CODE OF ETHICS FOR DAIRY CATTLE EXHIBITORS
Every dairy cattle exhibitor must read and adhere to the Code. The signature of the exhibitor is MANDATORY on the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair’s entry form BEFORE entries will be processed by the RAWF Agriculture Show Office staff. By signing this entry form, an exhibitor agrees to abide by all livestock breed rules and regulations for showing. In order to present a positive image to spectators, the following is designed to support good animal husbandry both at home and at The Royal. The Royal will be monitoring the barns and will provide full reports to breed associations of any observed contraventions to the Code of Ethics for Dairy Cattle Exhibitors. EXHIBITORS SHALL PROVIDE, IF SO REQUESTED, SAMPLES OF URINE, BLOOD, OR MILK FROM A SPECIFIED ANIMAL SUITABLE FOR ANALYSIS. |
ULTRASOUND PROCEDURES
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair will proceed with an enhanced program to detect any unethical fitting procedures. Ultrasound analysis will be conducted on the udders of designated milking cattle. Additionally, milk samples may be drawn from randomly selected cows. The ultrasound procedure will be supervised by an accredited veterinarian. The results of the ultrasound and the interpretations will be made available to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the respective breed association. Only authorized individuals will be allowed into the assigned ultrasound area.
ULTRASOUND PROCEDURES FOR DAIRY BREEDS WITH MORE THAN 100 ENTRIES
- In each milking class the 1st – 5th placing animals will be tested. If there are more than 10 head in a class, then the 7th and 9th placing animals will also be tested
ULTRASOUND PROCEDURE FOR DAIRY BREEDS WITH LESS THAN 100 ENTRIES
- In each milking class the 1st – 3rd placing animals will be tested. In addition, if there are more than 8 head in a class then the 5th and the 7th placing animals will also be tested.
- The Showperson of the animals with the aforementioned placings will receive an official ultrasound card from The
RAWF containing the following information: Placing, Animal Name, and Ring Number. This card must be submitted to the Ultrasound Technician upon arrival. - Designated animals are requested to be immediately taken to the assigned area. If the ultrasound is not conducted by the end of the show day, the prize money for this animal will be withheld and a warning will be sent to the exhibitor. Animals must not be milked prior to the ultrasound. This may lead to disqualification
ULTRASOUND PROCEDURE FOR INVITATIONAL SUPREME ENTRIES
- Breed Champions invited to participate in the Quality Seeds Dairy Supreme Championship must participate in ultrasound testing prior to the start of the Supreme Championship Show.
- Some animals may be required to have an additional ultrasound examination after being milked out. Refusing a second check will result in disqualification.
INFRACTIONS AND PENALTIES
- The protocol is designed to detect any foreign substance which may be inserted into the udder for cosmetic purposes. A veterinarian will determine any infraction and certify their interpretation. This is the responsibility of the RAWF and its ultrasound personnel.
- Any infraction of the rules and regulations will result in disciplinary action by the respective breed association. This may include, but is not limited to, probations and suspensions of owner(s) and fitter(s), or their representatives either individually and/or a combination thereof.
DAIRY CATTLE SHOW CONDUCT RULES
The following Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules promote good sportsmanship among exhibtiors, support good animal husbandry practices, and present a positive image to spectators. These Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules apply at all times while present within and around the fairground or show property. For all Dairy Cattle Shows, these Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules are enforced by the Breed Association, operating under its by-laws.
Violations of these Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules are subject to the disciplinary provisions of the Standard Procedures for Enforcing the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules, and/or other applicable show rules or regulations.
All owners, exhibitors, fitters, handlers, or other persons action on behalf of the owners of animals (hereafter referred to as the "Animal Owner Group") shall abide by the following rules.
AMINISTRATIVE NOTES:
- For the purposes of these Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules, all treatments of animals are deemed to have occurred on the fairgrounds or show property. All treatments will be considered illegal unless authorized in writing by a practicing veterinarian located on the fairgrounds or show property. If such authorized or prescribed treatments of an animal will likely change visual appearance, these must be administered at least twelve (12) hours before a showing of an animal.
- The Standard Procedures for Enforcing the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules shall be applied to any violation of these Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules. The defined terms in the Standard Procedures for Enforcing the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules apply to these Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules, unless otherwise indicated.
