CODE OF ETHICS
1. Every person who has made an application to the South African Sheepdog Association for the
registration or transfer of a dog, entered and trial under the Association’s Rules, holds membership, is a
registered owner or breeder shall be bound to this Code of Ethics relating to responsible dog ownership
including the keeping, welfare, breeding, selling and disposing of dogs as detailed in Point 2 below.
2. Every person designated in Point 1 above pledges in respect of any dog or dogs which at any time they
may have under their control that they will:
2.1 ensure that at all times such dogs are properly housed, watered, exercised and will receive Veterinary
attention from a qualified person, as and when required;
2.2 provide adequate shelter for any dog/s kept outside the house or premises;
2.3 ensure that the exercise area for such dogs be of sufficient size for the movement of such dog/s and to
have the exercise area/s fenced or walled so as to restrict the movement of such dog/s to their property
and that the exercise area is kept clean;
2.4 ensure that such dog/s does not cause a public nuisance to any neighbour;
2.5 not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed, nor falsely advertise or mislead any person
regarding the performance and/or quality or health of any dog;
2.6 ensure that all persons acquiring dogs from them clearly understand their responsibilities for the care
and welfare of such dogs and they, the new owners, have the time and facilities to undertake their
obligations as laid down in this Code of Ethics;
2.7 provide to all persons acquiring dogs from them, whether by sale or gift or some other means, written
details of all dietary and immunization requirements and/or an appropriate publication relating to such
requirements and responsible dog ownership;
2.8 ensure that the correct inoculations, as required by law, are administered at the proper time;
2.9 ensure that prompt qualified medical attention is administered should they become sick or injured;
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2.10 not knowingly permit any purebred dogs, registered on the Breed register to mate with a dog of a
different breed, to a cross bred or to an unregistered dog of the same breed;
2.11 ensure that no puppy bred by them is released on sale to a purchaser until it has reached a minimum
age of six (6) weeks from date of birth;
2.12 breed only for the purpose of improving the breed;
2.13 not knowingly sell any dog directly to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers or directly or
indirectly allow any dog to be given as a prize or donation in a contest of any kind;
2.14 ensure that when selling or transferring a dog that, when available, the necessary signed document/s
be provided to the purchaser or transferee;
2.15 bring to the attention of the appropriate authority cases of alleged fraud, dishonesty, cruelty or
neglect and not commit such offences themselves.
3. Any person or persons as designated in Point 1 of this Schedule who fails to observe any of the
provisions of the Code of Ethics as detailed in Point 2 of this Schedule resulting in a judgement against such
person or persons in a Court of Law, may be dealt with in terms of SASDA’s Disciplinary Rules.
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BREEDING RESTRICTIONS
In conjunction with the Code of Ethics, the following recommendations have been approved with regard to
breeding:
- A bitch should be at least one year old before breeding for the first time.
- A bitch should only have one litter per year or a maximum of 7 litters in her lifetime.
- Breeding stock should, where possible, be tested for diseases – eyes, hips, etc – and results sent to
the Office for record purposes.
- Any genetic/hereditary conditions should be reported to the Office in order to make educated
recommendations to prospective breeders/buyers – information will be handled confidentially.
- Make sure of local municipal bye laws re breeding – it seems as if each province has their own.
- Before mating, ensure enough suitable homes for prospective puppies are found.
- Breeding stock (particularly bitches’) inoculations should be up to date before mating.
- All puppies should be inoculated as required by law and be free of internal and external parasites.
- All puppies must be registered.
- SASDA accepts no responsibility for puppies reaching their new homes in a bad condition, but
reserves the right to investigate all complaints and take action as needed.
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