Code of Ethics

[ Download Printable Version: DESERT LYNX CAT ASSOCIATION ]

1. PURPOSE
In the breeding of Desert Lynx cats, emphasis shall be placed on good health, dog-like temperament, intelligence, and conformation consistent with IDLCA breed standards. I agree to breed with discrimination and with the best interest of IDLCA and the Desert Lynx breed in mind.

2. RECORDS
I agree to keep accurate records of all matings and pedigrees and to register breeding stock and litters with at least one recognized cat association preferably the International Progressive Cat Breeders Alliance (IPCBA).

3. BREEDING
I shall use for breeding only healthy cats, free from disease or hereditary deformity, who exhibit no departures from the Desert Lynx Standards. If I discover subsequent hereditary defects, I shall no longer breed those animals.

4. RECOMMENDATIONS
a. Females should not be bred until at least one year old, unless there have been two heat cycles or medical indications.

b. Females shall not be bred unless they are in optimum breeding condition.

c. When breeding for Desert Lynx cats, stud service should only be offered to owners of pedigreed Desert Lynx or acceptable outcrosses. Also pedigreed Desert Lynx queens may be offered to owners of acceptable outcrosses or pedigreed Desert Lynx studs, perferably who are IDLCA members.

d. Agreement should be reached before breeding on options to be taken should the female have complications with reabsorbing kittens or failure to conceive.

e. Any breeder should refrain from further breeding if having difficulty placing kittens.

4. HEALTH
I agree to maintain all cats in a good standard of health and care including adequate room for exercise, clean quarters, adequate food and water, regular worming, parasite controls, and adequate immunizations when needed.

5. SALES
a. I shall refuse to sell to, buy from, or to recommend breeders who sell to cat wholesalers, retailers or furriers, to donate a Desert Lynx for raffle purposes, or to buy or sell in litter lots. Before selling a kitten as a breeder, I shall ascertain that the buyer is fully aware of all 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.

b. I shall encourage the breeder / buyer to join IDLCA. I shall ascertain that all buyers know how to care for a cat or kitten properly, and make myself available to give advice. I will give buyers an honest appraisal of a kitten’s potential as a pet, breeder, or show cat. All breeder and show kittens shall be sold with a written sales agreement 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 his agreement.

c. I shall provide a receipt for all deposits received which states what happens if the buyer changes his mind. A pedigree may be provided with pet kittens but registration forms will be withheld until the breeder receives a veterinarian’s certification of altering. If a breeder does not want to provide registration or pedigree papers for a pet kitten, the buyer must be informed of that fact before purchase. All breeder and show kittens will have pedigrees and registration forms provided with them. Before a kitten is sold, it must recieve immunizations appropriate to it’s age. Kittens should be free of all external and internal parasites (worms, fleas, ear mites, fungus, etc.) Breeders should supply written instruction on care, feeding, and recommendations with each kitten sold.

6. ADVERTISING
Advertising, oral or written, shall be factual. I shall represent IDLCA members, with the utmost respect and highest regard. I will price my kittens and cats reasonably, but high enough to reflect the high quality and years of hard work behind their breeding and not to undermine other IDLCA breeders.

7. SPORTSMANSHIP
I shall conduct always myself in a manner that reflects credit upon IDLCA, the Desert Lynx breed and myself, especially when attending shows as an exhibitor or spectator. I shall abide by the various registries and club rules and customs. I shall be a good loser and a gracious winner, remembering that having happy, healthy Desert Lynx is much more important than winning trophies and titles.

8. AGREEMENTS
IDLCA strongly recommends that all transactions be in writing. This includes stud service agreements, breeding rights, breeder’s or seller’s guarantees on kittens, cats, deposits for kittens, etc. IDLCA also recommends that receipts be issued for all payments and deposits. If problems arise later, it is difficult to determine a fair course of action when agreements were verbal and cash changed hands without receipts.

9. SHIPMENT
Shipping can be a frightening experience for any animal; consequently IDLCA recommends that, if possible, the kitten be picked up by its new owner. If this is not possible, the only method of shipping that we recommend is air freight arranged directly with the airline, preferably counter to counter. This will specify exact routing and arrival times. Kittens should be in optimum condition and should not be shipped younger than eight weeks of age unless in special circumstances and purchaser is fully aware of the possible complications.

10. ENFORCEMENT AND AMENDMENT
Upon sufficient proof of violations of the IDLCA Code of Ethics, the IDLCA Executive Board will take the proper action which may result in the removal of membership. This Code of Ethics may be amended by the Executive Board with prior notification.

This Code of Ethics must be signed by the applicant, before they can join IDLCA.

litter registration http://ipcba.8k.com/litterap.html

I, THE UNDERSIGNED, HAVE READ AND AGREE TO UPHOLD THE CODE OF ETHICS AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DESERT LYNX CAT ASSOCIATION. I REALIZE THAT MY RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES AS A MEMBER OF IDLCA MAY BE REVOKED IF I DO NOT ABIDE BY MY WORD.