Greyhound Club of America Code of Ethics

Article I.      Purpose

The foremost aim of the Greyhound Club of America (GCA) is to consider the welfare of the Greyhound breed, to preserve its qualities, and to foster its improvement. These written standards describe various principles of Greyhound ownership, breeding, and care to which members must agree, and the necessary conduct expected of club members.

All members of the Greyhound Club of America will put the welfare of each of his or her Greyhounds above personal gain, profit, or personal convenience. At all times, GCA members will conduct themselves responsibly, honorably, and exhibit qualities of good sportsmanship as described below.

All Greyhound Club of America Members agree:

Article II.     Conduct

Section 2.01 To abide by and uphold the principles of the Constitution and the By Laws of the GCA. (https://www.greyhoundclubofamericainc.org/wp-content/uploads/GCA-By-Laws-Approved-2016-11-11.pdf)

Section 2.02 To understand and abide by the Rules and Regulations of the American Kennel Club. (https://www.akc.org/rules/)

Section 2.03 To demonstrate good sportsmanship and adhere to the AKC Code of Sportsmanship at all times to include any Greyhound competition as either a competitor or spectator. This also includes engaging only in polite communications on any platform including social media. Members agree they will not make false or misleading statements about another member, competitor, or dog. Each member agrees to conduct themselves in a fair and courteous manner at all dog events. (https://images.akc.org/pdf/AKC_code_of_sportsmanship.pdf)

Section 2.04 To make efforts to assist the novice and educate the public regarding the Greyhound and provide accurate information as to the general upkeep, the maintenance of their well-being and their training needs.

Section 2.05 To demonstrate tolerance, regard for others, and a willingness to work together for the welfare and benefit of the Greyhound and the Greyhound Club of America.

Section 2.06 Shall accept any majority vote of the club as the wishes of the club. Proposed changes that might benefit the breed or the club will be made in an orderly and responsible manner.

Section 2.07 Influencing Voting-Members agree that they will not offer to sponsor a new member or pay membership dues for any new member or any other member in exchange for voting influence which would include the member voting for or against a candidate for office and/or judging assignments as well as proposed amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws and/or Code of Ethics.

Section 2.08 His/Her/Their behavior reflects the public image of the Greyhound Club of America and shall act accordingly.

Section 2.09 Any member convicted of any form of sexual misconduct with a minor or animal and/or production of or possession of child pornography, will face expulsion from GCA and may face a lifetime ban from the club.

Article III.    Ownership

Section 3.01 To provide the best possible environment for the physical and emotional well-being of the dogs including fully complying with local laws governing health inoculations, curbing of animals, and restraint and control of their actions on and off their home premises.

Section 3.02 To keep all dogs in sanitary and comfortable quarters, provide adequate food and water and provide health protection including preventative measures and periodic veterinary attention, including prompt emergency care. To take into consideration the comfort of dogs being shipped and/or exhibited as well.

Section 3.03 To accept the lifelong commitment for any Greyhound you own. Should circumstances occur where rehoming is absolutely necessary, members agree to consult with the breeder of the dog first and then ensure that proper arrangements are made for the future care of the Greyhound.

Section 3.04 That they will inform the Breeder of any changes in address and contact information. Additionally, all members agree to notify the breeder of any changes in the dog’s health or major issues, in a timely manner.

Article IV.    Breeding

A prerequisite for the owners of the purebred Greyhound is a thorough knowledge of the breed, which can be acquired through reading, study of live animals, guidance, and/or mentorship from members with greater experience and from other experts. Only with this knowledge can successful breeding be developed.

For the purposes of this document, “Breeder” is defined as owner, co-owner, lessee of a bitch as well as stud owner, at time of breeding, whelping, selling, transfer or placing of progeny as a puppy or adult.

Section 4.01 Only purebred, registered (American Kennel Club or equivalent Registry) Greyhounds shall be used for breeding.

Section 4.02 Each litter shall be the result of conscientious planning including consideration of physical and genetic health, soundness, and conformity to the official standard of the breed as approved by the American Kennel Club. (https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Greyhound.pdf)

Section 4.03 Prior to breeding, both stud and dam will have received health tests as described that are necessary to receive a CHIC number (Canine Health Information Center) as described in the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of America) standards including cardiac evaluation, ACVO (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists) eye examination and testing for Greyhound Polyneuropathy. Both dam owner/owners and stud owner/owners also agree to disclose any known health or temperament issues in their breeding program prior to breeding.

