The ARBMR Code of Ethics was set fourth to protect the
future of the Mi-Ki breed, individual Mi-Ki’s, Mi-Ki owners, Mi-Ki breeders,
and future Mi-Ki owners. This Code of Ethics stresses cooperation -- not competition -- for the
good of the Mi-Ki breed. All Mi-Ki owners who choose to register with the ARBMR
will be required to abide by, and support this Code of Ethics, which helps
insure that Mi-Kis will be raised carefully, competently, safely,
intelligently, and with love. Significantly, the ARBMR was started to further
develop and maintain a genetically sound, temperamentally and physically
healthy gene pool for this rare breed.
The ARBMR believes that the
welfare of individual Mi-Ki and the entire Mi-Ki breed are of paramount
importance. Therefore, I agree to act in accordance with the following American
Rare Breed Mi-Ki Registry [ARBMR] Code of Ethics at all times. I understand
that actions contrary to the American Rare Breed Mi-Ki Registry [ARBMR] Code of
Ethics will be grounds for disciplinary actions of the ARBMR.
I. RECORDS and REGISTRATIONS.
I understand that the records of the ARBMR depend upon
the accuracy of the information I provide and that this information is vital in
tracing and understanding health, temperament and genetic traits.
If I choose to breed my Mi-Ki(s), I will maintain
complete and accurate records of all breeding dates, whelping, and sale of
puppies. This information includes:
(1) Whelping Date
(2) The number of puppies in the
litter
(3) The sex and color of each puppy
delivered
(4) The sex, color, and reason for all
puppies that die before reaching 10 weeks of age.
(5) The name, sex, and color of each
puppy surviving
(6) The name and address of each owner
of each puppy transferred.
II. BREEDING
I realize that the purpose of breeding a Mi-Ki is to
bring a new, healthy, cherished life into the world. That each individual Mi-Ki
will ideally reflect the ARBMR Breed Standard, will exhibit no behavioral or
health problems, and will be genetically sound. There exists a constant danger
that ignorant or disreputable breeders may jeopardize the Mi-Ki breed by
inbreeding and other improper breeding practices, produce physically, mentally,
and/or temperamentally unsound Mi-Kis to the detriment of the breed and to the
detriment of the puppies that are produced. I agree to have a complete health examination
on my bitch and/or dog. by a licensed veterinarian, before any breeding takes place. (What is the purpose of this
statement here?)
A.
If I decide to breed Mi-Kis, I will:
1.)
Provide my Mi-Ki(s) (male and/or female) with nurturing human attention, a
proper diet to ensure excellent health, regular professional health
examinations and care, bathing and grooming, frequent access to the outdoors
whether that be within a fenced yard or walking your Mi-Ki on a leash.
2.)
I will only permit "Breedable Show Quality" Mi-Kis that I produce to
be bred. I will never breed from or to a "Not Breedable "Pet
Quality" Mi-Ki. If any breeder breeds their bitch or dog to a "Pet Quality"
Mi-Ki this will result in, all pups being sold as "Pet Quality" and
neutered. Breeding a "Pet Quality" Mi-Ki may result in removal from
the ARBMR and a permanent ban on registering dogs produced by the breeder.
3.)
All female Mi-Kis must be in excellent health, of good temperament and at least
1-year-old or second heat cycle before breeding.. To breed a Mi-Ki less than
one year old will result in, a warning from the ARBMR.
4.) I understand that the bitch as well as the dog is
to be registered as a "Breedable" quality before to any breeding
takes place. The "Potentially Breedable" Mi-Ki must pass all health
examinations and to be classified as a "Breedable".
5.)
No female can be bred after her eighth (8th) birthday, and no female
can be bred after six [6] years old without submitting a complete health exam
from your licensed veterinarian to the ARBMR before the breeding takes place.
6.)
If I use the services of a separately-owned stud dog, I will require a written
contract between myself and the owner of the stud dog prior to breeding. I
understand that this requirement is in the best interest of both parties as
well as a benefit to the Mi-Ki breed. The terms of the contract can be simple
or complex, but cannot negate the terms of the ARBMR’s Code of Ethics.
