SSA General Code of Ethics
Part 1
All members of the Sussex Spaniel Association undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics.
Club Members
- Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.
- 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.
- Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.
- Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.
- Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.
- Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.
- Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
- Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.
- Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.
- 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.
- Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
-
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.
Part 2
- A Breeder shall only breed from those Sussex believed to be as free as possible from known serious hereditary defect and which are not suffering from any acute problems. It is strongly recommended that all breeding stock be examined under the KC/BVA Schemes relating to the breed, i.e. hip scoring. At all times the improvement of breeding stock must be the primary consideration.
- Stud dogs owners should satisfy themselves as to the suitability of the bitch.
- It is recommended that bitches should not be bred from until at least eighteen months of age or after the second season (whichever comes first) and should not be bred from more than once a year. Normally no bitch should be expected to produce more than three litters.
- No puppies should be sold under the age of eight weeks. The breeder shall take all reasonable steps to ensure the suitability of prospective owners.
- If puppies are sold on breeding terms, a breeding contract must be endorsed by the Kennel Club
- Members should give very serious consideration before proposing and seconding new members for entry into this Association.
Whilst Part 2 of the Code of Ethics is issued in an advisory capacity, it is hoped that members will abide by it.
PDF Version
Print the Code of Ethics
Word version
