Club Rules
1. THE CLUB SHALL BE CALLED “THE WIRE-HAIRED DACHSHUND CLUB”.
2. THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CLUB SHALL BE:
a) To encourage the breeding and improvement of the Wire-Haired and Miniature
Wire-Haired Dachshund.
b) To publish standard descriptions of the breeds for adoption by breeders and judges.
c) To seek, and if appropriate, guarantee classes for the breeds at shows.
d) To offer cups, trophies, and special prizes for competition among members.
e) To organize Championship and other shows as permitted by the Kennel Club.
f) To protect the interest of the breeds and to assist members wherever possible in matters relating to the breed.
g) To encourage members to abide by the tenets laid down in the “Code of Conduct”.
3. MEMBERSHIP
a) Membership shall be unlimited and open to all subject to election by majority vote of the committee and payment of the annual subscription.
b) Names and addresses of members shall be kept by the Secretary in a register, which shall be open to inspection by members, and the Kennel Club at reasonable times. A declaration of the number of members of the Club must be made with the Annual Returns.
c) Membership shall be deemed to begin on ratification at the first committee held after an application is received.
d) Immediately following election members shall receive a copy of rules which shall be binding upon them and acceptance of which is a condition of membership.
e) Classes of membership shall be:
1. Ordinary Members
2. Joint Members who may be husband and wife, joint holders of a registered affix, or partnerships.
3. Overseas Members resident outside the United Kingdom, Isle of Man, Channel islands, and Eire who shall be ineligible to vote.
4. Honorary Members elected at an Annual General Meeting.
4. FINANCIAL YEAR
The Financial Year shall run from 1st July to 30th June.
5. SUBSCRIPTIONS
a) The annual subscriptions shall be such amount agreed by in General Meeting and notified to the Kennel Club payable to the Treasurer on the 1st July each year, except that new membership subscriptions paid after the 31st March in any year shall endure for the following financial year.
b) A reminder shall be sent from the Treasurer to all members with subscriptions unpaid by 30th September. Failure to pay by 31st December shall result in membership lapsing.
c) The secretary shall send an alphabetical list of candidates to all members eligible to vote at least 28 days before the Annual General Meeting, together with a ballot paper if the number of candidates exceeds the number of vacancies. Ballot papers must be returned to the Club’s Scrutineer for counting at least ten days before the meeting, at which the Chairman shall declare the result. If there are vacancies for less than three years, candidates elected with the fewest votes shall serve for the shortest periods.
d) The Committee may appoint other officers and sub-committee from its members and may co-opt members of the club to serve on sub-committees for a special purpose. Meetings and actions of sub-committees shall be reported to the Committee for approval.
e) If a Committee member is absent from three consecutive Committee Meetings without reasonable explanation the Committee may declare the seat vacant and co-opt another member of the Club to fill the vacancy. The Committee may co-opt members to fill any casual vacancy, which may occur among the Committee and Officers, except Patron and Vice President. The co-opted member shall retire at the next Annual General Meeting but shall be eligible for re-election without re-nomination; the vacancy shall be for the un-expired term only.
f) Committee Meetings shall be convened as often as necessary by the Secretary giving fourteen days clear notice to all Officers and Committee members: the agenda must accompany the calling notice. The Chairman may instruct the Secretary to call a meeting for urgent matters with only seven days clear notice to all Officers and Committee members. Failure of any member or officer to receive sufficient notice shall not invalidate the meeting.
g) The Secretary shall convene a meeting within two weeks of receipt of a request signed by at least five Committee members.
h) Five members shall form a quorum for all Committee meetings. If the Chairman of the Committee is absent a chairman shall be elected from those present.
i) A report of the business transacted at each meeting shall be entered in a Minute Book kept by the Secretary; a copy of these minutes shall be sent to each Officer and Committee member before the next meeting. The Minute Book shall be available for inspection by members of the Club on request at reasonable times.
j) Decisions shall be made by a simple majority and a show of hands shall normally suffice, but the Chairman may at his discretion order a ballot. In the event of an equality of votes the Chairman of the Meeting shall have a second or casting vote.
k) The Committee shall have full discretionary powers to deal with any matter not specifically covered by these Rules.