7.)
I will always be selective with respect to the conformation, health, and
temperament of the bitch and stud dog.
8.) I will breed only after careful consideration of
the ARBMR Standard as it applies to the two Mi-Ki’s involved and to their
Official ARBMR Pedigrees.(????)
9.) I understand that any inbreeding (e.g., mother-son,
father-daughter, brother-sister, or ˝ brother to ˝ sister breedings) will
not be tolerated and will result in a fine of $250.00. I understand that
the ARBMR will help me ascertain the degree of inbreeding for any potential
litter. However, should an “accidental” breeding occur, the pups in such a
litter will be classified as "Pet Quality" and must be neutered.
10.)
I will never breed from or to any Mi-Ki known to me to have any inheritable,
disqualifying, disabling, or potentially disabling defect.
11.)
I will judge all puppies I produce according to the ARBMR Mi-Ki Breed Standard.
12.)
I acknowledge that it is the breeder's responsibility to have each puppy
produced properly registered with the ARBMR. I further understand that this
requirement for registration will enable the ARBMR to better understand the
Mi-Ki's genetics and to help the ARBMR track each Mi-Ki and help insure the
Mi-Ki’s health and happiness.
13.)
At the point of sale, I will, to the best of my ability to designate the puppy
as either “Pet Quality” or "Potentially Breedable".
14.)
I will comply with the regulations governing the ARBMR Registration of every
puppy that I produce. These are, in part:
(a.)
I will submit my litter registration within four weeks from the date of whelp.
I will provisionally register all puppies in my own name and will submit new
owner information to the ARBMR as that information becomes available.
(b.)
I will contact the ARBMR and will submit a penalty of $10.00 per month, if I am
late with my registrations, up to three months past due, at which time I
understand that the penalty will go up to $30.00 per month.
(c.)
I will assist all my buyers in their submission of a change of registration
classification from "Potentially Breedable" to either
"Breedable" or "Pet Quality" after the individual puppy has
reached (10) ten months of age or older. I understand that it is in the best
interest of the Mi-Ki breed, the buyer, and my own breeding program to receive
this information. (Refer to
sections III G, III H and III-I., below).
(d.)
I will submit my ARBMR fees at the time I submit the registration to the ARBMR.
These fees are listed below:
(1) Temporary Registration fee, "
Potentially Breedable": $10.00
(2) Permanent Registration fee,
"Pet Quality": $15.00
(3) Permanent Registration fee,
"Breedable": $5.00
(4)
Litter Registration fee: $15.00
(5)
Registration fee for Kennel Name: $50.00 (one time fee)
B.
As the owner of a Stud dog, I realize that I must exercise exemplary conduct in
the use of my dog in order to abide by the standards set forth in this Code of
Ethics. Therefore, with careful consideration to this Code of Ethics:
1.)
I will offer my Stud dog for breeding purposes only if the stud dog is at least
(10) ten months of age, has passed all health exams, has an excellent
temperament, and is registered as a "(A) Breedable" with the ARBMR. (Refer to sections III G, III H and
III-I., below).
2.)
I will breed my Stud dog only with Registerable Breedable females (bitches)
which I feel are an asset to the Mi-Ki breed, the female must be at least (12)
twelve months of age and the female’s owner(s) agree(s) to abide by, sign and
date the ARBMR Code of Ethics for this breeding and for this litter. An ARBMR
Code of Ethics Breeder must own the bitch in good standing with the ARBMR.
3.)
I will be as helpful as possible in assisting the owner of the bitch with the
placement of any puppies resulting from the use of my stud dog. I realize that
I am as responsible as the owner of the bitch is for these puppies.
4.)
I will provide free return stud service by the same stud dog for a bitch which
has failed to conceive or to whelp a viable litter, one live puppy, as long as
the stud dog is still in my ownership.(If, as the bitch owner I didn’t get a
viable litter, why would I want to breed to the same stud again???) (Even IF I
got one puppy that may be defective out of that breeding I still would not
breed the pair again.) If the stud dog is no longer in my ownership, I will
provide free return service to another stud dog for a bitch which has failed to
conceive or to whelp a viable litter, one live puppy
5.)
