Greyhound Club of America Code of Ethics

PURPOSE

The foremost aim of the Greyhound Club of America (GCA) is to maintain and improve the welfare of the Greyhound breed and to preserve and foster improvement in the qualities within the breed. This Code of Ethics describes various principles of Greyhound ownership, breeding, care, and sportsmanship to which members must agree.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD ANIMALS

All dogs should be kept in a clean, healthy, and safe environment. Dogs should be provided with appropriate nutrition, exercise, socialization, vaccinations, internal and external parasite control, and veterinary treatment necessary to provide for their mental and physical well-being. During all stages of life, neonate to elderly, the comfort and well-being of the Greyhound should be the priority. All members will put the welfare of each of their Greyhounds above personal gain, profit, or convenience.

SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The owner of the purebred Greyhound should develop a thorough knowledge of the breed prior to considering breeding. This knowledge is gained from mentors, from reading and studying the breed standard, seeking guidance from fellow members with greater experience, and studying other experts.

Breeding stock, male or female, should have their health testing completed prior to breeding and obtain a CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) number if possible, following the current Greyhound Club of America recommendations. The age and condition of the bitch shall be considered before she is bred. It is not advisable to breed a bitch under 2 years or over 7 years of age, although a healthy older bitch may be used if deemed capable of bearing a litter by a knowledgeable veterinarian. All dogs used in breeding should be in good health mentally and physically. Stud owners should use discretion in providing stud service, and refuse service, to bitches in poor health, unsound temperament, or with serious genetic faults.

Puppies shall be well-socialized and receive proper veterinary care and inoculations prior to leaving the breeder. No puppy shall leave the breeder before the age of 7 weeks. Club members agree to take responsibility for any dog they sell or place if the dog’s or owner’s circumstances change and the owner is unable to keep the dog, no matter the reason. Accurate records of all breedings shall be kept in accordance with the requirements of the American Kennel Club.

RESPONSIBILITY TO PURCHASERS

All prospective owners should be screened as thoroughly as possible to determine their desire and ultimate intent for each puppy or dog, and also for their interest and ability to provide a safe, adequate, and loving home for each puppy or dog acquired. When selling or placing internationally, extra care should be taken to thoroughly vet the prospective home, preferably through firsthand knowledge or with someone in close contact with the prospective buyers for their ability to provide excellent homes.
Purchasers shall be provided with written details of feeding, general care, and dates and types of inoculations and worming, and the breeder shall be available to offer future advice as needed. Spay/neuter surgery is not recommended before 18 months of age.

Appropriate papers should be transferred to the buyer at the time of sale or as soon as possible thereafter, and any specific agreement should be made by written contract. The contract shall ensure that the breeder will be contacted whenever an owner can no longer keep a dog at any time in the dog’s lifetime, and it will be the obligation of the breeder to assist in the placement or disposition of the dog. The breeder should recommend that a newly acquired puppy/dog be examined by a veterinarian within the
first few weeks after its receipt. Any unexpected defect or illness determined at that exam shall be addressed by the breeder as to return of the dog, a cost sharing plan of treatment, or a refund of purchase price.

The breeder shall honestly evaluate the quality of all Greyhounds sold and fairly represent that evaluation.
Breeders shall not knowingly sell or consign puppies or adult dogs to pet stores, puppy brokers or other commercial dealers, and shall not dispose of any puppy or adult dog, owned or co-owned by them, in shelters, pounds, or any other rescue organization. If breeders become aware that one of the dogs bred by them is in this situation, every effort shall be made to have the dog returned to them.

RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD FELLOW MEMBERS

Each member shall conduct themselves in a sportsman-like, fair and courteous manner at all times as described in the AKC Guide to Good Sportsmanship. No member shall make false or misleading statements about another member, competitor, or dog. When confronted by a situation not covered by these standards, members should conduct themselves as they would like to be treated under similar circumstances. If in doubt, contact a member of the GCA Board of Directors for clarification.

RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PUBLIC

All advertising shall be honest and not in any way misleading. Each member shall present an accurate image of the Greyhound to the public and shall promote responsible ownership by both words and actions.

RESPONSIBILITY TO THE CLUB

Each member shall demonstrate tolerance, regard for others, and a willingness to work together for the welfare and benefit of the Greyhound and the Greyhound Club of America.

Each member shall accept any majority vote of the club as the wishes of the club. Proposed changes that might benefit the breed or the club will be made in an orderly and responsible manner.

Each member must realize that their behavior reflects the public image of the Greyhound Club of America and shall act accordingly.

Education and communication are the preferred methods of obtaining compliance to this Code of Ethics; however, flagrant, serious, and/or repeated disregard of this code may result in formal charges brought before the GCA Board of Directors by GCA members. Issues that occur in conjunction with events must be adjudicated at that event through their appropriate hearings. Contract violations as well as slanderous or libelous allegations between members shall be favorably adjudicated in the courts prior to presentation to the GCA Board.

Signature________________________________________________________________________________________

Printed Name____________________________________________________________________________________

Date_____________________________________________________________________________________________