Code of Ethics

North American Boerboel Breeder’s Registry Code of Ethics

DEFINITIONS

  • Complainant refers to the NABBR Member registering a complaint.
  • Respondent refers to the NABBR Member against whom the complaint has been made. 
  • Member refers to a person whose membership with NABBR is paid and in good standing. 
  • Non-Member refers to a person who is not a member of NABBR or a member not in good standing with NABBR.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

  • Cruel & Inhumane Treatment means and includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:. 
  1. Bite Work of any type or by any name (except by trained law enforcement agencies for law enforcement work). 
  2. Blood Sport, including but not limited to fighting, hog hunting, and similar activities. 
  3. Using inhumane techniques, equipment, or methods in the breeding, training, or exhibiting of Boerboels. 
  4. Conduct or treatment deemed cruel, abusive, or inhumane as determined by a reasonable person informed and experienced in accepted Boerboel breeding and exhibition procedures.

Misconduct means and includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following acts by a NABBR Member:  

  • Making misrepresentations or perpetrating fraud related to NABBR regulations, including the breeding, showing, registration, purchase, or sale of Boerboels. 
  • Violating any rules or bylaws of NABBR. 
  • Crossbreeding the Boerboel with any breed other than a Boerboel. 
  • Furnishing false information to NABBR. 
  • Issuing, selling, exchanging, or giving away fraudulent certificates misrepresented as genuine NABBR-issued certificates. 
  • Misrepresenting a registered Boerboel or conspiring to violate NABBR bylaws. 
  • Acting in detriment to the interests of NABBR, its programs, policies, objectives, and the harmonious relationship of its members. 
  • Engaging in cruel or inhumane treatment of Boerboels or failing to treat appraisers, judges, and show officials with courtesy and respect.
  • Directing abusive, threatening, or obscene conduct toward appraisers, judges, show officials, NABBR staff, or members. 

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Ethics Committee is to research and collect information regarding any alleged complaint or inquiry submitted against a NABBR Member. 

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

  1. A member in good standing with NABBR shall have the right to file a complaint with the Executive Committee against another member alleging misconduct.
  2. A member in good standing with NABBR shall have the right to file a complaint with the Executive Committee against a non-member, alleging cruelty, inhumane treatment, or criminal activity involving Boerboels. 
  3. The complainant shall submit two (2) written copies of the complaint to the NABBR office along with a $50.00 fee to cover the expenses of research and information collection. One copy will be submitted to the Executive Committee and the other to the Ethics Committee Chairman. 
  4. No complaint will be considered unless it clearly states the allegations and factual basis. 
  5. Complaints will be reviewed at the discretion of the Executive Committee. 
  6. If a complaint is found to have merit, the Executive Committee shall require the Ethics Committee to investigate further.

INVESTIGATION OF MISCONDUCT

  1. The Executive Committee is the initial forum that receives evidence of alleged misconduct.
  2. The Ethics Committee shall investigate all complaints thoroughly.
  3. The Ethics Committee may request written, oral, and physical evidence from relevant individuals or entities, including the respondent.
  4. The respondent must be given fourteen (14) days’ notice to respond to the complaint. Notice shall be deemed effective if sent via certified mail or email to the respondent’s last known address, ensuring a minimum of fourteen (14) days for response.
  5. If the respondent fails to respond within the given time frame, the Executive Committee may suspend their membership privileges until compliance is achieved.
  6. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the Ethics Committee shall submit all collected evidence to the Executive Committee for consideration.
  7. If the Executive Committee determines that the allegations constitute misconduct, they shall present the matter to the Board of Directors for a disciplinary decision. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board is required for any disciplinary action.
  8. If the allegations involve cruelty or inhumane treatment (regardless of membership status), the case shall be referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities and the Humane Society for further action.
  9. The respondent has the right to appear before the Board of Directors.
  10. All decisions made by the Board of Directors are final and not subject to appeal.

CONFIDENTIALITY

  1. 1. All complaints received shall be treated as confidential. 
  2. The Ethics Committee shall investigate all matters in an impartial and professional manner. 
  3. The Ethics Committee shall collect and research information responsibly.  
Any member or individual communicating (in any form) outside the Executive or Ethics Committee about a complaint, the information collected, or the investigation’s outcome is in violation of NABBR rules and subject to disciplinary action. As members of NABBR, we must uphold the integrity of the Registry and its members.