Article I - Membership
Membership: Any person breeding or owning a Ragdoll may qualify to
be a member of the RFCI. All members of the RFCI shall be classified in one
of the following three categories.
A. Breeder Membership: This membership includes all members
who breed Ragdoll cats and who have signed the Code of Conduct. They
shall be entitled to vote for the Board of Directors of the RFCI, all changes
and amendments to the By-laws and Code of Conduct. They shall have the following
privileges:
(1) 3 issues of the RFCI Newsletter per year.
(2) Use of the Club name in advertising, but if it is
a joint ad all the members in the ad must be RFCI members. This benefit is
only for RFCI breeder members.
(3) Your web site linked to the RFCI web site.
(4) A free listing on the RFCI worldwide breeders list.
(5) The Genetic Chart and updates to it will be available
at a price established by the Genetic Chart Historian. Current members wishing
to convert to the CD form of the Genetic Chart may do so for a price of $5.00
plus postage.
(6) With the purchase of an ad in the Ragdoll World you will
receive the same ad free on the RFCI web site:
(a)
1/4 page Ad free for three months
(b)
1/2 page Ad free for three months
(c)
Full page Ad free for three months
(7) Posting of all new TICA Supremes, ACFA Quad Grand's,
CFA Grand's & CFF Master Grand's as well as Top International Ragdolls
on the RFCI web site.
B. Associate Membership: This Division is for those who
own a Ragdoll but do not breed Ragdolls. They will receive 3 issues of the
Ragdoll World. They cannot purchase the Genetic Chart nor advertise themselves
as RFCI Members.
C. Lifetime Members: Are current or former breeder members
of the RFCI who have contributed significantly to the welfare of the Ragdoll
breed and to the RFCI. The RFCI Board of Directors elects them Lifetime members
after they meet certain qualifications as set forth in Article XIX of the
By-laws. Lifetime members are entitled to vote for the Board of Directors
as well as other issues. They are exempt from paying dues.
D. Members of the RFCI who allow their dues to lapse will have
to either pay all back dues or start over again by signing a new Code of
Conduct and sending all genetic information that occurred during the elapsed
time to the Genetics Chart Historian.
Article II - Annual Dues
The membership shall be from May 1 of one year to April 30 of the
following year.
The Board shall be responsible for setting the amount of the dues.
Every fall, the board will take a look at the dues amount to make sure it
covers the cost of the following years estimated expenditures. If a dues
increase is decided, it will be done by Jan 1 st, and the membership notified
at that time, what the next dues will be.
Annual dues shall be $40 for new members (US and Canadians) and $50
for new members (Overseas) just joining, to cover the cost of the Genetic
Chart and the New Breeder CD. Dues shall be $30 for current members renewing
their dues in the US and Canada, and $40 for overseas members.
Associate dues shall be $20.00.
Lifetime members shall be exempt from paying dues.
Family memberships for your spouse can be added for a fee of $10.00
a year. This will entitle them to a vote on all issues before the RFCI, but
only one issue of the RW per household.
New members joining between May 1 and October 31 of the current year
will pay full price. New members joining between November 1 and April 30
will pay half the price to join. In subsequent years, all members will be
required to pay full years dues.
This clause is effective 2006-2008 only, and can be removed from
the bylaws May 1, 2008. In order to equalize the payment
schedule from the current individual due dates, we will divide the RFCI
calendar year (May 1-April 30) dues by 12, so for a regular US membership
($30) it would be $2.50 a month, and overseas ($40) would be $3.33
a month and Associates ($15) would be $1.25 a month. So if someone's
dues are due March of 2006, they will pay $5 + $30 to pay them up to May
1, 2007. If someone’s dues are due July 2006, they will pay $25,
to pay them up to May 1, 2007. This payment method will only be used
to equalize everyone's due dates through May 1, 2008.
The target date of having everyone paid up by will be May 1, 2007
or later if they have paid in advance.
If anyone should be late on their dues, they will be required to
pay on all months that are delinquent. (example, if they are due Feb. 2006
but don't pay until May 2006, they will still be expected to pay the
full years due of $30 + those extra 3 months($7.50) to fulfill
their full year prior, this would make them paid up to May
1. 2007). In subsequent years, all existing members will be required
to pay full years dues, even if they pay after May 1 of that current year .
