breed by being Ethical Breeders.
II. Declarations
I, ________________________________, understand that I must read and comprehend the following requirements set forth by the United States Caucasian Ovcharka Preservation Society, (US-COPS). I understand that this document will be referred to henceforth as the BCE (Breeder's Code of Ethics).
I understand that in order to obtain Full (voting) Membership in the United States Caucasian Ovcharka Preservation Society, I must sign this document, acknowledging and agreeing to adhere to these requirements, even if I may not personally agree with each and every one of them.
I understand that non-signatories of this document cannot be elected to Full (voting) Membership in the Caucasian Ovcharka Preservation Society. Non-signatories of the BCE are eligible only for Associate (non-voting) Membership.
I understand that Full Membership requires a signed BCE, even if the eligible Member does not currently own an intact (un-sterilized) CO. As a Full Member of US-COPS, if I do obtain an intact Caucasian, I am bound by this agreement and must adhere to these requirements in full.
I understand that this document, like any contract, is binding on me for the duration of my membership in US-COPS. I understand that I may revoke my membership at any time, in writing, to the Board of Directors. At that point, I am no longer a member of US-COPS, nor bound by this agreement. I also understand that my non-member status will be made public, including but not limited to, posting on various websites, publication in the newsletter, and AKC notification.
I understand that if I sign this document but do not abide by the requirements outlined herein, the club may take administrative sanctions including but not limited to: removal of “Full Membership” status, removal of voting privileges, removal from US-COPS Gold Standard Breeders List, probation and/or expulsion from the club, and notification to membership and/or publication of my membership status change and reason for status change, as well as other publication including but not limited to, posting on various websites, publication in the newsletter, and AKC notification. This is done to protect US-COPS reputation, as well as to educate and inform the public.
I understand that any infraction of these requirements will be reviewed by the Breeding and Genetics Committee. I understand that I may, in extenuating circumstances, apply for Exemption from a particular requirement, in writing and preferably in advance of the infraction, to the Breeding and Genetics Committee. This letter to the Breeding and Genetics Committee must list the number of the requirement for which the Exemption is being requested (e.g., "D-2"). If approved by the Breeding and Genetics Committee, a vote by the Board of Directors can grant a one-time Exemption. If rejected by the Breeding and Genetics Committee or the Board, the decision is final and there are no appeals. Any granted Exemption may only be used once. Any additional infraction of the rules requires application for a new Exemption.
I understand that prior to breeding a first litter, I must apply for inspection of my facilities, to be performed by a US-COPS representative. I understand that if said facilities are found unsuitable or inadequate, I must improve said facilities prior to breeding the litter, or will be deemed in violation of this document. I understand that periodic re-inspections will be conducted by the Club, with adequate notice.
To adhere to ethical breeding practices that require the prevention of too many puppies on the ground without homes, I understand that prior to breeding a litter, there must exist at least five reservations on the litter, with five deposits in hand.
I understand that it is not US-COPS’ duty to place any dog or litter, but that placement of any dog or litter produced is the moral responsibility of the producing breeder. I understand that if I am discovered “unloading” puppies to substandard homes, or dumping puppies at a shelter, the most rigorous administrative sanctions will be taken by the club, including (but not limited to) expulsion, public notice, notice to AKC, advertisements listing this information (for public awareness), etc. I understand that after breeding my first litter under these requirements and standards, that for that year and every year thereafter, I must complete an annual US-COPS Breeder Questionnaire. This Questionnaire requires the recording of all information detailing number and dispersal of pups, names and addresses of new owners, microchip numbers of sire, dam, and all pups, registered names of pups, etc. I understand that if I do not complete this Questionnaire by the deadline, I will be violation of this agreement.
I understand that if I have any questions, I must resolve them prior to signing, as once I have signed this document I must adhere to it.
III. Breeder’s Requirements
In order to preserve and protect the Caucasian Ovcharka breed, the puppies I am producing and the families to whom I am selling, I agree to adhere to each of the following requirements:
A. Breeding Stock Requirements
Notable deviations from correct temperament as outlined in the Breed Standard must be recorded in the Breeder’s Questionnaire and kept on file with the Club for future research and reference.
¨ OFA Cardiac Registry or Cardiac Clearance by a Canine Cardiologist (This requires auscultation by a Canine Cardiologist for Pulmonic Stenosis and other heart ailments with follow-up ECG if any anomalies are identified.) ¨ Penn-HIP or OFA Evaluation of hips (to identify Hip Dysplasia) ¨ Veterinary Palpitation to identify the presence of Subluxated Patellas (slipped kneecaps) ¨ Canine Eye Research Foundation (CERF) Certification (to identify Catarcts, Glaucoma, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, etc.)
¨ Thyroid test ¨ OFA Elbow evaluation
¨ No Breeding Stock may be sold – all pups must be sterilized prior to sale or transfer ¨ All pups from this dog must undergo Auscultation by a Canine Cardiologist by 8 weeks of age. No severely afflicted pups may be sold – the breeder may sterilize and give pup away, euthanize pup, or keep pup themselves. (Note that if severely afflicted with Pulmonic Stenosis, the sterilization surgery may kill the pup.) Pups afflicted with a mild or moderate degree of Pulmonic Stenosis must be sterilized and may be sold (US-COPS recommends a reduced price) or donated to loving homes with Full Disclosure to new home prior to sale/transfer.
B. Care of Dam
1. Females must be at least 18 months old before breeding.
2. Time between litters must be at least 12 months. If the litter is 8 pups or more, the recommended time between litters is 18 months.
3. Total number of litters a female may have is five. If the female is of proven superior quality and health, an Exemption for future litters may be requested.
