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C. MCOA Code of Ethics




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This article is from the Mastiffs Breed FAQ, by mmcbee@access.mountain.net (Mike McBee) with numerous contributions by others.

C. MCOA Code of Ethics


MASTIFF CLUB OF AMERICA

REVISED CODE OF ETHICS
NOVEMBER 1995

The Mastiff Club of America requires its members to adhere to the
following guidelines which constitute its Code of Ethics. The Club
also requires that members, breeders and stud dog owners not aid
or abet the violation of these guidelines by anyone else. This
Code details certain practices necessary to implement the
objectives of the Club as outlined in Article I, Section 2 of its
Constitution.
1. I will consider only the betterment of the breed when
breeding a bitch or allowing a breeding with my stud dog,
being conscientious of controlling and eliminating inherited
problems. A breeder and stud dog owner shall plan each
breeding with the paramount intention of protecting the
breed,, and only when the parties involved agree the breeder
is in a position and has the knowledge to give proper care to
both the bitch and offspring.

2. I will not allow a bitch to be bred prior to her reaching
twenty- two (22) months of age, nor shall any bitch be bred
after her seventh (7) birthday. A bitch will not be bred more
than once (1) a year unless she does not whelp a litter, the
litter is stillborn, consists of a single (I) pup, or as part
of a veterinarian's recommendation for treatment of pyometra.
Any other reason for a bitch to be bred more than once (I) a
year would need to be stated in writing, along with a
licensed veterinarian's certification of good health, to be
received by the Recording Secretary at least forty-five (45)
days prior to the breeding for the Board's approval.

3. I will sell a Mastiff only to a buyer whom I believe to be
interested in the protection of the breed and who would agree
in writing to provide the highest quality of care for said
Mastiff, including quality food, water, proper shelter from
heat or cold; active companionship, appropriate exercise,
socialization and professional veterinary care whenever
necessary.

4. An MCOA member will sell each Mastiff puppy/adult on a
written contract signed by all parties. Said contract shall
contain, but is not limited to the following provisions:
a. Complete care/feeding instructions.
b. A record of innoculations and worming with a recommended
continuation schedule.
c. Provide the buyer with a five (5) generation pedigree on
the litter.
d. Furnish a signed AKC registration or transfer form,
unless written agreement is made with the buyer that
such papers are withheld or are to follow.
e. A provision that ensures that the breeder is contacted
whenever an owner can no longer keep a dog at anytime in
the dog's life.
f. Stipulate that the buyer have a veterinary check-up
within five (5) working days of the sale, (or whatever
is applicable in your state of residence), to determine
that the Mastiff is healthy. If the veterinarian
determines that the Mastiff is not in good health, the
breeder will, upon the Mastiffs return, refund the
purchase price or replace the Mastiff.
5. I will not knowingly sell or provide a Mastiff for resale,
gift or prize or to a broker/agent for resale. I will not
engage in the brokering of puppies, (selling or buying),
EXCEPT in a case that would prevent a potential rescue
situation. ALL SUCH CASES MUST be documented by letter to the
MCOA Recording Secretary.

6. I will not sell a puppy/adult who is sick, nor will I ship or
deliver to the buyer a puppy less than eight (8) weeks of
age.

7. I will show good sportsmanship at all times and in all
matters relating to Mastiffs. I will maintain the highest
degree of honesty and integrity. I will not knowingly make a
misstatement of fact in any serious discussion or
advertisement of my Mastiffs or the Mastiffs of any other
Mastiff owner, that I might have with persons not qualified
to judge the facts for themselves.

8. If I should find myself unable to physically take back a
Mastiff, bred/sold by me, who has been displaced, I will
assist MCOA Rescue or a regional club rescue program in the
placement of said Mastiff.

9. I will require the neutering/spaying of any puppy/adult I
place or sell as pet quality as soon as the dog reaches the
appropriate age.

10. I will not sell a Mastiff for the purpose of attack training,
fighting, or any other sport detrimental to the breed and its
reputation.

11. I will not produce more than eight (8) litters, owned or co-
owned, in a twenty-four (24) month period. As a stud dog
owner I will not knowingly allow my stud dog to be used in a
program which has already produced more than eight (8)
litters in a twenty-four (24) month period.
MCOA BY-LAWS; ARTICLE VI - DISCIPLINE; SECTION 2 - CHARGES
Any member or non-member may prefer charges against a member for
alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the breed
or Club. Written charges with specifications must be filed in
duplicate with the Recording Secretary together with a refundable
fee of fifty (50) dollars, if charges are heard. ...

 

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