Article III - Membership Meetings
Because the RFCI is formed of members from all parts of the world, there
will be no formally scheduled meetings. All Club business shall be done by
phone, mail, or electronic mail. All voting pertaining to the Club will be
done by mail or electronic mail ballots.
Article IV - Board of Directors
The RFCI shall be governed by a Board of Directors comprised of a
President, Vice-President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, the
Editor of the RW, nine Regional Directors, Breed Chairperson and Grievance
Chair. Any breeder member in good standing may hold office in the RFCI. Only
one office may be held by a person at any time. No two members of a family
may hold office at the same time. When an office becomes vacant before a
term is up and there is more than one year remaining a special election shall
be held to fill the vacancy. If there is less than one year remaining
the President shall appoint a breeder member in good standing to fill the
vacancy until the next election.
Article V - President
The President shall be elected in even numbered years to a two year
term. The President must be able to communicate with the Board and the membership
by electronic mail.
A. Shall serve on the Grievance Committee
B. Shall serve on the Breed Committee
C. Shall appoint a breeder member in good standing to fill
any vacant position on the Board of Directors if the term has less than one
year remaining.
D. Will keep the membership informed by writing an article
for each issue of the Ragdoll World newsletter.
E. Shall be responsible for ordering and mailing the year end
rosette awards to each winner.
F. Shall appoint various committees to serve as the need arise.
Article VI - Vice President
The Vice-President shall be elected in the odd numbered years to
a two year term. Should the President leave office for any reason,
the Vice-President shall assume the office of President and shall have
the Secretary call a special election within 90 days to elect a new
President if there is more than one year remaining of the term. However
if there is less than one year remaining in the term the Vice-President shall
serve until the next election.
A. Shall handle inquires associated with people seeking general
information about the RFCI.
B. Shall serve on the Grievance Committee.
C. Shall be the Chairperson of the Membership Committee.
1. Shall appoint a committee of three other people to fill out the
committee, along with the Secretary.
a. This committee will prompt an annual dues reminder for members
in March and April, and will remind breeders when they are behind on their
dues.
b. This committee will be responsible for recruiting new members
by going through the new names on the various chat lists and magazine ads,
and approaching these people.
c. This committee will develop a letter to be used to send to new
people inviting them to join, and letting them know what the club has to
offer.
Article VII - Secretary
The Secretary shall be elected in odd numbered years to a two year
term.
A. Shall maintain a current membership list.
B. Shall handle all correspondence with individuals and associations,
maintaining a file and reporting all necessary information to the Board and
membership.
C. Shall file copies of all formal Club correspondence sent
out or received.
D. Shall maintain a mailing list of members.
E. Shall serve on the Membership Committee.
Article VIII - Assistant Secretary
The Assistant Secretary shall be elected in even numbered years to
a two year term.
A. Shall call for nominations 30 days prior to all elections
of the Board of Directors or any other office that shall require an
election.
B. Shall prepare and send out ballots for all elections and
issues requiring a membership vote and publish the results.
Article IX - Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be elected in even numbered years for a two year
term.
A. Shall receive and bank all monies coming into the RFCI and
pay all obligations keeping accurate records of these transactions
and presenting a financial report to the Board of Directors in January
and July.
B. Shall keep a current membership list.
C. Shall submit the Club financial books for an audit at the
beginning of each year.
D. Shall distribute current Genetic Charts to those new breeder
members upon payment of dues including the additional fee for the Genetic
Chart as set by the Board of Directors. Shall distribute the current Genetic
Chart to those current breeder members who request it charging the current
price as set by the Genetic Chart Historian.
Article X - Regional Directors
The Regional Directors shall be elected in the following manner:
Northeast, Northwest, Atlantic & European Regional Directors shall be
elected in even numbered years and the Southern, Midwest, South Central,
Pacific and Asia Regional Directors shall be elected in the odd numbered
years for a two year term.
A. Directors are encouraged to hold local informal meetings
within their region.
B. Shall keep the Board of Directors informed concerning any
problems within their region.
C. Shall write an article for each issue of the Ragdoll World
on events, show wins and happenings within their region.
D. Shall be available to help members and especially new members
within their region.
E. Shall send a welcoming letter to each new member in their
region.
F. Shall put on at least one breed seminar within their region
if possible. (Not every RD may be able to do this but they are encouraged
to do so if possible.)
G. Shall establish a regional e-mail group within their region
for communication purposes.
