Code of Ethics

All members of the GSPIC undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics.

CLUB MEMBERS:-

1. Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.

2. Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.

3. Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.

4. Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that may have been docked illegally.

5. Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.

6. Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home, unless at an event and under their own rules and regulations

7. Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.

8. 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.

9. Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Before breeding a litter, will give serious and equal consideration to construction, temperament, and health, working ability and soundness, in the choice of breeding stock. It should always be born in mind that aggression and nervousness form no part of a German Shorthaired Pointers temperament and character. All breeding should be aimed at the improvement of the breed. Breeders should, at all times strive to produce stock sound in mind and body that fits the breed standard and carries an instinct to work.

13. When making the decision to mate a bitch, should give all consideration to her health and welfare and to the unborn puppies. No bitch should be mated at more than one out of two successive seasons and never without consideration to the well being of the bitch. No bitch should be mated before her second birthday, or after her seventh birthday.

14. When planning a litter should take into consideration the hip scores of both the sire and the dam before the proposed mating takes place. The mating of dogs and bitches with poor hips is strongly discouraged. Matings should only be considered between dogs or bitches with hips scored with FCI hip score A (equates to 0-10 (KC)) or FCI B (equates to 11-20 (KC)). A table which compares the Kennel Club (KC) system scores with overseas hip evaluations can be found on the Club’s Web Site. This document gives a clear indication of KC scores equivalent to the FCI Continental A & B level. It can also be obtained from the Hon. Secretary if required.

15. Should only breed a litter when he/she is reasonably sure of finding good homes for the puppies before a mating is considered. Owners of stud dogs should make it very clear to bitch owners of the commitment and facilities necessary to rear a litter.

16. Will ensure that all puppies will be registered with the Kennel Club. It is the Club’s preference and request that Breeders make use of a puppy sales agreement, an example of which can be found on the Club Web Site or can be obtained from the Hon. Secretary.

17. Will ensure that no puppies leave the breeder before the age of 7 weeks. Puppies should not be sold to homes where it is known that they will be left on their own for long periods of time or exported to Countries where they are not protected by anti-cruelty laws. If doubt exists, DEFRA or the Kennel Club should be consulted.

18. Will ensure that no German Shorthaired Pointer should be knowingly sold to laboratories, wholesalers, pet shops or dealers in dogs or to persons known to sell stock to any of the above, nor should any stud services be provided to such persons (a dealer is defined as any person who regularly buys dogs as an agent for sale at a profit; a person who buys dogs as an agent for a known individual is not necessarily a dealer).

19. Will ensure that prospective buyers of puppies and/or adults should be carefully screened for suitability and should be fully advised of the characteristics of the German Shorthaired Pointer, stressing the necessity for care, grooming, training, socialisation, ample exercise and an understanding of owning a hunting breed of dog.

20. Will ensure that no puppy or adult which has any apparent physical defects or which shows any definite departure from the Breed Standard should be sold without the buyer being made aware of such defects and the possible consequences. Members should only sell puppies and adults, which, to the best of their knowledge and belief, are in good health at the time of sale.

21. Will ensure that purchasers of German Shorthaired Pointer puppies or adults should be provided at the time of sale with a pedigree, diet sheet and information about training, worming and inoculations. The purchaser should also be provided, where applicable, either at the time of sale or as soon as possible thereafter, with the necessary documents pertaining to Kennel Club registration.

22. Will ensure that it is impressed on buyers that they should contact the breeder in the event of any problem arising with the puppy or adult and the breeders should make every effort to be of assistance in these circumstances and that in the case of a dog needing to be re-homed the breeder takes the responsibility to assist as much as possible in achieving this end.

23. Will ensure that advertising by members should be strictly factual. Misleading exaggeration or unfounded implications of superiority should not be used. Members should also refrain from making unfair or untrue statements about dogs or practices of others.

24. Will ensure full cooperation with any measures aimed at eradicating any hereditary disease and support any positive programme of testing for hereditary health defects.

25. Will ensure that the owner of a stud dog will perform an investigation of the history of all visiting bitches. No bitch should be mated unless she fulfils the criteria as stated in this document.

26. Would be considered as using unethical behaviour if they exhibit/compete with a bitch or dog at any show/trial/test/game fair etc. that is in whelp or is considered to be in less that the best of health and condition.

ANY 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.