Purpose

This Code of Ethics is presented as a guide for all members of the Jersey Skylands Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. to use when owning, buying, selling, breeding or exhibiting Labradors.

Violations of the Code may be the subject of a review of membership eligibility and maintenance of membership.

Practices

1. Abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Jersey Skylands Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. and the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club or the Kennel Club appropriate for the country of residence.

2. Keep accurate breeding records, registration papers and pedigrees.

3. Support and conduct ethical trade practices:

   a.    Maintain a professional attitude: where sales and service arrangements are concerned, they shall by mutually agreed upon, stated in writing, dated and signed by all parties.

   b.    All advertising shall be factual, informative and free of fraudulent or misleading statements.

   c.    All bitches and dogs used for breeding must be registered with the American Kennel Club, be eligible for AKC registration, or be registered with the Kennel Club appropriate for the country of residence.

   d.    All buyers must receive a record of immunizations, worming, pedigree and applicable AKC or other Kennel Club transfer documents, except where registration papers are being held back by contractual agreement.

   e.    Members will not knowingly provide dogs to pet dealers or to other sources of commercial distribution, singly or in "litter lots", or as prizes in any contests or lotteries.  No breeding will be conducted solely for commercial purposes.

4. All bitches and studs will be bred with the intention of the litter improving the breed.  All sires and dams should be free of known hereditary diseases at the time of breeding.

5. Maintain a high standard of canine health, cleanliness, socialization and care.  As a minimum standard, animals will be cared for in a safe, clean and vermin free shelter, run or yard with access to sufficient clean water and supplied regularly with adequate quality food.

6. The breeder has the responsibility of assuring, to the best of their ability, a safe and healthy home for each puppy they produce and assumes that responsibility for the lifetime of the dog.

7. Honestly evaluate the quality of any dogs sold or placed and fairly represent the evaluation as opinion.  Labradors not intended for breeding purposes are to be sold on spay or neuter agreements or, limited registration where available.

8. Euthanasia of seriously deformed animals is to be done humanely.  Inferior animals are to be spayed or neutered or sold on spay/neuter agreements.

9. Observe a high standard of sportsmanship, goodwill and friendship at events and meetings.  Encourage all other to do the same.

10. Support and represent the Club's purposes in all canine activities.

Discipline

Failure to comply with this Code of Ethics may subject a member to disciplinary procedures.  Allegations of violations of the Code of Ethics shall be reviewed by the Ethics Committee for their recommendation prior to review by the Board of Directors.