This Code of Ethics has been established to set forth minimum standards of practice that each member of Mid-Kentucky Kennel Club will adhere to as they strive to accomplish the club’s goals and purposes as stated in the Constitution. In applying for or renewing membership, applicants and members agree that they will conduct their activities in accordance with this Code of Ethics as a condition of their membership in Mid-Kentucky Kennel Club.
1. I will become familiar with, abide by, and uphold the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club and the Constitution, Bylaws, and Policies of Mid-Kentucky Kennel Club.
2. I will conduct myself at all times in an honest and sportsmanlike manner so as to reflect positively on all aspects of purebred dog activities and breeding, the dog fancy as a whole, and to the status of Mid-Kentucky Kennel Club as a group. Whether at home, traveling, at shows or motels I will treat all present, including competitors, judges, officials and spectators, with respect and courtesy.
3. I will not state that I am a member of Mid-Kentucky Kennel Club or use the name of Mid Kentucky Kennel Club for the purpose of promoting any personal activity or commercial enterprise in which I may be engaged.
4. I will consider the welfare of my breed(s) when engaged in any activities involving the exhibiting, training, and selling of dogs and will refrain from any activities which would be prejudicial to the best interest of my breed(s), purebred dogs in general, and/or this Club.
5. I recognize that I have a responsibility to my local community and the purebred dog community at large in the areas of education, animal welfare, and dog legislation.
6. I will be mindful of my responsibilities as a dog owner to my neighbors and locality and to use my best efforts to avoid or rectify any existing or potential problem that might adversely affect the future of the dog owner, exhibitor, or hobby breeder. I will abide by all local and state regulations regarding the licensing and care of animals.
7. I will foster friendship and help educate newcomers, novices, and the public in general on the conformation standard for and proper care of my breed(s), the positive roles of the purebred dog in our society, the responsibilities of dog ownership and in any other areas with which I may be of assistance.
8. I will maintain the highest possible standards of health, cleanliness, general care, and humane treatment for all animals owned by me or in my care, always putting their welfare above the goals of competition, personal gain, or profit. I will provide my dogs with the socialization and training necessary for them to be good family companions.
9. I will accurately register my dogs in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the AKC (or other applicable registry in the case of breeds not recognized by the AKC).
10. I will not engage in false or misleading statements or unnecessary criticism regarding any judge, official, exhibitor, breeder, fellow member, dog, or breed. I will make no false or misleading statements concerning my breed or misrepresent my own dogs or breeding program through claims or advertising. I will not speak or write maliciously of another member nor will I seek to harm the reputation, for my own benefit, of another member by reference to quality or breeding stock or other kennel matters.
11. If I contemplate breeding a litter or allow the use of a stud dog owned by me to the same end, I will direct my efforts toward producing dogs of exceptional quality, breed type, conformation, temperament, health, and condition. Each litter shall be the result of conscientious planning, including consideration of physical and genetic health, soundness, temperament, and conformity to the official standard of the breed as established by the parent breed club and approved by the American Kennel Club. I will not knowingly violate any of the normally accepted ethical practices in breeding dogs, selling dogs, or holding dogs at public stud.
12. I will transfer puppies only after they have reached at least 8 weeks of age and will provide basic information vital to the care of the breed as well as a bill of sale, three-generation (or longer) pedigree, pertinent veterinary records, and appropriate registration form, unless written agreement is made that such papers will be withheld, and to offer reasonable help and guidance for the life of the dog.
13. I will take responsibility for any puppy I produce by breeding for the duration of their life and will include a take-back/buy-back clause in all sales contracts. I will screen prospective buyers to ensure that all dogs have a safe and loving home and, to the best of my ability, place puppies only in homes where the owners understand and are prepared to undertake their commitment to responsible dog ownership for the life of the dog. If a stud dog I own sires a litter I will, to the best of my ability, be mutually responsible for all offspring throughout their lives.
14. I will never knowingly breed for, consign, sell, or give dogs to commercial wholesalers or dealers, pet shops, brokers, retailers, catalog houses, contest sponsors, or research facilities or deal with any person(s) known or suspected to sell to such establishments nor allow my dogs to be bred to a dog owned by any person(s) known or suspected to have an association with any of these types, nor will I purchase puppies from brokers for resale or breeding purposes. I will not dispose of any dogs or puppies owned or bred by me by giving them to the local animal shelter, pound, humane society or any organization of that type.
