WSDR RULES PART 2: CODE OF ETHICS
Ethics
2.1 All current financial members of ASSA, who own dogs that have been accepted onto the working sled dog register, must agree to, and abide by the following code of ethics:
2.1.1 Members shall ensure that all dogs under their control will be adequately housed, fed, watered, exercised and receive appropriate veterinary care.
2.1.2 Members shall ensure that all dogs owned by the member are not a danger or nuisance to the wider community.
2.1.3 A member who leaves a dog owned by them in the care of another person shall remain responsible for the welfare and behaviour of that dog.
2.1.4 Members shall not dispose of dogs owned or bred by the member to a pound or animal refuge.
2.1.5 Members shall display good sportsmanship and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on sled dog sports.
Breeding
2.2 All current financial members of ASSA, who hold a prefix or otherwise actively breed sled dogs that they have registered or intend to register on the working sled dog register, must agree to, and abide by the following breeders code of ethics:
2.2.1 Members shall breed for the purpose of improving the health, structure and performance of working sled dogs in Australia.
2.2.2 Members shall not breed with a bitch that is younger than 18 months of age at the time of first mating.
2.2.3 Members shall not breed a bitch causing her to whelp more than twice in eighteen months without the prior approval of the ASSA Committee.
2.2.4 Members shall not breed a bitch causing her to whelp more than six times without prior approval from a veterinarian (health certificate) and without prior approval of the ASSA Committee.
2.2.5 Members shall not breed a bitch which is eight years of age and over, unless doing so is approved by a veterinarian and the evidence to support breeding the bitch (letter or health certificate) is submitted to the ASSA Committee.The veterinarian must examine and approve breeding the bitch prior to the first mating.
2.2.6 Members shall not conduct or permit mother/son, father/daughter or brother/sister matings. Puppies that are born as a result of such matings will not be eligible for registration.
2.2.7 Members shall take responsible action to reduce the incidence of hereditary diseases where possible.
2.2.8 Members shall not sell or otherwise transfer any puppy under eight weeks of age to any other member unless acting under the advice of a veterinarian.
2.2.9 A member exporting a puppy overseas must comply with all current requirements of the Australian Department of Agriculture.
2.2.10 Members shall ensure that those acquiring dogs from them understand the requirements to provide adequate care as well as responsible ownership of the dog and that they have the means to fulfil their responsibilities.
2.2.11 A breeder shall maintain reasonable contact with the purchasers of dogs from that breeder and will offer ongoing advice as well as assistance.
2.2.12 Members shall provide to the recipient of dogs sold or otherwise disposed of by that member, written details of:
2.2.12.1 Vaccination schedule, including current vaccination certificate evidencing that the dog has been immunised against Canine Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus.
2.2.12.2 Microchip number and transfer papers.
2.2.12.3 Any conditions of sale and/or agreements.
2.2.13 Members shall ensure that all dogs sold or disposed of are in the best possible state of health. Where a dog with a known health issue or disability is disposed of, the member must obtain from the recipient written and signed acknowledgement of the condition of the dog.
General
2.2.14 Members shall not sell or dispose of dogs to a commercial pet wholesaler or retail pet shop, nor may they be given as a prize or donation to be auctioned.