THE NORTHERN KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB

GENERAL CODE OF ETHICS

Members of the Northern King Charles Spaniel Club are expected to abide by its general Code of Ethics

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 confirmation of the animal, may report such operation to the Kennel Club.
  3. Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform 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 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 that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or 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, 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 must provide a record in respect of each puppy  sold with details of all inoculations and worming. Members are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect credit on the ownership of King Charles Spaniels.
  16. No puppies must be sold under ten weeks of age and as far as the breeder is concerned must be healthy at the time of sale.
  17. Owners of stud dogs should see the registration documents and pedigree of any bitch to be mated to determine ownership, age, and any endorsement. Stud dog owners should also try to ascertain the number of previous litters reared and also the dates.
  18. Breeders should inform purchasers, in writing, that they will accept back any puppy which does not settle into its new home.
  19. Bitches should not be mated before they are fully mature and preferably not before the age of eighteen months and should not be bred from after six years of age. A Bitch should not rear more than two litters in two years and no bitch should have more than three litters in her lifetime. Any bitch which has had a caesarean should not be bred from as the health and wellbeing of the bitch is paramount.

 

Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from the Club membership and / or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and / or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action, as appropriate.