I will require a written contract and/or changes to a pre-existing contract
between the owner of the bitch and myself before any breeding takes place. I
understand that this requirement is in the best interest of both parties as
well as a benefit to the Mi-Ki breed. The terms of the contract can be simple
or complex, but cannot negate the terms of this Code of Ethics.
C.
As the owner of a brood female (bitch) I realize that I must exercise exemplary
conduct in the use of my Mi-Ki in order to abide by the ARBMR standards set
forth in this Code of Ethics. Therefore,
1.)
I will not breed a bitch before 12 months of age or second heat cycle and then
only if she is mature and in excellent health.
2.)
I understand that the ARBMR highly recommends no more than one litter
per year with breedings only every other heat cycle.
Exceptions:
Some bitches may come into heat only once each 9-12
months; these females can be bred on consecutive heats if they are healthy and
if a veterinarian has confirmed that they have fully recovered from their last
whelping.
D.
As a Mi-Ki breeder, I recognize that it is not in the best interest of the
Mi-Ki breed or any other breed for me to breed more than one breed of dog. I
understand that the ARBMR highly recommends that I do not breed any more
then a maximum number of (2) two dog breeds.
III. BREEDER CARE and TRANSFER of PUPPIES and/or ADULT
MI-KI DOGS
A.
I will provide all Mi-Ki’s with proper veterinary and home care, which
includes:
1.)
The elimination of internal and external parasites on a regular basis
recommended by my vet.
2.)
At least one Health examination by a qualified professional under the age of 1
year. (Recommendation: Heart, Eyes, and Patella’s)
3.)
The necessary vaccinations suggested by my licensed veterinarian
4.)
A properly balanced, nutritional diet as recommended by my licensed
veterinarian.
5.)
A sanitary, protective, and stimulating environment for growth and development
B.
To the very best of my ability, I will screen all potential Mi-Ki owners to
determine their suitability and their motives in acquiring a Mi-Ki. Before
delivery, I will provide them with full instructions as to the care and
requirements of a Mi-Ki and will pay close attention to their ability to
provide my puppy with adequate care and physical facilities.
C.
To the best of my ability, I will assign the classification "Potentially
Breedable" or "Pet Quality" to each puppy that I produce. I will
classify a puppy as " Pet Quality" if I know or have reason to
believe that:
1.)
The puppy is a possible cryptorchid;
2.)
The puppy lacks black pigment on its nose, lips or eye rings at the Breedable
age;
Exceptions: Some Mi-Kis will have the pink pigment on its nose,
lips or eye rings if the Mi-Ki is dilute or has self coloring. (Refer to the ARBMR Mi-Ki Breed
Standard).
3.)
It will exhibit unsound structure or a genetic (inheritable) health,
behavioral, or major conformational defect.
D.
I understand that there may be other reasons to classify a puppy as " Pet
Quality" that has not been listed above. I will inform the ARBMR and my
buyer in writing of my reason for classifying a puppy as “ Pet Quality” should
this occurs.
E.
I will explain to each new owner of a " Pet Quality" puppy in writing
that said puppy cannot be used for breeding and must be spayed/neutered by six
(6) months of age. [Note: if I transfer ownership of a
" Pet Quality" puppy older than six (6) months old, I understand that
it is my responsibility to have that puppy spayed/neutered before that puppy is
sold.]
F.
I will explain to each new owner of a "Potentially Breedable" puppy
that predicting the conformation and health of an adult Mi-Ki based upon the
appearance of a puppy is difficult and sometimes problematic. That is: I fully
understand and will inform my buyer that a puppy judged by me as
"Potentially Breedable Quality" when it is immature may not be
suitable for breeding when it is fully mature and would therefore be designated
" Pet Quality".
G.
