This Code of Ethics provides guidelines for Members of the Devon Rex Breed Club (DRBC). As a member of the DRBC I agree to uphold the DRBC Code of Ethics, Constitution and bylaws, the CFA Code of Ethics, and to support and encourage fellow breeders to do the same. I understand that my rights and privileges as a member of the DRBC may be revoked if I do not abide by this agreement.
1. PURPOSE: I will place emphasis on good health, stable temperament, and appearance in accordance withthe CFA Breed Standard, in the breeding of Devon Rex. I will breed with discrimination and only when there is reasonable certainty of finding suitable homes for the kittens. I shall conduct myself in a manner that reflects credit upon the DRBC, the Devon Rex breed and myself. I shall abide by the CFA Show Rules and Rules for Registration. I understand it is my responsibility to stay informed about any changes to these rules which directly impact the Devon Rex breed or myself as a breeder/exhibitor. I will exercise good judgment, care and responsibility during social media interactions related to CFA, the DRBC, DRBC Rescue, the Devon Rex breed and my fellow breeders. I will not make any statement which represents any of the above parties, including myself, in a false or misleading way.
2. RECORDS: I will keep accurate records of all matings and pedigrees. All breeding cats and litters will be registered and I will remain in compliance with the DRBC Membership Requirements in regards to registration of cats/litters specifically with CFA.
3. GENETIC HEALTH: I will plan and implement a breeding program with the preservation and protection of the breed kept foremost in mind. I will strive to use for breeding only healthy cats free from disease. I will strive to eliminate hereditary deformities or conditions that are detrimental to the health of the cat or the breed as a whole. I will work toward removing from my breeding program cats who test positive for known genetic defects, following the recommendations of geneticists and other experts in the field.
4. OVERALL HEALTH: I will maintain a good standard of health and care for cats, including adequate room for exercise, regular grooming, clean quarters, and adequate food and water. Whenever possible, Devon Rex should be kept indoors. Where caging is unavoidable, the caging should meet or exceed CFA standards. I will not knowingly place, sell, or present at a show any cats/kittens who exhibit symptoms of, or have knowingly been exposed to mites, fleas, fungus or any other contagious illnesses within the past 21 days.
• DRBC members will follow the CFA guidance statement on the declawing of cats located here: http://www.cfa.org/Portals/0/documents/articles/declawing.pdf and the DRBC strongly recommend members provide this information to everyone to whom they sell or with whom they place a kitten or cat.
5. RESPONSIBLE BREEDING: I will strive to adhere to the following recommendations:
• Females and Males at any age will only be bred when in good breeding condition.
• I will only offer/accept stud service to/from owners or lessors of pedigreed Devon Rex, or, allowed outcross breeds. Written agreement will be reached before breeding on options to be taken should the female have complications such as re-absorbing kittens or failure to conceive.
• Further breeding will not occur if there is difficulty in placing kittens in suitable homes.
• If I find myself in need of help with caring for my cats due to overwhelming situations beyond my control I will contact a BOD member for possible assistance through the DRBC Breeder Assistance Program.
• I will use in my breeding program only cats that will improve the overall quality and type of the Devon Rex Breed.
• I will ensure my breeding cats receive proper and timely veterinary care as needed.
6. SALES AND CAT PLACEMENT: I will consider the health and welfare of the cat in selecting suitable homes,and will provide information and guidance to the buyer in selection and proper care of the cat. If I become aware that a cat of my breeding has been found to be abandoned, neglected, mistreated, or is otherwise in need of assistance, I will participate in its rescue, relocation, and/or safe rehoming to the best of my ability. To that end, I will strive to uphold the following recommendations:
• I will provide each buyer a complete description of the kitten/cat sold, including color, quality, and sex.
• I will provide each buyer of a breeding or show kitten a written guarantee stating the seller’s responsibility should the kitten prove to be sterile or develop a genetic defect that prevents breeding or showing. The course of action to be taken is a matter for each breeder to specify in each of her/his guarantees.
• I will ascertain that all buyers know how to care for a cat or kitten properly and place either breeding or pet cats and kittens directly to the new owner or in a manner that will enable contact with the ultimate owner so I may provide on-going support, education and advice.
• I will not place any cat or kitten into a new home prior to completion of immunizations appropriate to age. Kittens will not leave the cattery before the age of 12 weeks. Kittens and cats should be free of external and internal parasites (worms, fleas, ear mites, fungus).
• I will provide to the buyer an honest appraisal of a kitten’s potential as a pet, breeder, or show cat. I will make clear to buyers of show cats that a kitten can change with maturity and will make no guarantees that any cat will be a show winner.
• I will not sell cats for breeding until I have ascertained that the buyer is fully aware of all of the ramifications of breeding, such as expenses, time involved in care, necessary facilities, and good placement of kittens, and responsibilities to buyers and other breeders and I will provide on-going support, education, and advice.
• I will provide pedigrees and registration forms for all breeding and show kittens and cats.
• DRBC strongly recommends that kittens sold as pets be altered prior to placement. Where this is not possible, it is recommended the registration forms are withheld until the breeder receives a veterinarian’s certification of altering.
• I will not knowingly conduct business with or recommend breeders who sell cats to wholesalers or retailers, and will not buy or sell in litter lots.
• I will use advertising, oral or written, that is factual, avoiding wording that may encourage breeding as an easy money scheme, and shall be in conformity with federal, state, or local consumer protection laws. All advertising, oral or written, will represent the Devon Rex breed realistically and accurately.
8. AGREEMENTS: I shall encourage and support the conducting of transactions in writing to insure understanding, fairness, and accurate record keeping. This includes stud service agreements, buyer’s requirements, breeder’s guarantees for kittens, leasing of cats, deposits for kittens and the like. I will ensure that payments given and received are documented, recorded, and receipts provided.
9. SHIPMENT: It is recommended, whenever possible, kittens are personally delivered or picked up by new owners to avoid shipping, which can be a frightening experience for any animal. If shipping is necessary it will be arranged directly with the airline or a reputable pet courier company, preferably counter to counter and specifying exact routing and arrival time. Kittens will not be shipped prior to 12 weeks of age or in accordance with the airline regulations, state, federal, and/or international regulations and guidelines.
10. ENFORCEMENT: Upon sufficient proof of violations of the Code of Ethics, action shall proceed according to the DRBC Constitution and By-laws.
11. AMENDMENT: This Code of Ethics may be amended using the procedure set forth for amendment in the DRBC Constitution.