9. GENERAL MEETINGS
a) An Annual General Meeting of members of the Club shall be held before the 31st December each year, presided over by the President, or in his or her absence, a Vice President elected by the meeting or by the Chairman of the Committee. It shall transact only the following:
1. Approve the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting
and any subsequent Special General Meeting.
2. Receive the Chairman of the Committee’s report of the Club
3. Approve the audited statement of accounts for the previous year
4. Appoint the auditors.
5. Receive the results of the election of Officers and Committee
6. Approve the list of judges for the year.
7. Discuss any resolution of which written notice has been given
to the Secretary at least 21 days before the date of the meeting.
b) No business shall be transacted at an Annual General Meeting unless notice thereof appears on the Agenda, except for routine matters or those in which the opinion of the Chairman of the meeting are urgent.
c) A Special General Meeting shall be summoned by the Secretary at the request of the Committee or within four weeks of receipt of a request signed by fifteen members stating the subject to be discussed. No business other than that named in the request shall be brought before the meeting.
d) Notice of the Annual General Meetings shall be sent by the Secretary to all members eligible to vote not less than t14 days before the meeting. Such notice may be given by publication in “Dog World” and “Our Dogs” of the date, time and place of the meeting, together with the full agenda. Failure of individual members to receive such notice shall not invalidate the meeting.
e) At General Meetings only fully paid up members who joined before the 30th June shall be eligible to vote: a list of eligible members shall be made available by the Secretary for each meeting.
f) Resolutions shall be carried out by a simple majority of those present and voting; except as required by Rules 6 and 14. Normally a show of hands shall suffice, but the Chairman shall if required order a ballot for which two tellers shall be appointed from the floor to assist the Secretary in checking and counting votes. In the case of an equality of votes the Chairman of the Meeting shall have a second or casting vote.
g) The quorum for a General Meeting shall be fifteen members.
10. CLUB ACCOUNTS
a) A bank account shall be maintained in the name of the Club into which all revenues shall be paid. Withdrawals shall be made only on the signature of two or more officers, one of which shall normally be the Treasurer.
b) The Treasurer shall keep proper accounts showing all receipts and expenditure and one or more auditors shall be appointed at each Annual General Meeting to audit the accounts for the ensuing year before the next Annual General Meeting.
c) A copy of the audited statement of accounts shall be sent to every Officer and Committee member before the date of the Annual General Meeting and to any member on written request to the Secretary; copies shall be available for inspection by members at the Annual General Meeting before the published time for the start of the meeting.
11. PROPERTY OF THE CLUB
a) The property of the Club shall be vested in the Committee, who shall be responsible for its care and maintenance.
b) All cups, trophies and special prizes not won outright shall be the property of the Club and shall be accepted on the condition that they will be controlled by the Committee who shall make such rules with regard thereto as they may think fit.
c) The holder for the time being of any cup, trophy or special prize who wishes to take delivery of it for a period may only do so on the understanding that it is returned to the cup steward at or before the next Show at which it is advertised for competition. Cups, trophies and special prizes must not be taken outside the United Kingdom, Isle of Man, Channel Islands and Eire.
12. PANEL OF JUDGES
The Committee will produce a list of Judges each year, which must be submitted to the Kennel Club as part of the Club’s Annual Returns. Such list to be compiled as described in Kennel Club Rule C4 a.(1) (b) (vi).
13. WINDING UP
In the event of the Club being wound up or otherwise ceasing to exist all cups, trophies, special prizes etc. not won outright shall be offered to the donors, their personal representatives, heirs or assigns. The cash assets and/or investments and any property of the Club shall be disposed of as determined at a Special General Meeting of the Club called for that purpose.
