The Gordon Setter Association - GSA Membership Code of Ethics

GENERAL CODE OF ETHICS

All members of the Gordon Setter Association undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics.

Club members:

Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required. Will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, may report such operation to the Kennel Club.
Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.
Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act. Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.
Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.
Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.
Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.
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.
Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
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, to forward any relevant documents at the earliest opportunity, if not immediately available.
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).
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

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

KC/GJ September 2008

GSA Code of Ethics

The following Code of Ethics should be maintained in accordance with the aims and objectives of the GSA.

A breeder shall only breed from those Gordons believed to be as free from any serious defects and which are not suffering from any acute problem. To this effect is is recommended that any potential breeding stock go through relevant BVA/KC schemes. For the BVA/HD scheme, it is recommended that those bred from have scores below the current breed average, or the mating is done with the clear intent to improve future hip scores. At all times the improvement of breeding stock must be the primary consideration.
Stud dog owners should satisfy themselves as to the suitability of bitches, i.e. type, temperament, age, health, BVA/KC schemes etc.
It is recommended that bitches should not be bred from until at least 21 months of age and not older than 8 years. No bitch should be bred from more than once a year or be expected to produce more than 3 average size litters, i.e. 25-30 puppies in total.
Puppies should not be sold under the age of 7 weeks. The breeder shall take all reasonable steps to ensure the suitability of prospective owners and the conditions in which the puppy will be kept. Prospective owners should be advised of the characteristics of the breed. Gordons should not be sold to pet shops, or dealers. It should be stressed to owners that they contact the breeder in the event of any problem with their puppy and the breeder accepts the responsibility to help as far as possible for the lifetime of the dog. The GSA is always available for advice but the breeder should be contacted first.
The breeder shall provide a copy of the pedigree, a diet sheet and complete details of worming and inoculations at the time of the sale.
Breeders shall at all times exercise extreme caution when advertising or selling.
If puppies are sold on breeding terms a breeding term contract shall be endorsed by the Kennel Club.
Owners shall at all times maintain a high standard of health and care for their Gordons.
Members should give very serious consideration before proposing or seconding new members for the GSA.

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Updated : 26 December, 2011