Code of Ethics

 

under construction
Nota Bene - this is a draft, and not the finished
Code of Ethics

 

CODE OF ETHICS

THE AZAWAKH ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

 
 

GENERAL

I will comply with the Breed Standard where applicable in all matters relating to the breed and remember that we are the person(s) responsible for the welfare and future of the Azawakh in the United Kingdom.

I will comply with the bylaws of the Kennel Club, where they apply to my Azawakh, and me and my dealings with said governing body in all matters under their jurisdiction.

When participating in competitions, I will refrain from the use of vicious, disparaging, false, and misleading statements about judges, fellow competitors, and other Azawakh owners and their dogs.  I will conduct myself in such a manner as to reflect credit on the sport of purebred dogs in general and the Azawakh in particular.

I agree that if I should become aware of any mistreatment of an Azawakh, I will report in writing this in confidence to the Secretary of the Azawakh Association of the United Kingdom for discussion by the Committee.

RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP

Members shall:

Maintain the best possible standards of health care for their dogs.  This includes all matters pertaining to the physical and mental well being of their dogs, including appropriate nutrition, health checks, veterinary treatment for the dog when required, immunization, training, and regular exercise.

Both inside and outside of the home all dogs must be properly controlled.  Azawakhs should never be allowed to roam unattended.  Dogs must always walked on leads or have the appropriate training to maintain control at all times.

Responsible ownership includes cleaning up after your dog in all public and private facilities.

All dogs must be identifiable in the form of tattoos or microchip implants or by photographs. Collars with tags are necessary for dogs outside of their home. Details should be submitted to the Azawakh Association for their database, this information protected under the data protection act and only for use in the public domain to trace lost, missing dogs, or  for the Azawakh Association to contact the owners or breeders of said dogs and will not be passed onto a third party.

If for whatever reason you find that you are unable to keep your dog, you must inform your breeder and you should make every effort to find a suitable home.  Responsible breeders will make every effort to help you in this matter. Breeders should make every effort to take their stock back, in the event they cannot do this, they should notify the Azawakh Association and make some arrangements for either fostering of the dog, and some remuneration to the fosterer whilst the dog is in their care. If the owners have found the dog a  home the breeder should be notified of this and given the location of the dogs whereabouts, also giving the breeder the opportunity to check that the new home is a suitable one for this breed.

When the "quality of life" is no longer present in your dog, a humane death by euthanasia will be performed by means of lethal injection administered by a qualified veterinarian.

BREEDING

As a responsible breeder:

I shall only breed to improve the breed according to the Breed Standard.  All breeding that occurs should be done with the intention of the preservation and betterment of the breed (see Breeding Guidelines).

I shall breed only from mature healthy dogs and bitches which are believed to be clear from hereditary defects and which are of sound Azawakh temperament as defined in the breed.  It is highly recommended that all breeding stock be tested for genetic faults before they are bred. 

I shall conscientiously plan each litter.  Bitches shall not be used for breeding before they are twenty four months of age.  Dogs shall not be used for stud prior to twelve months of age. Siblings may only be bred from if there is sufficient and just cause that would be for the betterment of the breed. This should be put forward in writing before the mating, to the committee and members for discussion at an AGM.

I shall not breed to bitches after their eight birthday and shall only breed according the KC code of best practice.

Bitches who have had three litters or who have had a caesarian section shall not be bred from again.

Stud dog owners will be held just as responsible as the breeder for the welfare of the breed
and should be required to help out in a rescue situation regarding any progeny sired by their dog.

I will not allow my Azawakh to be mated with any dog of a different breed or an unregistered dog of the same breed.

I will maintain the highest possible standard of canine health, cleanliness, and care for mother and puppies.

As a breeder, I will be committed to long term care of all puppies in instances where suitable homes are not readily available.

I will verify that purchasers of my puppies will be responsible owners who will provide safe, proper homes and care.  I will maintain contact with the owners throughout the life of the dog so that I am aware of any changes in its home or health. 

I will be responsible for the health (genetic defects) of all puppies sold for the first two years of his/her life.

No puppy shall go to its new owners prior to 8 weeks of age.

Puppies or older stock shall not be sold to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet outlets, research facilities nor will I allow my Azawakh to be given as a prize in any contest of any kind.  No breeding shall be done for commercial gain.

All puppies sold will be registered with the Kennel Club and accompanied by a copy of the Breed Standard, an accurate three-generation pedigree, a copy of the Code of Ethics. These puppies shall be in good health, had their first vaccination (optional) and be dewormed. All health records and instructions for feeding and care shall be given to the new owners.

New owners shall be introduced to the Azawakh Association of the United Kingdom and it is recommended that breeders sponsor them in membership for the first year.

I will keep suitable records of all breeding, sales, pedigrees and registrations.