If the Club is wound up or ceases to be a Registered Club under Kennel Club Regulations C, a final statement of audited accounts with a record of the disposal of the property of the Club shall be forwarded to the Kennel Club within six months and the persons named as Officers and Committee of the club on the last return furnished to the Kennel Club, will be held responsible by the Kennel Club for the proper winding up of the Club.
14. ALTERATION OF THE RULES
These rules may not be altered except at an Annual General Meeting, notice of which has been sent by the secretary to all members eligible to vote at least two months previously together with the proposed alterations. Alterations must be approved by two-thirds majority of those attending and voting. No change may be brought into effect until approved by the Kennel Club.
15. KENNEL CLUB AUTHORITY
The Kennel Club shall be the final authority for interpreting the Rules of the Club and in all cases of dispute relative to Canine and Club matters.
16. FEDERATION
The Club shall not join any federation of societies or clubs.
17. ANNUAL RETURNS TO THE KENNEL CLUB
The Officers acknowledge that during the month of January each year, Maintenance of Title fee shall be forwarded to the Kennel Club by the Secretary for continuance of the Registration and that by the 31st July each year, other returns as stipulated in Kennel Club Regulations for the Registration and Maintenance of Title of Societies and Breed Councils and the Affiliation of Agricultural Societies and Municipal Authorities be forwarded to The Kennel Club.
The Officers also acknowledge their duty to inform The Kennel Club of any changes of Secretary of the Club which may occur during the course of the year.
18. No person while an undischarged bankrupt may serve on the Committee of or hold any other office or appointment within a Kennel Club Registered Society.
6. EXPULSION OF MEMBERS
Any member who shall be suspended under Kennel Club Rule A42.j.(5) and or/any member whose dog(s) is/are disqualified under Kennel Club Rule A42.j.(9) shall ipso facto cease to be a member of the club for the duration of the suspension and/or disqualification.
If the conduct of any members shall, in the opinion of the Committee of the Club be injurious or likely to be injurious to the character or interests of the Club, the Committee of the Club may, at a meeting, the notice of convening which includes as an object the consideration of the conduct of the member, determine that a Special General Meeting of the Club shall be called for the purpose of passing a resolution to expel him/her.
Notice of the Special General Meeting shall be sent to the accused member, giving particulars of the complaint and advising the place, date and hour of the meeting that he/she may attend and offer an explanation. If at that meeting a resolution to expel is passed by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting, his/her name shall forthwith be erased from the list of members and he/she shall thereupon cease for all purposes to be a member of the Club, except that he/she may, within two calendar months of the date of such meeting appeal to the Kennel Club upon and subject to such conditions as the Kennel Club may impose.
If the Club expels any member for discreditable conduct in connection with dogs, Dog Shows, Trials or Competitions, the Club must report the matter in writing to the Kennel Club within seven days and supply any particulars required.
7. OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE
a) The officers of the Club shall be:
i) A Patron, a President and up to six Vice Presidents, elected at Annual General Meetings and holding office during their pleasure.
ii) The Chairman of the Committee, elected by the Committee from its number at the first meeting following the Annual General Meeting. He shall be the chief executive officer of the Club.
iii) An Honorary Secretary who shall be a member of the Club and retire at each Annual General Meeting but shall be eligible for re-election.
iv) An Honorary Treasurer who shall be a member of the Club and retire at each Annual General Meeting but shall be eligible for re-election.
b) The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may not be held by the same person.
c) The Committee shall appoint a member, who need not be a Committee member as Cup Steward to manage the Cups and Trophies and maintain a register of winners.
8. MANAGEMENT
a) The Club shall be managed by a committee of nine or more elected members and EX-OFFICIO, the Secretary and Treasurer. The President and Vice Presidents may attend Committee meetings and vote. One third of the nine members shall retire each year in rotation, but shall be eligible for re-election without re-nomination provided they confirm to the Secretary their willingness to serve by 30th June in the year they retire.
b) Candidates for election to the Committee must be proposed by one member and seconded by another and the nomination must be received by the secretary in writing together with confirmation from the candidate of his willingness and his CV sent recorded delivery and received by 31st July.