- The Animal Owner Group shall have the opportunity to seek clarification on any points or details of these Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules from the Show Associates authorized by the show, including interpretation, enforcement and associated penalties.
- Certain methods and equipment will be used to monitor and record unethical practices and procedures, including, but not limited to, cameras and videos.
- Every effort will be made to ensure privacy and professionalism towards all parties involved in any suspected violation of the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules.
Show Organizers: refers to the person(s) or entities that are organizing, endorsing and managing the show and their officials, directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents or volunteers. |
Show Associates: refers to the person(s) or group of persons that are monitoring, either through a physical presence or attending the ultrasound booth, and assisting in the interpretation and enforcement of the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules. |
Rules Committee: refers to a separate group of individuals that provide a secondary level of review pertaining to any violations that are deemed to have occurred. This committee is composed of the following:- Show Associates; Breed Association’s President and CEO; and Two (2) other persons designated by the Breed Association’s management
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Review Panel: refers to a separate group of individuals that provide a next level of review pertaining to any Violations that is deemed to have occurred. This panel shall be composed of the following:- Two (2) Breed Association’s Vice-Presidents; and An external person named by the board of the Breed Association
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Appeal Committee: as defined in the By-Laws of the Breed Association, shall be comprised of the Three (3) members appointed by the board of Breed Associations. |
UNACCEPTABLE PRACTICES OR CONDUCT: The following practices or conduct are prohibited in showing registered Dairy Cattle:
- General
- Misrepresenting the age, calving date, number of lactations, or ownership of an animal;
- Failure to submit upon request any samples of urine, milk, blood, or any other bodily Fluids of the animal.
- Failure to provide upon request any device, material, medicine, or substance, whether in liquid or other form for the purpose of laboratory analysis
- Failure to fulfill any other inspection cooperation requirements set out in the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules or in the Standard Procedures for Enforcing Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules.
- Failure to comply with ultrasound procedures.
- Body
- Unnaturally filling an animal’s rumen with liquid (tubing), except for health reasons related to a physical examination and prescription from a veterinarian. Should tubing be necessary within twelve (12) hours before the start of a show, an animal will no longer be eligible to be exhibited;
- Administering epidural anaesthesia (blocking tails) and/or applying an irritant externally or internally to the perineal (rectum and vagina) area;
- Performing any kind of surgery to alter the natural contour of appearance of an animal’s body, hide or hair (not including, removal of warts, teats and/or horns; clipping and/or dressing of hair; or trimming of hooves); Inserting foreign material/articles under the skin, into the topline, including hair not attached to its own hair follicle;
- Performing alterations of any kind to change the visual appearance of an animal, except the painting of spots smaller than six (6) inches in diameter on one side.
- For Jersey Cattle: Performing alterations of any kind to change the visual apperance of an amimal, except colour touch up of a maximum of 4" on either side of the spine (topline) or hoof polishes.
- Feet and Legs
- Applying foreign material/articles on the feet;
- Draining fluid from hocks, unless authorized by a veterinarian appointed by the Show Organizers
- Udder
- Balancing the udder by any means other than by leaving naturally produced milk in any or all quarters;
- Treating the udder internally with an irritant, counterirritant, or any other substance to temporarily improve conformation or produce unnatural animation;
- Treating the udder externally with an irritant, counterirritant, or any other substance to temporarily improve conformation or produce unnatural animation. (It is an allowable practice to seal and set teats, or to use external anti-inflammatory substances for the well-being of the animal); or
- Roping udders and the use of objects to physically improve definition of the median suspensory ligament;
- Electro-stimulator machines (Dairy-Cell) are not permitted during the 24 hours before the start of the first class.
- Conduct
- Criticizing or interferring with judges, Show Organizers, Show Management, Show Associates, or other exhibitors at any time while present within and around fairgrounds or show property;
- Any conduct that violates, directly or indirectly, recongized standard show practices; or
- Any other conduct that typically considered discreditable which could damage the image of the breed, show, or Breed Association.
