AMERICAN DONKEY
AND MULE SOCIETY
BREEDER'S CODE OF ETHICS
Reprinted with permission
The American Donkey and Mule Society, is the only National Breed
Organization in the United States for Donkeys and Mules of all types
and zebra hybrids. It administers the Miniature Donkey Registry,
The American Donkey Registry, The American Mule Registry, The
American Zebra Hybrid/Bloodstock Registry and the American Mule
Racing Registry.
The American Donkey and Mule Society requests that all breeders
subscribe to the following Code of Ethics to promote and foster the
highest standards among breeders, owners and fanciers, and to
encourage sportsmanship and cooperation in the advancement and
protection of all donkeys, mules and hybrids.
RECORDS: I am familiar with and follow the registry requirements
for my breed.
I will keep accurate records and retain those records for a minimum
of 5 years. These records will include registry paperwork and
health and breeding paperwork for all animals in my herd. I will
notify the registry of the death of an animal and will work with the
registry to keep records current. I will report any person who
falsifies a registration or knowingly misrepresents a pedigree to
the Registry.
BREEDING: I shall plan each breeding with the paramount intention
of improving the breed.
I will select the sire and dam with an eye to conformation,
temperament and good health with a careful study of the breed
standard and the principles of genetics.
I will refrain from close breeding without careful study of
pedigrees and individual animals.
I will not breed any male or female until they are both physically
and mentally mature. I will not breed any female before the age of
three years.
Before entering into any breeding arrangement I will scrutinize the
pedigree, conformation and health of both the sire and dam, keeping
in mind the ideal of the breed. I have an obligation to refuse the
breeding if in my opinion it is not in the best interest of the
breed.
As a responsible owner of a sire, I understand that should I refuse
a breeding I will fully explain my reasons to the owner of the
female. I subscribe to the policy that only sires and dams free of
defects such as cryptorchidism, under and over bite, dwarfism and
other genetic defects shall be used for breeding.
Being a responsible breeder I will refrain from using a breeding
animal, although free from the above defects that consistently
produces afflicted offspring.
HEALTH: I shall maintain high standards of health and care for my
animals and will keep their feet properly trimmed. I will guarantee
the health of animals I sell to others.
SALES: I will be discriminating in the sales of my animals and
concerned with the type of homes in which they are placed. My
animals will not be sold to wholesalers or meat buyers and I will
humanely euthanize animals that must be put down.
I will transfer all applicable registration papers at the time that
the purchase agreement is completed and is suitable to all parties.
I will not advertise animals as registered and then present the new
owner with a filled out application and expect him to register the
animals himself.
Upon the sale of an animal I will provide the new owner with a diet
record, an inoculation and parasite control record and a health
guarantee.
I will refrain from releasing any young animal until it is at least
4 to 6 months old and properly weaned.
I will inform all buyers that donkeys need companions, preferably
other equines in order to be happy inasmuch as they are herd
animals not solitary creatures.
ADVERTISING: I agree that all advertising of animals will be
factual and honest both in substance and implication.
I will avoid encouraging buyers regarding the breeding potential of
an animal without explaining that the breeding of any animal
involves certain responsibilities and is not to be taken lightly.
I will make sure that all show winnings listed in advertising are
accurate.
EXHIBITOR/BREEDER RELATIONS: I understand that exhibiting animals
is a sport and that I am expected to express good sportsmanship in
all activities.
As an exhibitor I will refrain from unnecessary criticism of other
people’s animals, or of the judge.
I will not represent any animal I sell as being a sure winner,
knowing that judges differ in their opinions.
I will not demonstrate behavior that could be defined as serious
abuse or harm to an animal either in training the animal or in
showing it.
IMPLEMENTATION:
In as much as a Code of Ethics is a guideline, not rules,
regulations or legal documents, they do not carry an enforceable
punishment. They should be enforced by breeders and buyers upon
each breeder in a civil and responsible manner. Buyers should read
the Code of Ethics and determine if it is being followed before
buying an animal.
FARM REQUIREMENTS:
FOOD AND WATER: Clean water must be available at all times. Care
will be taken that water supplies are unfrozen in winter, and clean
at all times. Animals should be neither too obese or too thin and
proper rations should be available every day.
SHELTER: All animals will have access to clean, dry shelter from
rain, wind and snow and shade from heat.
CONFINEMENT: Fences will be sturdy, well built and safe for the
type of animal enclosed within. Space will allow for adequate
freedom of movement and exercise.
SAFETY AND PROTECTION: More than one jack over 6 months old will
not be allowed to be pastured
with a group of females. Caution will be taken at all times that
under age females will never be available to be bred. Jacks will
be confined so that they will not damage each other or jennets or
kill foals.
HEALTH CARE: I will take care that Vaccinations and Coggins tests
will be administered in accordance with local and state requirements
and health needs. An internal and external parasite control program
will be maintained. Sick animals and newly introduced animals will
be isolated from the general population. Health papers and Coggins
tests must be required for any animals brought to the farm for
breeding or training. Hoofs of all stock will be kept properly
trimmed.
WASTE DISPOSAL: Waste must be removed in accordance with accepted
local and state requirements. Also waste must be handled in
accordance with veterinarian prescribed health practices. Barn and
stall areas must be cleared of waste daily.
RECORD KEEPING: Health and breeding records will be kept for each
animal. All breeding will be recorded and a sire's breeding
certificate made out at the time of breeding. A sales record
showing to whom each animal (registered or non-registered) is sold
will be kept. All animals should be easily identified by the owner,
and if possible should be identified with methods that anyone can
use such as neck straps, freeze brands, microchips etc. Ear tags
are not recommended by the registry for donkeys or mules.
Farm owners must meet all local, county and state government
requirements for farm or stable operations.
The American Donkey and Mule Society gives permission for this Code
of Ethics to be used in whole or in part, and to be reprinted. You
may contact them directly at ADMS, PO Box 1210, Lewisville TX
75067, e-mail:
lovelongears@hotmail.com
, or visit their
website at
www.lovelongears.com.
