Code of Ethics

1. PURPOSE

In breeding of Bengal cats, emphasis shall be placed on good health, stable temperament, intelligence, and conformation consistent with TIBBA Breed Standards. I agree to breed with discrimination and with the best interest of TIBBA and the Bengal breed in mind.

I agree to keep accurate records of all matings and pedigrees and to register breeding stock and litters with at least one recognized cat association preferably the International Progressive Cat Breeders Alliance (IPCBA).

I shall use for breeding only healthy cats, free from disease or hereditary deformity, keeping the Bengal Standard in mind.  If I discover subsequent hereditary defects, I shall advise previous buyers.

Recommendations:

a. Females should not be bred until at least one year old, unless there have been two heat cycles or medical indications.
b. Females shall not be bred unless they are in optimum breeding condition.
c. When breeding for Bengals, Stud service should only be offered to owners of pedigreed Bengal Cats, also pedigreed Bengal queens may be offered to owners of pedigreed Bengal studs,  preferably who are TIBBA members.
d. Agreement should be reached before breeding on options to be taken should the female have further complications with resorbing kittens or failure to conceive.
e. Any breeder should refrain from further breeding if having difficulty placing kittens.
f. If I become aware that a cat of my breeding is found to be abandoned, neglected, mistreated, or in need of rescue, I will participate in its rescue, relocation, and/or rehoming to the best of my ability.

I agree to maintain a good standard of health and care including adequate room for exercise, clean quarters, adequate food and water, regular worming, parasite controls, and adequate immunizations when needed.

I shall refuse to sell a Bengal cat (s) to pet shops.  I shall refuse to recommend Bengal cat breeders who sell to cat wholesalers or pet shops.  I shall refuse to donate a Bengal cat for raffle purposes.  I shall refuse to sell Bengal cats in litter lots.

Before selling a kitten as a breeder, I shall ascertain that the buyer is fully aware of all the ramifications of breeding, such as expenses, time involved in care, necessary facilities, and good placement of kittens, and responsibilities to buyers and other breeders.

I shall encourage the breeder buyer to join TIBBA. I shall ascertain that all buyers know how to care for a cat or kitten properly, and make myself available to give advice. I will give buyers an honest appraisal of a kitten's potential as a pet, breeder, or show cat. All breeder and show kittens should be sold with a written guarantee stating the seller's responsibility should the kitten prove to be sterile or develop a genetic defect that prevents breeding or showing. The course of action to be taken is a matter for each breeder to specify in his guarantee.

I shall provide a receipt for all deposits received which states what happens if the buyer changes his mind. A pedigree may be provided with pet kittens but registration forms will be withheld until the breeder receives a veterinarian's certification of altering.   If a breeder does not want to provide registration or pedigree papers for a pet kitten, the buyer must be informed of that fact before purchase. All breeder and show kittens will have pedigrees and registration forms provided with them.  Before a kitten is sold, it must receive immunizations appropriate to age. Kittens should be free of all external and internal parasites (worms, fleas, ear mites, fungus, etc). Breeders should supply written instructions on care, feeding, and accommodations with each kitten sold.

Advertising, oral or written, shall be factual. I shall represent TIBBA members, with the utmost respect and highest regard. I will price my kittens and cats reasonably, but high enough to reflect the high quality and years of hard work behind their breeding and not to undermine other TIBBA breeders.  I will refrain from unfairly making negative or derogatory comments or statements regarding any generation of Bengal cats.  I realize and acknowledge that each cat/kitten is an individual and dependent on the socialization that he/she received from his/her breeder(s) and his/her subsequent owners(s).

I shall conduct myself always in a manner that reflects credit upon TIBBA, the Bengal breed and me, especially when attending shows as an exhibitor or spectator. I shall abide by the various registries and clubs rules and customs. I shall be a good loser and a gracious winner, remembering that having happy, healthy Bengals is much more important than winning trophies and titles.

TIBBA strongly recommends that all transactions be in writing. This includes stud service agreements, breeding rights,  breeder’s or seller’s guarantees on kittens, cats, deposits for kittens, etc. TIBBA also recommends that receipts be issued for all payments and deposits. If problems arise later, it is difficult to determine a fair course of action when agreements were verbal and cash changed hands without receipts.

Shipping can be a frightening experience for any animal; consequently TIBBA recommends that, if possible, the kitten be picked up by its new owner.  If this is not possible, the only method of shipping that we recommend is air freight arranged directly with the airline, preferably counter-to-counter.  This will specify exact routing and arrival time.  Kittens should be in optimum condition and should not be shipped younger than ten weeks of age unless in special circumstances and purchaser is fully aware of the possible complications.

a.  Upon joining TIBBA's E-mail list, I agree to abide by all TIBBA E-mail list rules.  The list rules are posted by the web bot once a month.  I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to familiarize myself with them.  I am also aware the list rules are subject to change by TIBBA's  Board.  Any changes to the list rules will be posted to the list by the Board, List Moderator, and/or the web bot.

b.  I agree that any questions, comments, suggestions, or criticisms of TIBBA organization or disciplinary matter will be directed solely to the entire TIBBA Board, current address is  TIBBA Board. E-mail address is subject to change, notice will be provided on TIBBA's E-mail list.

c.  I agree that I will make no attempt to circumvent or undermine the confidentiality of TIBBA's Board by contacting one or more Board members privately in order to gain information regarding any Board decisions, discussions, meetings, or disciplinary actions.  I am fully cognizant that all Board decisions are final and confidential.

Upon sufficient proof of violations of the TIBBA Code of Ethics, the TIBBA Executive Board will take proper action which may result in the removal of membership. This Code of Ethics may be amended by the Executive Board with prior notification.

I, the undersigned, have read and agree to uphold the Code of Ethics and the Constitution of The International Bengal Breeders' Association, Inc.  I realize that my rights and privileges as a member of TIBBA may be revoked if I do not abide by my word.

To submit your application to become a TIBBA Breeder member, click the printable form APPLICATION for MEMBERSHIP

Complete the form and make check payable to TIBBA or The International Bengal Breeders' Association, Inc.

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