- Discreditable conduct includes, but is not limited to, acts that include the following:
- violence or threat of violence;
- verbal abuse and/or use of derogatory language;
- harassment of any kind; or
- improper and/or unprofessional behaviours
Co-operation Requirements: The Animal Owner Group shall also abide by the following:
- Upon request, the Animal Owner Group shall provide to Show Associates any hypodermic syringes, needles, or other devices, swabs, cloths, or materials, or samples of any medicine, preparation or substance, whether in liquid and/or other form, for the purposes of laboratory analysis.
- The Animal Owner Group is subject to supervised insepction by Show Associates authorized for a show. All such persons shall fully cooperate with Show Associates and Show Organizers shall:
- Provide unhindered access to the animal;
- Provide all information requested by Show Associates in connection with thier inspections;
- Remove any udder supports, blankets, or other barrier objects which might limit the ability of Show Associates to undertake a thorough inspection;
- Upon request, permit the taking of samples of urine, milk, blood, and any other bodily fluids suitble for analysis; and
- Comply with ultrasound procedures as directed by Show Associates or Show Organizers during the show.
STANDARD PROCEDURES FOR ENFORCING DAIRY CATTLE SHOW CONDUCT RULES
These Standard Procedures for Enforcing Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules (“Standard Procedures”) will be used to enforce the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules, as published by Breed Association’s and the Show Organizers.
Infractions and Penalties: The standard penalties prescribed for infractions of the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules are set out in a separate document with the title “Infractions and Penalties”. These are the penalties that will be applied under these Standard Procedures.
Before the Show
- The Show Organizers will ensure that all owners/exhibitors sign (by hardcopy or electronic submission) an agreement to abide by the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules, either as a separate document or as part of the entry form.
- The Show Organizers will appoint designated person(s) to act as Show Associates at a Dairy Cattle Show. The Show Associates will be responsible for overseeing compliance with the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules
During the Show
- For the purpose of monitoring compliance, Show Associates shall have the authority to perform, on any animal entered for showing, any test, examination, inspection or analysis, that Show Associates, in their sole discretion, consider useful for assessing compliance with the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules, including without limitation:
- an ultrasound examination of the udder, prior to and after milk-out where the possibility of such examination has been announced before any judging in the class in which the animal is entered;
- a milk-out of any individual cow or cows;
- the collection and testing of any of the animal’s body fluids, at any time; and at any time, any other technology, and other inspections and/or analysis, including autopsy
- At any time, Show Associates may require the delivery of the following items in the possession or control of all owners, exhibitors, fitters, handlers, or other persons acting on behalf of the owners of animals (hereafter the “Animal Owner Group”), for the purpose of laboratory analysis: hypodermic syringes, needles, other devices, swabs, cloths, other materials, samples or any medicines, preparations, or substances, whether in liquid and/or other form
- Upon request from Show Associates, the members of the Animal Owner Group shall promptly provide any information and produce any document required by Show Associates for the proper monitoring of compliance with the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules and shall fully cooperate with any inspections.
- Show Associates will try to warn an exhibitor or their representative before showing that:
- complaint has been received of a possible violation of the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules concerning the animal to be shown; or
- the Show Associates have a reasonable belief that there would likely be a violation of the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules if the exhibitor’s animal is shown.
- If the exhibitor decides not to show the animal after receiving such a warning, no violation of the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules will be considered to have occurred and no disciplinary measures will be taken against the Animal Owner Group. The Show Associates will only give the above-noted warning to an exhibitor or their representative where they, in their sole discretion, consider it reasonable and practical to do so, though not in circumstances of disqualification of entries under the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules after showing.
- Prior to milk-out and following the judging of the milking classes, Show Associates shall have the option either to ultrasound the udders of a representative number of animals in each of the milking classes or to take milk samples from a representative group of animals. If Show Associates plan either to ultrasound the udders or to take milk samples, they will announce this before the judging of the milking classes.
After the Show
- If within seven (7) days following the judging of the classes, the Show Associates considers that there has been a violation of the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules, these Standard Procedures, or other show rules and regulations, Show Associates will meet with the Rules Committee to advise of their findings.