All puppies sold as "POTENTIALLY BREEDABLE" must be evaluated by at
least ten (10) months of age or older to be classified either (A)
"BREEDABLE" (should they pass all health exams) or (B) "PET
QUALITY" (should they fail one of the examinations). These evaluations are
the responsibility of the owner and it is also the responsibility of the ARBMR
to check all requirements of each individual "Potentially Breedable"
Mi-Ki. The evaluation requirements are listed in II. F, below.
H.
For a Mi-Ki to be classified as a "BREEDABLE," the individual must be
evaluated when it is at least ten (10) months of age or older by the owner's
veterinarian. The veterinarian must complete and sign the ARBMR's Health
Evaluation form. If the veterinarian does not feel competent to evaluate a
particular section OR if the veterinarian finds possible symptoms of disease or
malformation, the owner must have the individual Mi-Ki re-evaluated on those
points by a Board Certified Veterinary Specialist in the particular health area
in question.
There are (3) three forms required for a single
evaluation. All can be completed via a single appointment with a veterinarian.
Please download each form and have your own veterinarian perform the
evaluations and sign the forms:
·
Brief
Instructions (for veterinarian and owner)
·
The
General Health Examination
·
The
3 profile Photo Evaluation Sheet
I.
Any falsification of these tests (section III. H., above) will result in
immediate termination from the ARBMR.
J.
I will not allow any puppy to leave for its new home before it is eight (8)
weeks old. The ARBMR highly recommends 9-12 weeks as the appropriate age
of transfer.
K.
Each of my Mi-Ki’s, at the time they are released to new owners, will be
accompanied by the following:
·
Feeding
instructions and all schedules that the individual has been used to while
living in your home.
·
Copies
of written medical records including dates of all vaccinations, types of
vaccine used, and dates of
de-worming
·
A
written statement of the name, address, and telephone number of the examining
veterinarian if not on the vet’s Health Certificate form.
·
A
written Health Guarantee, this is generally listed within the breeder’s
contract. Various sorts can be used, but any health guarantee should
compensate, in some form, the buyer if the puppy develops an unforeseen genetic
defect that alters the individual's ability to lead a full life or prevents a
"Potentially Breedable" Mi-Ki from being classified as "Breedable."
·
A
written statement disclosing fully, any known or strongly suspected health
defects that afflicts the puppy.
L.
I will keep records of all the new owner's name, address, telephone numbers,
(Home, Business, and Cell) and email address. I will periodically contact the
owner of my puppies to check and see how my puppy is doing with their new
owner.
M.
I will recommend, in my written contract, all new owners to have their Mi-Kis
checked by a veterinarian of their choice within (72) seventy-two hours of
delivery of their Mi-Ki.
N.
If the buyer is not satisfied with my Mi-Ki, I will always be willing to accept
the return of the puppy within a reasonable time, replace the puppy with
another puppy (when a puppy meeting the same requirements as the original
puppy; (i.e. same sex, value, quality) is available, and will return to the
buyer all or a reasonable percentage of the purchase price. In such cases the
cost of shipping, if any, is the responsibility of the buyer. This information
should be included in your written contract.
O.
I will explain to all new owners that both the ARBMR and I are concerned with
the welfare of individual Mi-Ki and the breed. To that end, I will require
and/or encourage all new owners to keep me informed of any problems that
develop with their Mi-ki during its lifetime and to report its eventual cause
of death.
P.
I will ask the new owner(s) of any Mi-Ki acquired from me to advise me if they
are ever unable to keep their
Mi-Ki, so I can either take the Mi-Ki back or assist in
finding it a suitable new home. I will request the assistance of the ARBMR to
find the Mi-Ki a new home (if necessary).
Q.
I understand that the ARBMR requires that when I advertise my Mi-Ki(s), written
or oral, the information that I provide will be factual and honest
in both substance and implication.
R.
I will be certain that any advertising I do of my Mi-Kis, written or oral, will
in no way conflict with the goals of good breeding and placement and care
expressed in this Code of Ethics. I will not, for example, suggest that
acquiring a Mi-Ki is a "good way to make money" [or words to this
effect or implication] as an emphasis in my advertisement.
