AB&TCC Code of Ethics

The American Black & Tan Coonhound Club's
Code of Ethics
(Accepted by vote of the AB&TCC membership March 1, 2003)

Introduction:
As a breeder, exhibitor or owner, the Black & Tan Coonhound fancier is faced with decisions that can impact not only the health and well being of his/her own dogs, but the dogs of others, and the continued integrity of the Black & Tan Coonhound breed as a whole. In an effort to aid both the novice and the long-time fancier, the AB&TCC; hereby sets forth the following code of ethics. The purpose of the code is to set forth principles of practice that the AB&TCC would have its members strive towards, to preserve the quality of the breed, to promote and protect Black & Tan Coonhounds, and the sport of purebred dogs.
I WILL STRIVE:

Conduct:
TO uphold the American Kennel Club rules applying to dog shows and registration, particularly those rules that pertain to the maintenance of complete and accurate records;
TO uphold the goals of the American Black & Tan Coonhound Club as set forth in the Club's Constitution and By-Laws;
TO serve as an example of good sportsmanship in every aspect of the sport of dogs, to be courteous and helpful to those who contact me regarding dog information, and to share with novices my knowledge and expertise;
TO never maliciously seek to impair the reputation of another breeder.
TO obey the rules, regulations and policies pertaining to dogs when utilizing any facility, including hotel/motel, during specialty shows, all-breed shows or any other sanctioned competition.

Care and Maintenance:
TO provide all dogs under my care, adults and especially puppies, with quality diet, exercise, veterinary care and nurturing. It should be recognized that socialization of puppies is especially important to our breed and that no puppy should be shipped or transported to its new home prior to 8 weeks of age.
TO make every effort to place puppies and adult dogs only in environments where they will receive suitable care and affection and will not be misused or mistreated, specifically pledging never to knowingly sell or give puppies or dogs to auctions, traders, dog fighting brokers, wholesalers, laboratories, dealers or pet stores, or for lotteries, raffles, "give away" prizes or other such projects, and I will encourage my puppy buyers to adhere to the same principles;

Breeding and Sales:
TO accept and uphold the standard of the Black & Tan Coonhound as developed by the American Black & Tan Coonhound Club and approved by the American Kennel Club;
TO direct my breeding towards improving the qualities of the Black & Tan Coonhound as set forth in the breed standard.
TO provide Black & Tan Coonhound buyers with written details on feeding, general care and nutrition, as well as an up-to-date health care record and any available veterinary care record;
TO become educated in the fundamentals of owning and exhibiting dogs. To stay current in the knowledge of genetic problems present in the breed and to utilize available testing procedures to detect serious genetic defects. To only breed healthy and mature dogs and bitches, to not breed dogs that are known to be affected with a genetically inherited disease, and to encourage newcomers to adhere to the same principles;
TO discuss openly and honestly the genetic and physical problems that have occurred in my lines.
TO be discriminate when offering stud services and breeding bitches. Breeders must accept full responsibility for what they breed. Males offered for stud and bitches receiving service, must be presented honestly regarding their pedigrees, their faults or the fault possibilities within their lines.
TO conduct all my kennel practices in a clear, honorable and open fashion, and use written agreements or contracts whenever possible;
TO utilize the AKC Limited Registration on B&T"s sold as pets or place them on a Non-Breeding Contract or Agreement.
TO be willing to take back, rehabilitate and re-place in a suitable home any dog I have bred, co-bred or sold at any time during the dog's life. Contracts and written agreements should preclude the dog being resold and require its return to the breeder in all cases. If an animal is beyond rehabilitation, I agree that I will advise humane euthanasia or be responsible for such if the owner is unable to do so.

Disclaimer:
Nothing in this Code of Ethics should be construed to be in violation of the rules and regulations of the AKC or the Constitution and By-Laws of the American Black & Tan Coonhound Club.
Accepted by vote of the AB&TCC membership March 1, 2003