- If the Rules Committee considers that there is a reason-able basis for a Show Associate’s opinion of a possible violation of the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules, these Standard Procedures, or other show rules and regulations, applicable members of the Animal Owner Group shall be notified of the alleged violation within forty-five (45) days after the judging of the classes and shall confidentially be provided with the basis for the allegation and the penalty that would apply under these Standard Procedures (Infractions and Penalties section).
- An Animal Owner Group receiving a written notice of violation and associated penalty (the “Affected Party”) will have the following options that must be elected within thirty (30) days of receipt of a notice of violation:
- Option 1: Confidentially resolve the matter by accepting the penalty, signing the relevant documents presented, and making payment of the associated Breed Association administration costs requested in the notice; or
- Option 2: Request a meeting with the Review Panel for the Show in order to receive and discuss information supporting the basis for the alleged violation and the assigned penalty, and to make representations to the panel for its consideration in relation to the alleged violation
- If an option is not elected within thirty (30) days, the Affected Party shall be deemed to have acknowledged the violation and accepted the penalty, which shall then be considered final.
- If a meeting is requested as provided under Option 2 above, the Affected Party (assisted by legal counsel or another representative or agent, if they so choose) shall attend the meeting convened with the Review Panel and shall cooperate with and facilitate the Review Panel’s proper determination of matters pending before it by providing any information and producing any documents that may reasonably be requested for the Review Panel’s consideration and determination.
- For the purpose of its determination, the Review Panel shall:
- Receive information and representations from the Show Associates and/or the Rules Committee as to the alleged violation and the basis for the allegation (which information shall be shared with the Affected Party at the meeting);
- Receive information and documents requested from the Affected Party;
- Receive any additional relevant information, documents or representations that the Affected Party wishes to submit;
- Determine if any violation of the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules, these Standard Procedures, or any other applicable show rules or regulations has occurred; and
- After due consideration and when it is ready, provide its determination by majority vote in writing to the Rules Committee and Affected Party
- If the Review Panel has found a violation of the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules, the applicable penalties set out in the “Infractions and Penalties” document portion of these Standard Procedures shall apply. The penalties shall be enforced by the Breed Association with the support of the Show Organizers.
- Any determinations of the Review Panel under these Standard Procedures may be appealed through the Breed Association, using the following processes and requirements:
- The Affected Party may appeal within fifteen (15) days by delivering a written notice of appeal to the Breed Association setting out the grounds of appeal, and accompanied by a $7,500 amount representing security for appeal costs (“Security”). The Security will be used to cover the Breed Association’s administrative costs in the appeal process, but will be refunded if the appeal by the Affected Party is finally determined in its favour.
- The Show Organizers or show management may appeal within fifteen (15) days by following the process for “Complaints Against Any Person” established under the By-Laws of the Breed Association.
- The composition of the Appeal Committee and the process for appeals shall be that provided for under the By Laws of the Breed Association in the sections dealing with “Complaints Against Any Person”
INFRACTIONS AND PENALTIES FOR DAIRY CATTLE EXHIBITORS
PART A - If the following action is observed, supplemental penalties may be applied.
- Excessive uddering of lactating cows is strongly discouraged.
- It will be monitored and subject to a reprimand from Show Associates.
- Performing alterations of any kind to change the visual appearance of an animal, except the painting of spots smaller than six (6) inches in dimension on one side;
- An official warning the first time and an infraction the second time.
PART B - If the following action is observed, an animal will not be allowed in the show ring.
- Excessive alteration of hair beyond 1½ inches from the skin.
- Electro-stimulator machines (Dairy-Cell) will be permitted up to 24 hours before the start of the first class. N.B. For shows in Québec, electro-stimulator machines (Dairy-Cell) are strictly prohibited
PART C - The following category of infractions will be subject to the practice-related penalties described in Part D: Practive Penalties.
- General
- Misrepresenting the age, calving date, number of lactations, or ownership of an animal;Failure to submit upon request any samples of urine, milk, blood, or any other bodily Fluids of the animal.
- Failure to provide upon request any device, material, medicine, or substance, whether in liquid or other form for the purpose of laboratory analysis
- Failure to fulfill any other inspection cooperation requirements set out in the Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules or in the Standard Procedures for Enforcing Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules.
- Failure to comply with ultrasound procedures.