H. Shall set up a regional web page if possible. It is
understood that not all RD will have the skill to do so. If you can however,
it would be a great place to post pictures of outstanding Ragdolls and show
winners.
Article XI – Breed and Educational Chairperson
The Breed and Education Chairperson shall be elected in even numbered
years to a two year term. They shall have been actively breeding and showing
the Ragdoll breed for at least 5 years.
A. Shall act as Chairperson of the RFCI Breed and Education
Committee.
B. Shall appoint three other breeder members to the Breed and
Education Committee in addition to the President and Secretary.
C. Will keep appraised of the Ragdoll Standards in each of
the major Cat Fancy Associations.
D. Shall work to educate breeders about the Ragdoll standards
in the various Cat Fancy Associations.
E. Will keep the New Breeder Booklet current with latest information.
F. Will make up, and keep current, a breed standard booklet that
includes pictures and standards from the various associations, that will
be included in the New Breeder Booklet and can be used for any Breed Seminars
put on by members of the club.
G. Will keep the website up to date with current Educational material.
Article XII - Grievance Chairperson
The Grievance Chairperson shall be elected in even numbered years
to a two year term.
A. Shall serve as the Chairperson of the Grievance Committee.
B. Shall submit a list of names of RFCI breeder members who are
not on the RFCI Board of Directors to the RFCI Board of Directors who shall
select two members from this list to serve on the Grievance Committee.
C. Shall handle all complaints against RFCI members.
D. Shall ensure documentation of complaints before a vote is
taken against a member.
Article XIII - Editor
The Editor shall be appointed by the President and confirmed by the
Board of Directors of the RFCI.
A. Shall publish the Ragdoll World newsletter three times a
year.
B. Shall publish the Year End RFCI award winners in the June
issue.
C. Shall be responsible for setting the advertising rates in
the Ragdoll World and encouraging members to advertise in it.
D. Shall seek to find outside advertising among cat food and
litter companies etc. for the newsletter.
E. Shall give notice to the Board of Directors of intent to
resign as Editor in such a manner as to produce a smooth transition
to avoid the loss of a single issue of the Ragdoll World.
F. Shall serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors.
Article XIV - Genetic Chart Historian
The Genetic Chart Historian shall be appointed by the President and
confirmed by the Board of Directors of the RFCI.
A. Shall be responsible for the continuance of the Ragdoll
Genetic Chart and will have the responsibility of distributing any new or
updated Genetic Charts to the Treasurer for distribution.
B. Shall be responsible for setting the price for the Genetic
Chart.
Article XV - Show Statistician
The Show Statistician shall be appointed by the President of the
RFCI and confirmed by the Board of Directors of the RFCI.
A. The Show Statistician shall record legitimate wins of Ragdolls
in shows per Article XXI Awards. All the summarization of wins and awards
shall be submitted to the Secretary, Webmaster and Editor in time for publication
in the first issue of the RW published after May 1st of any year.
Article XVI - Teller
The Secretary shall appoint a Teller who is not involved in the election
to receive all election ballots for counting. After counting the ballots
the Teller shall send all ballots to the Secretary so that the results can
be announced and the ballots placed on file.
Article XVII - Committees
There shall be 3 standing Committees within the RFCI. Any Club member
may suggest through the Secretary in writing the need for a committee
or volunteer to serve on one.
A. Breed Committee - The Breed Committee shall consist of five
members as defined in Article XI.
B. The Grievance Committee shall consist of 5 members. Chairperson,
President, Vice President, and two members who are not on the RFCI Board
of Directors.
C. Membership Committee - The Vice-President shall serve as
the Chairperson of this committee.
Article XVIII - Lifetime Members
An RFCI member must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible
for a Lifetime membership.
A. They presently or have been actively exhibiting Ragdolls.
B. They have been an active RFCI Breeder member for at least
ten years and have contributed significantly to the advancement of the Ragdoll
breed.
C. They presently or have served on the RFCI Board of Directors.
D. RFCI members who qualify shall be voted in as Lifetime members
by a majority vote of the RFCI Board of Directors.
E. Any RFCI member may nominate an RFCI breeder member for
Lifetime membership providing that they meet the criteria listed above, by
submitting their name to the Secretary of the RFCI.
Article XIX - Elections
Elections for the Board of Directors shall take place in the following
manner.
A. The Assistant Secretary of the RFCI shall call for nominations
for all offices that are up for elections during the first week of September.
