Click on the back link to return to the M.A. Information page

CODE OF ETHICS

FOR MEMBERS OF THE MASTIFF ASSOCIATION

Prologue:- During 1998 there were calls from the membership of both Mastiff breed clubs in the U.K. for the Committees to strive to achieve a mutually acceptable COMMON Code of Ethics for the Breed, for submission to respective 1999 A.G.M.'s for approval. Of particular concern was the difference in the sections on breeding in the two pre-existing Codes which was confusing and leading to a situation where breeders might breach one code whilst satisfying the other ! In December 1998, a sub-committee consisting of three delegates from each club met to discuss the matter and, as a result, a draft JOINT Code of Ethics was prepared which, with some minor amendments, was adopted by both clubs at their 1999 AGMs. At its April 2003 AGM, OEMC members voted to discontinue the ‘Joint’ code. As a result, the version printed below is applicable to M.A. members only and contains the original 1998 draft plus all amendments adopted up to and including the M.A.s 2004 AGM.

1. The primary consideration of the Mastiff Breed Clubs is the development, well-being and safety of the Mastiff.

2. All members shall ensure that, at all times, all dogs under their control are properly housed, fed, watered, exercised, and will receive proper veterinary attention if and when required. Members are expected to promote good public relations in respect of all Mastiffs in their ownership and must never engage in any activity which might render the breed liable to adverse media attention. Members shall ensure their dogs are always under control in public places and shall never be left in the care of unsupervised children.

3. Breeding:- The primary consideration of members wishing to breed shall be to produce dogs that conform as closely as possible to the breed standard. Clearly, inferior stock should not be bred from.

(a) Mastiffs should not be mated to dogs of other breeds or to unregistered mastiffs.

(b) Every effort should be made to reduce faults of the breed:- type, poor temperament, unsoundness. Particular consideration shall be given to producing dogs with sound temperament. Bitches should not be mated to dogs showing the same faults.

(c) Every effort should be made to reduce the incidence of inherited defects. Dogs with serious inherited defects should not be used for breeding. The use of the KC\BVA Hip Displasia, Elbow Displasia, and Eye schemes, though not obligatory, is strongly recommended.

4. In planning matings, the health and well-being of the bitch and stud dog shall be of prime importance and members should ensure that both dog and bitch have been DNA profiled by blood sample or, failing this, DNA blood samples have been taken and submitted to a recognised laboratory in advance of the mating.

(a) The bitch and stud dog shall not be mated if they are not in good physical condition.

(b) A bitch shall not be mated before the age of 20 months or after her sixth birthday; and shall not produce more than two litters in a two year period. Any bitch that has had more than three puppies shall not be mated within a six month period.

(c) It is the responsibility of the stud dog owner to ensure that they do not provide the service of a stud dog in circumstances when the Code of Ethics would be breached.

(d) The committee shall be empowered to approve minor deviations to the above but members must be prepared to offer an acceptable explanation when this is requested by the committee in any situation which can appear to be in breach of the Code of Ethics.

5. An accurate pedigree of at least three generations shall be kept for each litter bred, and retained by the breeder for reference.

6. A diet sheet shall be supplied with each puppy sold, together with details of any inoculations and medication which the animal has received. Members shall provide continuing advice and support to new owners following the sale of a puppy. It is strongly recommended that insurance for public liability and veterinary fees is arranged.

7. Members offering stock for sale shall make every effort to ensure that puppies are sold only to responsible caring owners who will offer them permanent homes. Mastiffs shall not be sold to pet shops, dealers or through any third party.

8. In the event of an owner being unable to keep a mastiff, the breeder in the first instance, or stud dog owner, should be prepared to take it, or find it an alternative suitable home with the assistance of Mastiff Rescue if necessary. The breeder or stud dog owner should normally be expected to assist with rehoming.

9. Members selling stock shall supply the client at the time of sale with a signed Pedigree, Proof of Purchase, and the Kennel Club Registration/Transfer of Ownership form duly signed. If such Registration/Transfer document is not available at the time of sale, the breeder shall forward it to the client as soon as possible after receipt from the Kennel Club - unless it is mutually agreed that such documents shall be withheld. Should the breeder wish to impose conditions or endorsements on official papers, written notice of such shall be given to the client prior to sale.

10. No Mastiff shall be sold without the buyer being made aware of any defect or definite deviation from the standard at the time of sale.

11. No member shall knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed, nor falsely advertise or mislead any person regarding the performance of any dog.

12. Good sportsmanship shall be observed by Members at all times; and disparaging remarks about fellow members or their stock are to be strongly discouraged.

13. Any member aiding or abetting any other member to breach the Code of Ethics shall be equally responsible with the offender.

14. Where there is substantive evidence of malpractice or mistreatment of Mastiffs, it is the duty of the membership to report such to the Hon. Secretaries of the Mastiff breed clubs for consideration by the respective Committee(s) which, after investigation of the complaint, may consider such matters under their respective rules.

* * * * * * * * *

NB: Since approval of this joint code, events have overtaken us in the form of the proposed Breeding & Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act which is due to come into force on 1st January 2000 In particular, under the terms of the new Act, breeders who breed five or more litters per year will not be allowed to breed more than one litter in a 12-month period from any one bitch.

Home