Code of Ethics!
CODE OF ETHICS
1. Members will follow the rules of good sportsmanship in all sled dog activities.
2. Members will fully explain to all prospective sled dog purchasers the disadvantages as well as the advantages of owning the dogs.
3. Members will attempt to befriend and help novice sled dog enthusiasts.
4. The Association shall strongly discourage "commercial" breeding and excessive production of sled dog puppies. Membership breeders agree to take back dogs of their breeding, in the unfortunate event of re-homing.
5. The Association view any act of neglect of or cruelty to dogs with serious concern and where relevant may instigate action under the rules for "Expulsion of Members" if grounds for such action are deemed sufficient by the Committee.
Cases of cruelty or neglect of dogs by owners outside the Association's membership but brought to its attention, shall be closely monitored with a view to giving constructive advice or assistance to relevant bodies and authorities if requested or required.
OPEN SLED DOG REGISTRATION PROCESS
Anyone wishing to compete at SDAS events with a dog which is not a KC Registered Sled Dog Breed (as defined in item 3 of the Objectives), must have their dog’s details logged onto the SDAS Open Sled Dog Register before being able to compete. The registration process will be opened quarterly each year, in January, April, July and October.
A committee member should be contacted in the first instance, who will send out the appropriate form(s) for completion.
The dog(s) must show the following traits before being considered for inclusion on the register:
- Dog(s) must be of a suitable build to pull a rig / sled.
- Dog(s) must demonstrate a willingness to be harnessed and the desire and ability to pull.
The musher must be able to prove that the dog(s) is/are adequately trained and conditioned for such activity, and exhibit the above traits, by having a current SDAS member which is not their spouse/partner or a family member, witness the dogs being worked, and approve the Registration Form.
A separate Registration Form must be completed for each dog
Dogs must be 11 months of age to be registered and 12 months old to compete.
Dogs must have a permanent form of identification, ie a microchip or tattoo.
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EVENTS
1. All events organised shall be limited to members.
2. It is the responsibility of the dog owners to make sure that their dogs are sufficiently trained and conditioned and that they pose no hazard to the health or welfare of themselves or other dogs participating in the event. Any dog or team proven a hazard to other dogs or drivers/handlers shall be disqualified from the event by the event organiser(s).
3. If a rally is cancelled prior to its start, a 50% refund will be given.
4. Authority to postpone or cancel an event shall rest solely with the Event Organiser.
5. Any driver/handler who displays poor sportsmanship or abuses his dogs shall be disqualified by the event organiser.
6. The owner, driver or handler who has been disqualified may subsequently appeal to the Committee.
7. Dogs undertaking any SDAS timed/organised events must be at least 12 months of age on or by the date of that event (certain individual events may require higher age qualifications).
