SOUTH OF ENGLAND IRISH SETTER CLUB
GENERAL CODE OF ETHICS
All members of the South of England Irish Setter Club undertake to abide by its general rules and regulations.
Club Members:
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 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) Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may notconform 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 be harmful to the dog or to the breed.
7) Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
8) Will ensure their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashedor 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 accompanying a dog)
14) Will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog.
15) Members should when engaged in competitive events with their dogs conduct themselves in such a way as not to bring discredit to the breed or club and should demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.
16) Before breeding a litter, serious and equal consideration should be given to temperament, health and soundness of both parents of the proposed litter and in particular the facilities and time available to the breeder.
17) Members should ensure that all stock from which they breed shall be registered with the Kennel Club and also that such stock should be tested for
hereditary defects, where such testing is available. All breeding should be aimed at the improvement of the breed.
18) Stud dog owners should use discretion in determining the extent of use of their dogs. Requests for stud services should be the subject of very careful consideration, with regard to the health of the bitch and the conditions under which her litter would be reared.
19) No bitch should be bred from at successive seasons unless a period of more than twelve months has elapsed. No bitch should be mated before the age of 24 months nor whelp after the age of 8 years. Before any bitch is mated, due regard should be given to her general condition, fitness, temperament and, in the case of second or subsequent litters, her previous breeding history. If surgical intervention has been required for a previous litter, veterinary advice should be taken and followed.
20) Prospective purchasers of puppies should be carefully interviewed and assessed for their suitability and should be fully advised of the characteristics of the Irish Setter as a breed, stressing the necessity for care and attention, grooming and exercise. Puppies should not be sold to homes where they will be left on their own all day.
21) It should be impressed upon buyers that they should contact the breeder in event of any problem arising with the puppy. Breeders should make every effort to be of assistance in these circumstances. They should also be prepared to give advice on the future rearing of the puppies and warn buyers of any hereditary defects that become apparent in that litter at a future date.
22) Should the committee of the club (supported by professional advice) seek assistance and co-operation of breeders in eradicating a hereditary complaint or illness from the breed, it is expected that breeders would co-operate fully with the committee by providing such support and/or information as may be requested.
Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from club membership under Rule 9, and /or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action, as appropriate.