Code of Ethics
Below is the mandatory Code of Ethics that all Dachshunds Clubs have adopted in agreement with the Kennel Club (updated 2015).
All breeders who register their puppies, and new owners who register ownership of their dogs with the Kennel Club, accept the jurisdiction of the Kennel Club and undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics.
Breeders/Owners:
1. Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.
2. Will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, or who carries out a caesarean section on a bitch, may report such operation to the Kennel Club.
3. Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.
4. Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.
5. Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.
6. Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.
7. Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
8. Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.
9. Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.
10. Will only sell dogs where there is a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy life and will help with the re-homing of a dog if the initial circumstances change.
11. Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
12. Will ensure that all relevant Kennel Club documents are provided to the new owner when selling or transferring a dog, and will agree, in writing, to forward any relevant documents at the earliest opportunity, if not immediately available.
13. Will not sell any dog to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers or directly or indirectly allow dogs to be given as a prize or donation in a competition of any kind. Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand alone items (not accompanying a dog).
14. Will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog.
15. Will provide a statement that the dog/puppy has been wormed and a suggested routine to follow.
16. Will provide an insurance certificate covering veterinary fees for a minimum of four weeks from the date of purchase.
17. Will discourage indiscriminate breeding, bearing in mind always the welfare of the bitch as a primary consideration and the long-term welfare of any puppies bred by me.
18. Will take all reasonable steps to ensure that breeding stock is of good physical and genetic health, of acceptable temperament and fit for function (e.g. be able to see, breathe normally, be physically fit, and able to exercise freely).
19. Will use all Health Scheme tests currently required or recommended for the KC Assured Breeder Scheme on all breeding stock.
20. Will make responsible decisions in the light of Health Scheme test results to avoid producing clinically affected puppies and will follow any breeding advice issued under each scheme prior to breeding.
21. Will not knowingly mate 2 dapples together.
22. Will not allow any of my dogs to be used irresponsibly at stud… (a) any bitch must have had KC required or recommended health tests
(or be hereditary clear) and therefore any puppies produced will NOT be affected.
23. Will not breed irresponsibly… (a) from any bitch less than one year of age at the time of mating and only when she is considered mature enough to raise a litter of puppies. (b) from any bitch who has already reached the age of 8 years at the date of whelping, save in exceptional circumstances and only provided application is made to the KC prior to the mating (supported by veterinary evidence as to the suitability of the bitch involved in the proposed whelping) and the proposed dam has previously whelped at least one other registered litter, and permission has been received. (c) from any bitch who has whelped 4 litters. (d) more than one litter in a twelve-month period per bitch (except with veterinary advice).
24. Will not breed from a bitch who has had 2 caesarean sections (as this may indicate possible whelping difficulties).
25. Will not import, export or exhibit any bitch who is more than 28 days in whelp.
26. Will ensure that any dog or bitch exported by me is health tested using any tests which are “Required” or “Recommended” under the KC’s Assured Breeder Scheme prior to export and the test results are notified to the new owner(s).
27. Will not let puppies go to their new homes before the age of 8 weeks and will comply with the legislation requiring them to be the first registered keeper of their puppies by microchipping them by 8 weeks.
28. As a judge I will act with courtesy and integrity to all exhibitors, I will judge according to the standard of points and will consider as part of my decisions the temperament and physical condition of the dogs judged. In particular, exhibits which appear thin and undernourished should be seriously penalised.
29. As an exhibitor I will enjoy and applaud other people’s success, be welcoming to newcomers and ensure as far as I am able that my dogs behave quietly at a show.
30. No member shall use social media to make derogatory comments – direct or implied – about another member, the association
or an official of the association. Such conduct may be considered incompatible with continued membership and may lead to the expulsion of that member.
Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from club membership, and/or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action, as appropriate.
It is a condition of membership of the Club that, on payment of subscription, members agree to abide by the Rules & Regulations and take note and act in accordance with the Code of Ethics.
All rights reserved. The Wire Haired Dachshund Club
© 2024
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