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MASTIFF
CLUB OF VICTORIA INC.
Reg No
A0033051c
CODE
OF ETHICS
Revised August
2010
1.
Objective
1.1.
The
Mastiff Club of
2.
Care and Maintenance of Dogs
2.1.
Members
are expected to provide the highest quality care to all Mastiffs that they own,
or that are in their possession, for as long as they are in their care.
This includes quality food, water, proper shelter from heat or cold;
active companionship, appropriate exercise, and professional veterinary care
whenever necessary. They will never abuse, nor knowingly allow abuse of these
same Mastiffs.
2.2.
Members
are expected to promote good public relations in respect to all Mastiffs in
their ownership/control.
2.3.
Members
will not allow any Mastiff to be involved in any activity that might bring the
breed into disrepute.
2.4.
Members
shall ensure that their dogs are always under effective control in public places
and shall never be left in the care of unsupervised children. Socialisation is
essential and basic obedience training is strongly recommended.
3.
Breeding
3.1.
The
primary consideration for breeding shall be to produce stock that conforms as
closely as possible to the breed standard. Every effort should be made to reduce
the incidence of inherited defects. Eye screening, hip and elbow scoring is
strongly recommended.
3.2.
No
member shall permit any pure bred Mastiff to be mated to a dog of a different
breed, to a cross breed dog or to an unregistered dog of the same breed.
3.3.
When
planning a mating, the health and well being of the bitch and stud dog shall be
of prime concern.
3.4.
A
bitch should not be mated before twenty (20) months of age.
3.5.
A
bitch should not be bred from after her sixth (6th birthday)
3.6.
A
bitch should not produce more than two (2) litters in a two (2) year period. Any
bitch that has whelped, either naturally or via caesarean, more than three (3)
puppies in a litter, shall not be mated within a six (6) month period from
whelping this litter.
3.7.
A
bitch should have a maximum of three (3) litters during her lifetime.
3.8.
It
is the responsibility of the stud dog owner to ensure that they do not provide
the service of a stud dog in circumstances that are in contradiction to this
code of ethics.
3.9.
Members
wishing to undertake a mating which falls outside of the above guidelines must
apply in writing to the committee at least one (1) month before the planned
mating, citing their reasons, and attaching all relevant documents and a
certificate from a licensed veterinarian certifying as to the good health of the
bitch. If the committee permits the mating to take place a notice will be published
in the first newsletter after the arrival of the litter.
4.
Transfer of Stock
4.1.
A
diet sheet shall be supplied with each dog sold, together with details of any
inoculations and medication that the animal has received.
4.2.
Members
transferring mastiffs shall supply the client at the time, a signed pedigree and
a Canine Association Registration and transfer form. It should be recommended to
buyers to microchip and comply with councils registration requirements.
4.3.
Should
the breeder wish to impose any conditions or endorsements, written notice of
such must be given at the time.
4.4.
Every
effort shall be made to place Mastiffs only to responsible persons who are
prepared to rear and care for the Mastiff correctly (see care and maintenance)
and to give it a permanent home.
4.5.
Mastiffs
shall not be sold to or placed with pet shops or dealers, nor be allowed to be
given as a prize or donation in a contest of any kind.
4.6.
In
the event of an owner being unable to continue to keep a mastiff, the breeder
and/or the stud dog owner, should be prepared to take the mastiff or find the
mastiff an alternative suitable home. If the breeder cannot be contacted, then
the Club should be given the opportunity to re-house the Mastiff.
4.7.
Members
selling mastiffs must stipulate that the buyer arrange a veterinary check-up
within one (1) week of the sale. If the veterinarian determines that the mastiff
is not in good health, the breeder will, upon the mastiff's return, refund the
purchase price or replace the mastiff.
4.8.
Members
will not sell or place mastiffs for the purpose of attack training, fighting, or
any activity detrimental to the breed and its reputation.
4.9.
No
member shall knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed, nor
falsely advertise or mislead any person regarding the performance of any dog.
5.
Behaviour of Members
5.1.
All
members should behave with good sportsmanlike manners, both inside and outside
the ring.
5.2.
Members
shall always observe good sportsmanship and disparaging remarks about fellow
members or their stock are to be strongly discouraged. Any member knowingly
aiding or abetting any other member to breach the Code of Ethics shall be
equally responsible with the offender.
5.3.
Canine
Association rules should be followed at all times
5.4.
Advertising
should be as factual as possible and, in no way misleading.
5.5.
Before
new members are received into the club, this code of ethics must be read and
acknowledged by them.
5.6.
Where
there is evidence of malpractice or mistreatment of mastiffs, it is the duty of
the membership to report such to the Secretary of the Mastiff Club of
6.
Compliance
6.1.
Members
accused either of a breach of the Code of Ethics, or of aiding and abetting
another Member to do so, shall be given particulars of the complaint and advised
of the place, date and hour of the Committee Meeting at which the complaint will
be considered so that the member can submit a written explanation to the
Committee or attend to offer an explanation.