S.
As an ARBMR breeder, I agree that the ARBMR may inspect my facilities and
breeding program (for
particulars, see Section V Clause C).
IV. GENERAL CONDUCT of ARBMR MI-KI OWNERS
I will at all times understand that the ARBMR exists to
protect individual Mi-Ki’s and to protect and preserve the breed. As a breeder,
I will cooperate for the good of our breed. These aims must be uppermost in all
activities concerning the breed.
A.
I will:
1.)
Maintain sanitary living conditions for my Mi-Ki(s). Such conditions include,
but are not limited to, proper temperature, fresh air, and keep Mi-Ki’s in my
care well-groomed (or clipped), free of parasites;
2.)
I will provide my Mi-Ki(s) with fresh, nutritive food and clean water on a
daily basis
3.)
I will house my Mi-Ki(s) indoors at all times.
4.)
I will make certain that my Mi-Ki(s) remains free of ALL parasites including,
but not limited to heartworm, and worm infestations.
5.)
I will insure that my Mi-Ki(s) obtains adequate exercise and play. I will walk
my Mi-Ki(s) and/or provide my Mi-Ki(s) access to a fenced outdoor area.
6.)
I will assure that my Mi-Ki(s) has excellent medical care throughout its
life.
7.)
I will make sure my Mi-Ki(s) is given euthanasia should my Mi-Ki companion's
physical quality of life become irretrievably, unremittingly, and unredeemably
bad;
8.)
I will provide educational information to each owner or interested person about
the Mi-Ki breed.
9.)
I will share information -- especially health information – with other Mi-Ki
breeders and the ARBMR, so that this information might benefit an individual
Mi-Ki or the Mi-Ki breed;
10.)
I will always demonstrate good sportsmanship should I choose to enter my
Mi-Ki(s) in a competition.
11.)
I will conform to Section III of this Code should I ever have to transfer
ownership of my Mi-Ki(s).
B.
I will NOT:
1.)
Knowingly falsify Pedigree and Registration information;
2.)
I will not sell my Mi-Ki(s) to pet shops, brokers, test facilities, flea market
dealers, or unethical breeders, either on consignment or outright;
3.)
I will not supply my Mi-Ki(s) for auctions, raffles, or other such enterprises;
4.)
I will not knowingly sell a Mi-Ki to an unethical person or sell a Mi-Ki to any
person whose intention is to resell a Mi-Ki;
5.)
I will never permit my Mi-Ki(s) to go to a pound or animal shelter or to be
given to a commercial "home finder" agency or breed rescue/kennel
rescue or private individual who will claim to find a Mi-Ki a home. I will
first contact the Mi-Ki’s breeder regarding placing my Mi-Ki(s) in another home.
I further understand that the ARBMR will assist me if I so desire. If I know a
Mi-Ki has been given to a pound or breed rescue/kennel rescue or relocation
agency, I will notify the ARBMR at once;
6)
I will not maliciously degrade another Mi-Ki. I will ONLY share facts, NOT
stories. I understand that if a rumor indicates that some person or persons are
possibly in violation of this Code of Ethics, I will bring this situation to
the immediate attention of the ARBMR so that the allegation can be properly dealt
with by the ARBMR.
C.
I understand that the Mi-Ki breed has special requirements for human contact
and love. I will not keep more
Mi-Ki(s) than I can provide with reasonable attention,
love, and companionship.
1.)
I will provide my Mi-Ki(s) with direct human companionship and love every day.
2.)
If I find that I can no longer care for my Mi-Ki(s), I will work with the
breeder, other Mi-Ki breeders, and the ARBMR to find my Mi-Ki(s) an appropriate
new home(s).
V. ENFORCEMENT, APPEALS, and EXCEPTIONS
I will comply with any ARBMR inquiry regarding my
practices as a Mi-Ki owner or breeder. I realize that any such inquiry is
conducted in the spirit of seeking the truth for the betterment of the Mi-Ki
breed or of individual Mi-Kis and is not and will not be conducted in a
mean-spirited fashion. I will work with the ARBMR for the betterment of the
breed and individual Mi-Ki’s.