Nominations must be received by the Secretary by October 1st to be valid.
The Assistant Secretary shall mail out the ballots by electronic mail
by October 15th. All ballots must be returned to the Teller by November
15th to be valid.
B. Uncontested offices shall be considered to be elected and
need not be on the ballot. The Secretary shall notify all winning candidates
as soon as possible.
C. Any RFCI member may be nominated for office but no candidate may
be nominated without their prior consent to run for an office. The Assistant
Secretary shall contact each member who has been nominated for an office
and verify that they are willing to serve if elected.
D. The newly elected officers shall take office on January
1.
E. In the event that there is no candidate willing to run for
an office, the President may appoint an RFCI breeder member to serve in that
office.
Article XX - Voting
All voting pertaining to the Constitution and By-Laws of the RFCI
and Elections or any matter needing a vote of the membership shall be by
electronic mail with ballots being mailed to those without a computer. Any
Breeder member in good standing is eligible to vote and shall carry one vote.
The ballot may be posted on the RFCI web site in a manner that will allow
it to go directly to the Teller.
Article XXI - Year End Awards
See addendum I to the RFCI By-Laws.
Article XXII - Furnishing a Copy of the RFCI By-laws and Code of
Conduct COC
Each member shall be furnished a copy of the Constitution, By-laws
and Code of Conduct upon joining the RFCI
Article XXIII - Amendments
The Constitution, By-laws and Code of Conduct COC of the RFCI may
be amended by a simple majority vote of the membership. Members may propose
and be heard on any amendment.
Article XXIV - Conduct of Members
The objective of the RFCI is the promotion of the Ragdoll Breed.
Any member including an officer who commits an act that harms the Ragdoll
Breed, Ragdoll cat, the RFCI or an RFCI member or creates dissension, shall
be considered to be in violation of the RFCI By-laws. 11/03
Article XXV - Filing a Grievance Charge
A grievance against an RFCI member must be presented to the Grievance
Committee Chairperson, using the RFCI's
complaint form found on the RFCI web site or available
from any of the Grievance Committee members, or Club Secretary. Any relevant
information such as contracts or records should be included with the complaint
form. 11/03
The Grievance Committee Chairperson will inform the Grievance Committee
of the charge and consult with them. The member charged shall be notified
in writing of said charge and be given two weeks to respond to the charge
and present their side of the story. If charges are related to an unresolved
disagreement between two parties, the Grievance Committee will put precedence
in arbitrating an agreement between the two parties in dispute. The Grievance
Committee shall act as the Mediator and try to find a solution that is acceptable
to both parties. In the event that the situation is unable to be rectified
or a fair solution found that both parties agree to, the Committee shall
vote on what they believe would be fair solution and present it to both parties.
Should the RFCI member(s) not agree to the solution, it is up to the Grievance
Committee to determine a course of action and/or punishment toward the RFCI
member(s). If the charges are not dispute orientated, but instead related
to a serious breech of the Code of Conduct, the Grievance Committee will
examine all the evidence and make a decision according to the severity of
the charge. The first priority will be for the Grievance Committee to educate
the breeder charged on proper protocol, but if a member refuses to follow
the guidelines set forth, then their membership will be in jeopardy. Should
a decision be made by the Grievnce Committee to remove a member from the
RFCI Club or suspend their membership rights for any length of time, the
person charged may request a review of the charges and penalties against
them by the entire RFCI Board of Directors. Should a review be requested,
a majority vote of the RFCI Board of Directors will be required for removal
or suspension of membership rights.
It should be taken into account that filing an Grievance charge against
an RFCI member is a serious matter, and anyone filing a complaint should
keep in mind that our Code of Conduct is meant as a guideline for our members
and is not meant as a set of laws. It is understood that in extraordinary
instances it is acceptable for a member to take steps outside of the Code
of Conduct if sound judgement is used. A breech of the Code of Conduct would
be defined by a member having a policy in force that directly violates the
Code of Conduct on a regular basis, or demonstrates behavior that shows obvious
lack of sound judgement, or engages in activities that have resulted in emotional,
physical, or financial injury to a cat or person.
