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AWSS Code of Ethics
Approved by the membership of the Association of Working
Shetland Sheepdogs,
Inc. in 2007 and effective month day, 2007, this Code of Ethics was
initiated by the Association of Working Shetland Sheepdogs to help preserve
and advance the Shetland Sheepdog. The Code of Ethics is a MANDATORY code
which applies to all members in good standing. Association of Working
Shetland Sheepdogs Code of Ethics
Objective: To promote cooperation and friendship among members of the
Association of Working Shetland Sheepdogs and to encourage higher standards
in breeding, training, and competition with Shelties.
1. I will appreciate the unique nature of the Shetland Sheepdog and will
strive to develop those desirable characteristics that, through selective
breeding, have come to typify this breed.
2. I will be responsible and care for my dogs in a manner that promotes
their robust emotional, mental, and physical health. I will strive to bring
each dog to its full potential as an individual and in each working and/or
competitive areas in which I choose to participate with that dog.
3. I will educate myself about the Shetland Sheepdog, the breed's history
and function, one or more of the AWSS-accepted breed standards, and
Sheltie-related and general canine health concerns, socialization, and
training.
4. I will act with responsible and courteous behavior. As a
representative
of the AWSS, I will endeavor to conduct myself in a manner that will reflect
positively on me, AWSS, and the Shetland Sheepdog, regardless of location or
circumstances. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, having
control of my dog at all times, cleaning up after my dog in public places,
and leaving public facilities in as clean a condition as possible.
5. I will be honest. I will truthfully and realistically represent my
Shetland Sheepdog(s) in terms of quality, health, and genetic history.
6. If I choose to breed, I will educate myself about genetic problems,
breeding, whelping, raising puppies,
and socialization. I will use my knowledge with the goal of producing
healthy, sound Shetland Sheepdogs.
7. If I choose to breed Shetland Sheepdogs, then I will do so with a
lifelong commitment to every dog I produce. If I am a stud dog owner, I
will encourage the breeders who use my stud dog(s) to make such commitments
to the dogs they produce and will not knowingly allow an abusive or
neglectful breeder to use my stud dog(s).
8. I will not wholesale litters, or knowingly sell to pet dealers, catalog
houses, or other sources of commercial distribution. If I choose to
advertise my stud dog(s) or available dogs on the Internet, in magazines, or
in other public media, I will present them honestly and endeavor to screen
potential clients as thoroughly as if the transactions were face to face.
I
will not donate a dog, the lease of a dog, or a stud service as a prize in
any contest. I will not donate or sell dogs for unnecessary, redundant,
or
marginal research. Any research for which I donate or sell dogs to
participate in must be conducted as reasonably humanely as possible and
shall be for a specific health related defect and must be done by an
accredited university or a veterinarian associated with a accredited
university.
9. I shall endeavor to share information and/or knowledge with and to assist
those who exhibit a sincere interest in the Shetland Sheepdog.
10. I will do my best to protect the overall emotional, mental, and
physical well-being of the Shetland Sheepdog. Should I become aware of the
mistreatment, abuse, or need for relocation of any Shetland Sheepdog, I will
make every effort to be of assistance by notifying the breeder, the local
authorities, and/or Sheltie rescue, and by helping in any other way in which
I am able.
By joining the Association of Working Shetland Sheepdogs, I accept this code
in its entirety. Any documented violation of the Code of Ethics shall be
dealt with as provided in the By-Laws.