4. If a litter comprises eight pups or more, it is recommended that supplemental feeding of pups is started at 3-4 weeks so as not to overly stress the dam.
5. Puppies should be weaned completely by eight weeks of age or earlier.
C. Care of Puppies
1. Puppies must be whelped and housed in a US-COPS-inspected and approved indoor facility that is segregated from other dogs and heated in winter.
2. Puppies must receive a minimum of one worming and two puppy booster vaccinations prior to sale or transfer.
3. Ear cropping must be done under the supervision of a veterinarian for three litters before Breeder can be allowed to safely and privately perform this procedure. Some method of cauterization (heat or chemical) should be available prior to cropping of ears. If cropping is to be done, ears must be cropped before five days of age. (Ear cropping is recommended so as to avoid chronic ear infections in the future.)
D. Sale of Puppies/Adults
1. Puppies/Adults must be spayed or neutered/vasectomied prior to sale or transfer. (For Breeding Stock puppies, see Section E, below.)
2. Puppies must be at least seven weeks of age and fully weaned prior to sale or transfer.
3. Puppies/Adults must be microchipped prior to sale or transfer. Microchip paperwork must accompany dog at sale or transfer. Breeder must keep a copy of this paperwork.
4. Breeders must fully screen, interview and educate potential homes prior to sale or transfer of pup/dog, including at a minimum:
¨ Verify that potential home will be/are responsible dog owners ¨ Require a completed Application, including references for veterinarian and three friends (no family) – Breeder must thoroughly check references ¨ Breeder must contractually require at least one obedience class in order to preserve the Temperament Guarantee ¨ Breeder must fully disclose genetic results of screening of Breeding Stock ¨ Breeder must indicate pup/dog is sterilized ¨ Breeder must educate potential owner on methods of containment, socialization, & control ¨ Breeder must encourage new home to join US-COPS
5. Sale or transfer of pup/dog may not be done if the potential home is not responsible and capable of presenting the Caucasian Ovcharka at all times in a manner which will reflect credit upon the breed, the breeder, and US-COPS.
6. Puppies/dogs may not be sold to a “broker” or middle party for future resale.
7. All new homes should be given a "Puppy Packet" containing at minimum, the following:
è an application to join US-COPS è training/socialization guidance, (articles, book, etc.) è recommendation on local obedience trainers or what to look for in an obedience trainer
E. Sale of Breeding Stock and Breeding Services
1. Intact animals (puppies or adults) can only be sold or transferred to people who have a Full or Family Membership and are in Good Standing with US-COPS. (This will prevent puppymills and unethical breeders from obtaining US-COPS breeding stock.)
2. Prior to selling an intact (unsterilized) Caucasian to a US-COPS Full/Family Member, a Club Official or delegate must make an on-site visit to the prospective breeder’s home/facility prior to the sale. Upon completion of the inspection visit, an “Approved” rating must be obtained. If an "Approved" rating is not obtained, the prospective breeder must improve the situation to obtain an "Approved" rating BEFORE sale or transfer of the intact (unsterilized) pup may take place. Alternatively, the pup may be sterilized and this requirement will no longer take effect.
3. No stud service outside of the Club is allowed. That is, stud service may only be provided to a bitch owned by individual(s) in Good Standing with a Full or Family Membership in US-COPS. Likewise, stud service may only be obtained from individual(s) in Good Standing with a Full or Family Membership in US-COPS. This prevents puppymills or unethical breeders from accessing the carefully protected genetics of US-COPS breeding stock.
4. Dams may only be leased to individuals who have a Full or Family Membership in Good Standing with US-COPS. (Note: Leasing of dams is generally not recommended due to the strong sense of loss -- and correspondingly high level of stress -- the dam will feel upon removal from her family.)
F. Protection of Buyers
1. Pups must be screened by a Canine Cardiologist for Pulmonic Stenosis prior to sale or transfer. (Since Pulmonic Stenosis is caused by a recessive gene, even with cleared parents a pup may still be afflicted. In order to protect the new home, all pups must be screened before 12 weeks of age, or before they are sold or transferred, whichever comes first. Note that this genetic screening is usually less expensive for pups of this age.)
The results of this screening must be made available to the US-COPS Breeding and Genetics Committee by the time the pups are six months of age.
No severely afflicted pups may be sold – the breeder may sterilize and give pup away, euthanize pup, or keep pup themselves. (Note that if severely afflicted with Pulmonic Stenosis, the sterilization surgery may kill the pup.) Pups afflicted with a mild or moderate degree of Pulmonic Stenosis must be sterilized and may be sold (US-COPS recommends a reduced price) or donated to loving homes with Full Disclosure to new home prior to sale/transfer.
2. US-COPS has a policy of Full Disclosure to Prospective Homes. That is, if a genetic fault exists in the breeding stock or in the pup/dog being sold/transferred, the Breeder must fully disclose this fact to the prospective home prior to the sale/transfer.
3. Upon sale/transfer of dog/pup, a Health & Medical History Record must be provided that references the Microchip Number as well as any Registration Number (FCI, UKC, AKC, or other recognized Kennel Club) carried by the dog/pup. This health record should also detail all shots, worming, sterilization, diagnoses, treatments, microchipping, etc. that was done to the pup/dog.
4. Breeders must offer a written, lifetime money-back or replacement guarantee on genetic health and temperament on all stock sold.
5. To prevent US-COPS dogs from appearing in pounds and shelters, the written contract provided by the Breeder must offer a take-back policy. That is, Breeders must agree to take back any pup they produce with one exception: if the dog exhibits an aggression problem, the Breeder may authorize the home to euthanize the dog.
IV. Breeder’s Signature
Name Address Date
V. US-COPS Receipt
Received By Date
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Breeders Code |