Article XXVI - Discipline of Members
Any Breeder member who does not abide by the Constitution and By-laws
of the RFCI or give full effort to following the Code of Conduct of the RFCI,
or does not accept and uphold a decision of the Grievance Committee, following
the procedures set forth in Article XXV of these By-laws, shall be refused
membership and/or renewal of membership in the RFCI, until such a time that
they are able to resolve the circumstances of dispute to the satisfaction
of the Grievance Committee.
Such a member will not be entitled to a refund of dues or of any
other amount previously given to the RFCI. Such a member may not be entitled
to any previously earned RFCI points for awards, in the year the charge was
filed. Should the charges be filed in one show year and the investigation
carry over into the next show season, points will not be accumulated until
all charges have been dismissed or resolved. If another authority is investigating
the charges, RFCI's Grievance Committee will cooperate with the authority,
and will abide by their findings.
Article XXVII - Conduct of Board Members
Actual e-mails and correspondence and individual opinions of members
of the shall remain within the RFCI Board, in order to allow for a full and
free flow of discussion.
"Members of the Board of Directors of the RFCI shall refrain
from sharing and/or discussing any correspondence that takes place among
the Board (whether on the RFCI Board of Directors email list, and/or through
private correspondence with other Board members), with persons not on the
Board of Directors. This rule applies to all members of the Board and to
all Board correspondence, whether past or present."
A Board member who violates this rule shall be charged with a Conduct
violation. An investigation will be conducted by the Grievance Committee.
While the investigation is ongoing the Board member will be suspended from
all Board duties during this time.
If found not guilty, privileges of office will be restored.
If found guilty, the Board member shall be removed from office and
any committees that they might be serving on. They will not be allowed to
hold office within the RFCI for a period of 3-5 years depending on the seriousness
of the violation.
Article XXVIII - Code of Conduct
See addendum II to the RFCI By-laws on pages
1.b.7-10.
ANYTHING NOT COVERED
IN THESE BY-LAWS
SHALL BE GOVERN BY
ROBERTS RULE OF ORDER
Addendum I
RFCI Scoring & Competition Rules
Requirements/Rules
Any RFCI exhibitor who owns a Ragdoll in any combination of excepted patterns/colors and whose cat is registered in any association within the cat fancy shall be qualified to compete for the RFCI plaques and rosettes.
The exhibitor must be a paid up member of RFCI as of at least 30 days before the first show that is scored for that member.
During a show season, a cat owned by one exhibitor cannot transfer its points won to a new owner. During a show season, a cat judged in one color classification cannot transfer points earned if that cat is reclassified to a new color.
Points accumulated in a show season must be forwarded to the Show Statistician within 30 days of the show date by RFCI e-mail, or s-mail. NO scores will be credited later than TWO weeks after the close of the show season.
Winners of the top Whole Cat and Top Alter awards in one show season shall be ineligible to compete for the top awards in the following season with the same cat. After one year of ineligibility the same cat shall be eligible for the top awards. An exception would be if the cat is transferred to a new owner.
Whole cats and Alters will be scored on the top 50 rings submitted for scoring. There will be no minimum number of rings required to compete.
Kittens will be scored on the top 30 rings submitted for scoring. There will be no minimum number of rings required to compete.
Awards
The Top Whole Cat, the Top Alter Cat and the Top Kitten will each receive a plaque. All Top 10 winners in each category will receive rosettes with name plaques on them. Rosettes will be awarded to 11 – 20 place depending on how many entries we get. Here is how many cats we need in each category and what places they will cover.
11th & 12th place for 21-25 cats
13th & 14th place for 26-30 cats
15th & 16th place for 31-35 cats
17th & 18th place for 36-40 cats
19th & 20th place for 41 and over
Example: If there are 58 cats who have scores sent in then there will be awards given to the top 20.
If there are 32 kittens who have scores sent in then there will be awards given to the top 16 kittens.
If there are 15 alters who have scores sent in then there will be awards given to the top 10 alters.
Points
Large CFA shows may give finals to as many as 15 cats in a ring, any final between 10th and 15th place shall have the same number of points given to 10th place in both AB and SP.
The Mitteds and Color Points are not yet accepted in CFA; therefore an exhibitor who enters and exhibits a Mitted or Color Point will receive 100 points per ring the cat is entered in. In the future any Mitted or Color Point that is accepted for championship will be credited with the same points as the other accepted patterns.
BEST OF BREED POINTS will be given for the top 4 places, and will be as follows:
BOB 50 points - 2nd BOB 45 points - 3rd BOB 40 - 4th BOB 35 points.