Section 4.04 To endeavor to stay current in the knowledge of all known heritable diseases present in the breed, as well as current and new issues concerning the well-being of Greyhounds. Breeder also agrees to demonstrate reasonable care in eliminating those diseases, as well as diseases that are likely heritable which is the goal of protecting the health and well-being of the breed as a whole. Should a Greyhound that is already well into its breeding career be found to carry a serious defect affecting either longevity, overall quality of life or fertility, the owner should notify other breeders with closely related animals, and shall be honest about the potential problem with prospective buyers of breeding stock and stud service. The breeder agrees to do everything possible to minimize the spread of defects to the breed as a whole.

Section 4.05 Only mature adult dogs should be considered for a breeding program. Generally, it is not advisable to breed a bitch under 18 months or over 7 years, although an older bitch may be determined by a veterinarian to be in good condition and capable of whelping a litter.  To only breed what you can be reasonably responsible for during the lifetime of each puppy produced.

Section 4.06 All dogs offered at stud shall be in good health and free from communicable diseases and serious genetic faults. Discretion should be used in providing stud service and service should be refused to bitches considered to be in poor health, of unsound temperament, or having serious genetic faults.

Section 4.07 Accurate records of all breedings shall be kept in accordance with the requirements of the American Kennel Club. (https://images.akc.org/pdf/record_keeping.pdf)

Section 4. 08 In order to protect the health and welfare of both dam and puppies, Breeders agree that they will provide veterinary care for their bitches before, during and after pregnancy. Breeders agree to provide veterinary care for the bitch (which may include x-rays) prior to final due date to determine size of litter and arrange for a C-section if deemed necessary.

Section 4.09 Breeders and stud owners are responsible for the progeny of their dogs. Both are required to assist in placement and care of any dog in rescue that is either bred by them or sired by a dog that is owned, co-owned or leased by them.

Section 4.10 All puppies and or dogs sold, transferred, leased, placed, or given to a new owner, should have permanent identification prior to going to their new home.

Section 4.11 Breeder agrees that no puppy shall leave the dam before 8 weeks of age and that they will not sell, transfer, lease, place or give away any dog/puppy that they know is sick. Regardless of age of dog, and whether it is being sold, transferred, leased, or placed free of charge, the breeder will provide the following:

1. A signed sales/transfer contract and receipt (written contract that states the Breeder will be contacted if an owner can no longer keep a dog any time in the dog’s lifetime and states the Breeder will be obligated to assist in the placement or disposition of the dog)
2. Pedigree
3. Written confirmation and record of all veterinary care to include vaccinations and/or titer test results and worming information
4. Registration papers
5. Breeders contact information
6. Current feeding schedule

Section 4.12 Breeder agrees to only sell, lease, transfer, or place dogs/puppies even if free to new owner, in homes where there is reasonable expectation of a healthy and happy life and will help with the rehoming of a dog if the initial circumstances change. Breeder also agrees to notify new owners that they are required to have a veterinary exam performed within 30 days of receiving dog/puppy. If the dog or puppy is found to be seriously ill of an infectious disease or illness (the origin which can be determined by a qualified veterinarian) to have existed at the time of the animal’s sale or transfer, the breeder agrees to be financially responsible for the veterinary care of said dog/or puppy, even if it has been surrendered to a rescue organization.

Section 4:13 To not provide Greyhounds to pet stores, dealers, brokers or allow puppies and/or dogs to be offered as prizes/awards at auctions, raffles, or games of sport. Furthermore, they agree to not provide Greyhounds to wholesalers or third- party brokers or agents or provide puppies or stud services to individuals they believe are involved in the aforementioned activities.

Section 4.14 All members agree they will not supply via sale, lease, transfer, or placement of Greyhounds directly or indirectly to any country that does not have recognized welfare standards and laws against animal cruelty. Additionally, all members agree they will not provide stud service/semen to be used directly or indirectly in countries that do not have recognized welfare standards and laws against animal cruelty. Care should be taken to add provisions to sales contracts that prohibit owners from providing dogs or offspring directly or indirectly to countries and/or territories that do not have recognized welfare standards and laws against animal cruelty. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/animal-rights-by-country

By signing below, I agree to be bound by all terms of the Code of Ethics of the Greyhound Club of America. I understand that my failure to abide by the terms of the Code of Ethics can be subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Directors, which may include suspension or expulsion from the Greyhound Club of America and the ability to participate in GCA club sponsored/supported events. Any documented violation of the Code shall be dealt with as provided in the By-Laws, Section VI Discipline for members charged with violations, or by reprimand from the Board of Directors in case of a formal complaint.

Signature________________________________________________________________________________________

Printed Name____________________________________________________________________________________

Date_____________________________________________________________________________________________