GCCF Breeders Code of Ethics
As a GCCF Breeder I am over 18 and pleased to make the following assurances:
1.1.I am a member of at least one GCCF affiliated breed club. 1.2.I am familiar with the Standard of Points and Registration Policy and work within the Breeding Policy for my breed. 1.3.I shall breed discriminately and only from cats in good health, of good breed type and with no known detrimental genetic health issues. I make use of any recommended health tests relevant to my breed. 1.4.I shall make sure that any cats I register on the GCCF active register, whether for myself or a fellow breeder, meet the same criteria. 1.5.I shall give careful consideration to the frequency with which a stud cat is used and with which queens they are mated with in order to maintain genetic diversity within the breed. 2.1. The health and welfare of my cats is my primary concern and I will take appropriate steps to ensure this is maintained at all times. I will take steps to minimise the spread of disease between cats by restricting contact between at risk cats, both on and off my premises. I will limit numbers to ensure this is possible. 2.2. I will maintain a good relationship with a veterinary practice who will support my endeavours. 3.1. I will ensure to the best of my abilities that any cats I breed go to responsible, loving homes, where they will be properly cared for. 3.2. I will ensure kittens leave for their new homes fully vaccinated, insured and appropriately treated for parasites, vet health checked and to the best of my knowledge in good health. 3.3. In addition to the GCCF documentation and pedigree I will ensure that cats leave for their new homes with written information detailing their health records (including worming and flea treatments and vaccinations), feeding regime, general care and recommendations for neutering, or already neutered. Registration paperwork may not form part of this paperwork if transfer of ownership is already being processed by the GCCF at the request of the breeder or for any other genuine reason agreed between both parties at the time of sale. 3.4. I shall ensure that new owners are given information about, and contact details for the GCCF affiliated breed clubs I am a member of, relevant to the breed of the kitten. 3.5. I will ensure that all new owners are provided with a feedback form to assist with the quality assurance aspects of this scheme. 3.6. I will encourage the new owner to contact me should they need any help or advice and reply to any request promptly. 3.7. I will interact with fellow breeders and owners in a truthful and courteous manner. 4.1. I will only mate a queen who is healthy and in good condition, and only as often as is appropriate for her wellbeing. 4.2. I will not accept into stud any queen that is registered on the non-active register with the GCCF, or whose registration with another bona fide organisation is endorsed “not for breeding”. 4.3. I shall do my best to ensure that any adult, former breeding cat that requires re- homing is neutered, and placed in the care of a suitably experienced person. 5.1. I am the holder of a GCCF registered prefix and I consent to the GCCF adding my personal contact details to the GCCF Breeder Scheme website. 5.2. I shall register or declare all my kittens born to GCCF registered parents. 5.3. I shall not engage with breeding programmes involving breeds not recognised by the GCCF for welfare or genetic reasons. 5.4. I am familiar with the GCCF’s requirements for members of the Breeder Scheme and understand that the GCCF may on occasions contact my new kitten owners directly for the purpose of monitoring the effectiveness of the scheme. I understand that if I do not comply with this code of ethics I may be removed from the scheme. |