If only the top 3 Best of Breed are awarded at a show, then any cat not in the top 3, will receive the points for 4th place.
If only the top 2 Best of Breed are awarded at a show, then any cat not in the top 2 shall receive points for 3rd place.
Points for finals:
ALL BREED POINTS (1-40 cats entered)
1st - 100 pts
2nd - 90 pts
3rd - 80 pts
4th - 70 pts
5th - 60 pts
6th - 50 pts
7th - 40 pts
8th - 30 pts
9th - 20 pts
10th - 10 pts
SPECIALTY POINTS (1-25 cats entered)
1st – 50 pts
2nd - 45 pts
3rd - 40 pts
4th – 35 pts
5th - 30 pts
6th - 25 pts
7th - 20 pts
8th - 15 pts
9th - 10 pts
10th - 5 pts
Bonus Points for finals in rings that have more than the usual number of cats.
ALL BREED BOUNS POINTS (# Of Cats – Bonus points)
41-55 - 5 pts
56-70 - 15 pts
71-85 - 30 pts
86 - 101 - 45 pts
102-117 - 60 pts
118-132 - 75 pts
133-148 - 90 pts
149-164 - 105 pts
165-180 - 120 pts
180-200 - 135 pts
200-UP - 150 pts
SPECIALTY BONUS POINTS (# Of Cats – Bonus points)
26-35 – 3 pts
36-45 – 6 pts
46-55 – 10 pts
56-65 – 13 pts
66-75 – 19 pts
76-85 – 26 pts
86-95 – 36 pts
96-105 – 46 pts
106-115 – 52 pts
116-125 – 65 pts
126-UP – 75 pts
All changes to the RFCI Scoring System for awards shall be made by
a majority vote of the RFCI Board of Directors.
For Score Sheet, see website
Addendum II
Code of Conduct Guidelines for the RAGDOLL FANCIERS CLUB INTERNATIONAL
See COC for a printable version of the Code of Conduct Guidlines - Addendum to Minimum Contract requirements.
This Code of Conduct is intended as a guideline for our Breeder Members. The recommendations and practices set forth in this Code of Conduct are to be considered a model of ethical breeding practices, and should be followed as routine whenever possible. It is understood that in rare circumstances special situations may present themselves to a member, where these guidelines are not met, and then RFCI recommends using sound judgment.
It is also understood that some breeder members may put into practice even higher ideals in their own breeding programs, and for this they should be commended. This Code of Conduct set forth is not meant to police our Breeder Members, and should not be used as such.
In the breeding of Ragdolls, I will emphasize good health, stable temperament, and breed for appearance to meet the Ragdoll Standard.
My Ragdolls will exhibit no radical departure from the Ragdoll standard.
I agree to protect the Ragdoll reputation by employing responsible personal, social and business practices.
I agree to understand and follow any municipal, community or local requirements regarding the housing, registering or selling of my Ragdolls.
I agree that when attending shows, I will be aware of and abide by the rules and customs that govern each show, whether I am a spectator or an exhibitor.
I will behave at all times in a respectful manner that will reflect positively on myself, the Ragdoll Cat and RFCI. I will view success as a concern secondary to the health and well-being of the Ragdoll and to my relationship with others among the cat fancy and RFCI.
I will keep accurate records of all pedigrees and breedings.
I will register all kittens with at least one major cat association.
I will provide registration papers within a timely manner of all sales.
I will plan and implement a breeding program with the preservation and protection of the breed being foremost.
I will breed discriminately, making sure that I am able to find good homes for all of my kittens. I will emphasize quality not quantity.
My breeding Ragdolls will be kept free from disease and genetic defects to the best of my and my veterinarian’s ability. A cat who exhibits chronic illness or poor health should not be bred.
I will consult a qualified veterinarian or geneticist if an inherited problem is suspected. I will report all findings with breeders who have purchased breeding stock from me that may be affected by the findings, as well as I will report all findings to the breeder of the affected cat.
I will whenever possible request necropsy (autopsy) on any kitten or cat that dies suspiciously.
I will only breed my cats when they are in good health and of good weight and condition. It is strongly suggested that a female not be bred before 12 months of age, unless she has had frequent heat cycles that are affecting her health and condition. It is recommended to not breed a female too frequently but give ample time in between litters for her to regain her weight and condition.
It is recommended to not over breed a male, so he is able to maintain a healthy weight and condition.
