SHOW RING CODE OF ETHICS
This code of ethics applies
to anyone exhibiting animals at livestock shows in the
The following practices or
procedures are unacceptable and are defined as being deceptive, fraudulent,
unethical, and inhumane in the care, fitting, preparation and showing of all
classes of live-stock. The use of
any illegal drugs is prohibited.
Legal or illegal substances used to phenotypically alter the appearance of an
animal entered in livestock events is prohibited (see rule #4).
Use of illegal drugs is
considered a premeditated act!
Furthermore,
any information obtained in the practice of illegal alteration of an animal will
be turned over to the proper authorities for criminal prosecution.
THIS IS A ONE STRIKE AND YOU ARE OUT
POLICY! Exhibitor will forfeit
any premium, awards, or auction proceeds, and will be prohibited from further
competition at shows in the
The following is a listing
of guidelines all exhibitors must follow to enter livestock at organized
competitive events:
1) All exhibitors must have viable proof (Junior division) of ownership available to prove length of time animals have been owned. Market animals (Beef, Sheep, Swine, Goats) must be owned and under exhibitors daily care according to established rules and regulations for the fair or livestock exposition. This also includes all small market animals (rabbits and poultry). The official ownership date is the date shown on the bill of sale, unless the animal was bred by the exhibitor, in which calving or birth records must be shown. (Local rules may determine ownership requirements for non-market animals). Registered breeding livestock must show the exhibitor as the sole owner of the animal on the breed association papers or certificates.
2) No
exhibitor may show an animal which has been previously sold at an auction or
sale as a market animal through another fair, livestock show, whether or not
there is an actual change of ownership (progressive level shows excluded).
Any method used to misrepresent the age of an animal for a class in which
it is shown is deceptive and considered illegal.
Showing an animal for another individual by claiming ownership in order
to show in a specific livestock class or event is prohibited. False ownership is
illegal.
3) Junior exhibitors
are expected to feed, water, care for bedding, cleaning and groom their animals
while at the fair or livestock show.
(Individual consideration will be given in extenuating circumstances.)
Adults will not be allowed to physically assist in the preparation of the
animal while at the show. Verbal
instruction will be allowed, but no
physical assistance is permitted.
Physical assistance may be rendered by other junior aged members in good
standing in 4-H and FFA programs.
Any violations of this rule may result in immediate disqualification from
the show.
4)
Treating an animal internally or externally, with any irritant,
counter-irritant, or other substance used to artificially change the
conformation or appearance of an animal for show is considered unethical,
inhumane, and is prohibited. This
includes, but is not limited to the use of graphite, powders, hemp, artificial
hair coloring, common products such as fly spray, ointment or liniment used to
the point that it is irritating, (unless required to reduce edema at time of
calving) or similar type products.
The use of dyes, spray paint or other artificial coloring which result in
altering an animals true and natural appearance and/or color is prohibited.
Adding false hair or hair-like material, fleece or skin at any point, spot or
area of the animals body is illegal and will result in immediate
disqualification. Any liquid or substance not considered part of an accepted and
normal diet for livestock is deemed illegal and inhumane. For example; the use
of alcoholic or carbonated beverages as a drench or filler, etc.
5)
The use of tranquilizers, sedatives, or depressants which alter the
physical or physiological state of the animal is illegal.
Exceptions to this rule would be a licensed, certified veterinarian's
treatment for a recognized disease or injury, or recommendation for
tranquilizing breeding animals in heat that might compromise the safety of
others. The drugs must be approved by The Food and Drug Administration for use
in meat producing animals. All
exhibitors shall advise show management of any drugs and/or medications
administered to an animal that might be detected at the time of showing or at
meat inspection. The name of the
drug, its purpose, the person who administered the drug, time and date of
administration shall be presented to show management prior to the showing and
sale of the animal. Failure to
report this information to the show management will result in severe penalty
and/or disqualification. Any use
of drugs or substances
not approved by the Food and Drug Adminis-tration is strictly prohibited.
All animals entered into livestock competition shall be subject to
testing for foreign substances that exceed acceptable levelsestablished by the
FDA, FSIS, USDA, or EPA. During the
livestock events, in the case of animals requiring treatment, all medications
shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian and the livestock show
officials shall be notified.
6) Surgery, injection or insertion of foreign material OR AIR under the skin and/or into the flesh of an animal to change the natural contour, conformation or appearance of an animals body is illegal. This includes vegetable oil, silicon or any other substance used to alter the shape of the animal. Acceptable practices of physical preparation which are allowed include, clipping of hair, trimming of hooves, de-horning, or removal of ancillary teats.
7) The
balancing or the udder by abnormal means that includes the use of a mechanical
contrivance or the injection of fluid or drugs, setting the teats and/or
occluding (sealing the ends) with a mechanical contrivance or with the use of a
chemical preparation is illegal. Treating or massaging the udder or its
attachments with an irritant or counter-irritant is prohibited.
8)
The use of inhumane fitting, showing and/or handling practices or devices shall
not be tolerated. For example, breaking of tails, striking of the animal to
cause swelling or for bracing purposes, use of an electrical contrivance, or use
of overly severe bits is not acceptable.
9) Direct
criticism or interference with the judge, show management, other exhibitors,
breed representatives or show officials before, during, or after the competitive
event is prohibited.
10) At the time
an animal is sold at auction at the livestock show, the exhibitor shall be held
directly responsible for animals that are rejected at a processing center due to
the presence of foreign residues. The seller may be liable to the buyer for an
amount equal to three times the purchased price and may also be liable for
attorneys fees and civil penalties.
Show Management may share acceptable intelligence and evidence information with
FDA and USDA. If for any reason,
any part of a meat animal carcass must be removed by the FDA or USDA inspectors,
the market price will be discounted.
11) Show management reserves the right to require animal health
certificates. Health inspections
and diagnostic tests may be made before or after animals are on the livestock
show premises for exhibitor and animal safety, or to regulate disease control
procedures which may become necessary in emergencies as determined by animal
health officials.
Any violation of
"The Show Ring Code of Ethics" or
specific rules as designated by individual fairs and livestock shows will result
in forfeiture of premiums and awards, disqualification, and
may result in probationary status and/or loss of eligibility for future
participation in organized livestock competition.
Possible civil penalties may be imposed by the proper authorities based
on evidence provided by the livestock show of exhibitors in violation of the
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic act/or the animal mistreatment, neglect, and
abandonment laws that apply on the local, state, and national levels. The
decision of the livestock show management will be final. Other cooperating
shows, (The International Association of Fairs and Expositions, The American
Livestock Show and Rodeo Managers Association, and Western Fairs Association)
will be notified of the action taken by the show management, which may affect
the eligibility of the individual, group, or sponsoring organization for
participation at other shows who are also members of these organizations.
By
making entry in this livestock show or event you are verifying you have read The
Show Ring Code of Ethics and understand the consequences of and penalties
involved for illegal, unethical, inhumane, and unfair practices of competition.
You also verify that you and your family may be prohibited from future
participation in organized fairs and livestock shows in the