A.
I understand that it is my obligation to report suspected breeches of this Code
of Ethics to the ARBMR. In addition, I realize that the ARBMR will gratefully
consider allegations that a person or persons have violated or is violating
this Code of Ethics from others. The ARBMR will not take any punitive actions
without investigating the allegations fully and if possible, openly (via its
publications).
B.
If the ARBMR requests that I answer an alleged violation of the Code of Ethics,
I will do so in writing within a (2) two-week period after notification.
C.
As a breeder, I understand that the ARBMR may request to visit my home. I must
grant a visit by an ARBMR designated representative within a one-week period or
risk the immediate expulsion from the ARBMR. [Note:
I realize that the ARBMR understands that some delays may be unavoidable. In
such a case, I will endeavor to comply with an inspection request as soon as
possible and will explain any delay fully in writing to the satisfaction of the
ARBMR].
D.
I understand that the ARBMR may take action to ensure that the Mi-Ki owner
found in violation of this Code of Ethics by one or more of the following
means, as deemed appropriate:
1.)
Publishing false information about the Mi-Ki breed, ARBMR, another
member/breeder, etc. [DO
NOT share information that you do not
know as fact]
2.)
Should the violation(s) be especially egregious, the ARBMR may seek action
against the violator(s) through federal, state, or local authorities.
3.)
Temporary or permanent expulsion from the ARBMR
4.)
Temporary or permanent, limited or complete ban on registering Mi-Kis with the
ARBMR
5.)
A probation period of (6) six months, for a first violation of the Code of
Ethics. During a probation period, any further violation of the Code of Ethics
will result in harsher penalties which can include sanctions D.4 and D.5
(above).
E.
I understand that if the ARBMR’s investigation reveals that I am in violation
of the Code of Ethics, I have the right to appeal this decision publicly
through a letter to be published in the ARBMR 's officials.
F.
It is understood that legitimate exceptions to this Code of Ethics may arise
from time to time. In such cases, an ARBMR Mi-Ki owner may request that the
situation be reviewed by the ARBMR officials. In certain cases, with sufficient
evidence that the welfare of individual Mi-Ki or the Mi-Ki breed is to be
assured and in no way compromised, then the ARBMR may publicly waive any of the
foregoing provisions.
G.
I understand that the ARBMR views the relationship between breeders, buyers,
owners, and other organizations as a cooperative venture whose primary goals
include the health and well-being of the breed and of individual Mi-Kis. The
ARBMR welcomes and deeply appreciates all people who put the welfare of the
Mi-Ki first and foremost.
H.
I understand that this Code of Ethics is a work-in-progress. It will never be
perfect, but it will continually improve through the input of concerned Mi-Ki
admirers, owners and breeders. I grant the ARBMR the right to publicly announce
my support of this Code of Ethics.
I.
For participants in the ARBMR: I have read this document and I hereby agree to
comply with this Code of Ethics.
J.
Pursuant to article "I" above, I will not subscribe to any other Code
of Ethics or policy statement that would render my adherence to any aspect of
this Code of Ethics null and void.
K.
Pursuant to article "I" above, If I should ever desire to abrogate my
signed intent to comply with this Code of Ethics or to participate in the
ARBMR, I will notify the ARBMR in writing of my intent.
I have read and understand ALL the terms and conditions
of the ARBMR’s Code of Ethics and agree to comply with ALL the terms and
conditions listed in the ARBMR’s Code of Ethics. By signing and dating the
ARBMR’s Code of Ethics (below), I understand that I am eligible to register my
kennel name and Mi-Ki(s) with the ARBMR. I also understand that by not signing
and dating the ARBMR’s Code of Ethics, I am not eligible to register my kennel
name and Mi-Ki(s) with the ARBMR.
Signature of Mi-Ki owner or owner(s): _______________________________________________________
Date of Signing: ____________________,
20____
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