It is recommended that breeding cats be altered and retired at an age appropriate for their health and well-being.
I will provide proper care for the safe and healthy delivery of kittens, and will, whenever possible, be available to assist the queen if necessary. I will consult with a veterinarian at the first sign of difficulty.
I will provide sufficient socialization for kittens, as well as assess their individual temperament so they go into their new homes suited to that situation.
I will represent the Ragdoll cat realistically, doing my best to dispel past myths propagated to qualify the Ragdoll as a scientific phenomenon, such as they don’t’ feel pain, or they never shed, or they always go limp when held, or they consistently reach tremendous sizes. Instead I will describe the Ragdoll qualities in an accurate manner, addressing unrealistic expectations with factual descriptions.
I will not place a kitten younger than 10 weeks of age, and recognize that 12 weeks or older is recommended.
I will maintain a high standard of health and care for all of my Ragdolls, by providing adequate room for exercise & play. I will provide clean and comfortable quarters with adequate ventilation and lighting. I will provide a balanced quality diet with clean water and litter. I will provide my Ragdolls with regular vaccinations and veterinary care. I will give my cats daily care and affection.
I will house my cats in a manner that minimizes the risk of accidental breeding or aggressive behavior between cats.
I will not allow a cat to run loose outdoors. If I provide an outdoor run, I will make sure the cat has proper protection from the elements, parasites and other animals the cat might be exposed to.
I will not declaw my Ragdolls and will advise against it to my buyers. I will explain my opposition to this practice and make recommendations on how to prevent the cats from undesirable behavior.
I will not sell any Ragdoll to a pet store, or knowingly to a backyard breeder or kitten mill. Or any breeder who exhibits lack of ethical treatment to their Ragdolls.
I will sell all pet kittens either having been altered, or with a strict altering agreement as stated in the RFCI’s by-laws.
Early Spay/Neuter is Highly recommended and should be done if at all possible before the kitten leaves your cattery
I will conduct all sales in a professional manner designed to protect the health and welfare of the cat.
I will include a written contract with all kitten or cat sales transactions, leasing agreements and stud services, with both parties having a copy.
I will include in my written contract the minimum specifics as listed in the by-laws of RFCI.
I will explain the difference between pet, show and breeder quality, before selling any kitten. This explanation could be included on my website, or any information that I use to educate buyers about my kittens.
I will carefully evaluate any kitten being considered as a breeder or a show/breeder, and discuss all qualities and traits with the potential owner prior to the sale. I will disclose the pedigree before the sale is final.
When selling a breeding cat, I will fully explain the pedigree, registration numbers, any inbreeding, and any outcross that I am aware of. I will include the minimum of a three-generation pedigree, although a five generation pedigree is strongly recommended.
I understand that it is recommended that breeders have a 5 generation pedigree on all of their breeding cats, with Certified Pedigrees whenever possible.
I will be available to help all newly established breeders that I place any breeding cat with, for mentoring, support and guidance.
I will contact the breeder of any cat I plan to retire from my breeding program. I will follow the breeder's policy for re-homing the cat, and give full disclosure to the breeder of the new owners. If there is no previous agreement for the re-homing of this cat, I will together with the breeder decide what is in the best interest of the individual cat. If an agreement cannot be reached for re-homing, the cat will be altered and placed into a pet home.
I will do anything with in my power to aid in the safe re-homing of any Ragdoll of my breeding that is in need of rescue or placement.
I understand that all sales should be covered by a contract. I am free to have my own contract with more issues covered than the minimum requirements set forth in the RFCI bylaws. In the case that I have not used a contract or have less than the minimum required by RFCI, as found in the RFCI’s by-laws
I agree that any dispute will be settled by the Grievance Committee according to the contract requirements set forth in the RFCI by-laws.
Full sample contracts will be offered in the RFCI By-Laws, or can be found on the RFCI’s website, or are available through the Secretary for those who would like to use them.
I agree to use these Code of Conduct as a guideline in my breeding program, and consider them as a minimum ideal in the decisions and policies I make, always keeping in mind the welfare of my Ragdolls, the protection of the Ragdoll breed, and the rights of my customers. I agree to encourage and support RFCI and my fellow members in the following of these Codes of Conduct.
____________________________________Date:_________________
Member’s Signature
See COC for a printable version of the Code of Conduct Guidlines. |
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