To the Members of the JCCA:
Below is a draft proposal of a new Code of Ethics for the JCCA, presented by the Code of Ethics Committee, which consists of Donna Pauley, Linda Bittner and me, Ann Jackson. Linda and Donna did a lot of hard work in putting this draft together, and I want to thank them very sincerely. For everything that is right with this proposed COE, they deserve the credit. For those things that aren't right with it, the fault is all mine.

At the specialty in Decatur, AL we presented it to the Board and officers at the Board meeting, and the Board made some good suggestions that were acted upon in this draft. It was introduced to the members present too, with a promise that it would soon go out to all the members. So, here it is -- a Draft Code of Ethics to possibly replace the present Code. The members are the final authority in the matter of the Code of Ethics, and in order for it to become the Club's COE requires a majority vote from the membership. Therefore, it is being presented to you for suggestions. Please read it and compare it to the present COE. If you see things in the proposed COE that you believe need to be changed or that you think should be emphasized, removed, or added, please make notes and either send them via email to me, at shootingpanther@yahoo.com, or mail them to me at 16554 Cedar Crest, Brighton, IL 62012. If you would rather discuss matters concerning the COE via phone, feel free to call me at 618-409-0708 (cell phone) at your convenience. If I do not answer, please leave your number and a message and I will call you back as soon as possible. The Committee will note all comments, changes desired. etc., from the members. Once a final draft has been made (based on the draft and the comments from the members), the proposed COE will be mailed to the membership for a vote. The Deadline for comments, suggestions, and revisions is February 16, 2006.

Please remember -- a code of ethics can't be forced on anyone. It is a set of guidelines -- not a set of rules. The club is governed by the Constitution and bylaws. The Code of Ethics presents standards of behavior below which we should all try not to fall. I hope this revision process will spark conversations about what ethics are and what that word means to each of us. I hope it will give each of us an opportunity to think about ethics and what we owe our breed, our dogs, each other, the JCCA, and the dog fancy as well. Thank you very much for your consideration of this important matter.

Ann Jackson, chair, Committee on the Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics (COE) presents guidelines for members of the Japanese Chin Club of America (JCCA), whose foremost purpose in coming together to participate in the parent breed club is the welfare, protection, and improvement of the Japanese Chin. The purpose of the COE is to set forth minimum standards to which the JCCA expects its members to adhere as they strive to accomplish the goals set forth in the Constitution and bylaws. It is impossible, as well as unnecessary, to legally restrict or dictate the activities of Club members or to expect a code of ethics to be policed or strictly enforced. Rather, compliance with the COE must come from responsible members who comply with pride due to a sincere love of our breed. The COE consists of guidelines which set us apart from mere breeders or owners of Japanese Chin. It should be pointed out that blatant disregard for the COE, resulting in behavior prejudicial to the best interests of the breed or the club could be addressed by disciplinary action under Article VI of the bylaws. The COE, however, is not designed to be used as a threat against individual members. It is intended to guide us in our dealings with each other and our actions as protectors, breeders, and representatives of our wonderful breed -- the Japanese Chin.

As a member of the Japanese Chin Club of America, I agree as follows:

1. I will abide by all AKC rules and regulations, and I will keep accurate records as required by the AKC.
2. I will do my utmost to breed conscientiously, mindful of the Breed Standard at all times, and to abide by and uphold the principles of the JCCA Constitution, bylaws, and the COE.
3. To the best of my ability, I will remain aware of inherent physical problems in the breed and will make a conscious effort to avoid breeding a dog or bitch that has obvious physical or structural problems, as determined by appropriate screening protocols.
4. I will not breed, or breed to, an unregistered dog or bitch, and I will not use immature dogs or bitches in my breeding program.
5. I will continually provide a wholesome and appropriate diet, exercise, and veterinary care to all my Japanese Chin, paying special attention during gestation, whelping, and lactation. I will give puppies quality health care, nutrition, and proper socialization to accustom them to human contact.
6. Except for unusual situations, I will not release a puppy to its new home prior to ten (10) weeks of age. As the seller, I will furnish the buyer with written details on feeding, dates of innoculations, worming, and general care of the Chin. AKC registration papers, or proof that the papers have been applied for, a bill of sale stating the sire and dam and date of birth will accompany puppies as they go to their new homes. In the event that I have listed the puppy as having limited registration, I will explain the meaning of the term to the buyer and make sure he or she understands and accepts the restriction.
7. For each puppy sale or service, I will make an agreement with the buyer. Included in the agreement will be a clause stating that the buyer must take the Chin to his/her veterinarian for a health exam within 72 hours of purchase. If a serious medical problem is found to exist, the buyer will be allowed to return the puppy. The circumstances of the return will be between the buyer and the seller. The agreement will also state that If the buyer cannot keep the puppy for any reason, I or my representative, must be notified so that I have the first chance to take the puppy back or to aid in rehoming it I will use my best efforts to be available to my puppy buyers to give advice or to act as mentor when appropriate.
8. I will not sell or otherwise release any Japanese Chin to any commercial facilities or kennel, auction, puppy broker, pet shop, or their agents. I will use care in screening potential homes for all my puppies, and I will try to ensure that none of my puppies fall into the hands of those who specialize in the "designer" (mixed) breeds. In addition, I will not offer any Japanese Chin for raffle, auction, or as a prize in any giveaway scheme.
9. As a member, I shall strive to display good sportsmanship at events and to conduct myself at all times in a manner that reflects well on the Japanese Chin breed and the JCCA. I will work for the betterment of the Club and the breed to the best of my ability, and I will encourage others to do likewise.