- Body
- Unnaturally filling an animal’s rumen with liquid (tubing), except for health reasons related to a physical examination and prescription from a veterinarian. Should tubing be necessary within twelve (12) hours before the start of a show, an animal will no longer be eligible to be exhibited;
- Administering epidural anaesthesia (blocking tails) and/or applying an irritant externally or internally to the perineal (rectum and vagina) area;
- Performing any kind of surgery to alter the natural contour of appearance of an animal’s body, hide or hair (not including, removal of warts, teats and/or horns; clipping and/or dressing of hair; or trimming of hooves); Inserting foreign material/articles under the skin, into the topline, including hair not attached to its own hair follicle;
- Performing alterations of any kind to change the visual appearance of an animal, except the painting of spots smaller than six (6) inches in diameter on one side.
- For Jersey Cattle: Performing alterations of any kind to change the visual apperance of an amimal, except colour touch up of a maximum of 4" on either side of the spine (topline) or hoof polishes.
- Feet and Legs
- Applying foreign material/articles on the feet;
- Draining fluid from hocks, unless authorized by a veterinarian appointed by the Show Organizers
- Udder
- Balancing the udder by any means other than by leaving naturally produced milk in any or all quarters;
- Treating the udder internally with an irritant, counterirritant, or any other substance to temporarily improve conformation or produce unnatural animation;
- Treating the udder externally with an irritant, counterirritant, or any other substance to temporarily improve conformation or produce unnatural animation. (It is an allowable practice to seal and set teats, or to use external anti-inflammatory substances for the well-being of the animal); or
- Roping udders and the use of objects to physically improve definition of the median suspensory ligament;
- Electro-stimulator machines (Dairy-Cell) are not permitted during the 24 hours before the start of the first class.
PART D - Practice Penalties
- 1st Offence
- One (1) year probation
- Removal of the placing of animal
- Administration costs between the range of $500 to $1,000
- Forfeiture of prize money
- 2nd Offence
- One (1) year suspension
- Removal of the placing of animal
- Administration costs between the range of $1,000 to $2,000
- Forfeiture of prize money
PART E - Conduct Infractions: The following category of infractions will be subject to the practice-realted penalties described in Part F Conduct Penalties.
- Criticizing or interfering with judges, show organizers, show management, show associates or other exhibitors at any time while present within and around fairgrounds or show property;
- Any conduct that violates, directly or indirectly, recognized standard show practices; or
- Any other conduct typically considered discreditable which could damage the image of the breed, show or the Breed Association.
- Discreditable conduct includes, but is not limited to, acts that include the following:
- Violence, or threat of violence;
- Verbal abuse and/or use of derogatory language;
- Harassment of any kind; or
- Improper and/or unprofessional behaviours
PART F - Conduct Penalties
- 1st Offence
- One (1) year suspension
- Administration costs of $2,000
- 2nd Offence
- Two (2) year suspension
- Administration costs of $2,500
- 3rd Offence
- Five (5) year suspension
- Administration costs of $5,000
PART G - Penalties at Shows
Infractions of the Ethics Program will be expanded from the two (2) national shows and be implemented to all shows supported by the Breed Association and monitored by the ethics team. This decision is in effect for the 2018 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and continues thereafter. This Infractions and Penalties document is to be used in conjunction with the following documents:
- Standard Procedures for Enforcing Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules;
- Dairy Cattle Show Conduct Rules; and
- Standard Exhibitor’s Agreement.
PART H - Administrative Notes
Suspension: Means the time period during which animal owners may not have any involvement at a show, including exhibiting, leading, judging, or being an associate judge or ring person |
Probation: Means the time period during which any person who commits an additional infraction will be automatically subject to the next level of penalty. |
Time period: For the purpose of calculating its full duration, the start of a probation or suspension penalty will begin effective the date on which the payment is made of the required administration cost. In addition, until that payment is made, offending persons remain subject to the conditions of penalty imposed. |
Owners: All penalties for infractions are levied against the owner(s). Owner(s) are identified as the individual, or each member of a group of individuals listed and identified by the breed Association under animal ownership during the show in which the infraction occurred. |
One year: Refers to twelve (12) months, including the next edition of the show where the infraction occurred (even if it exceeds twelve (12) months) |
Two years: Refers to twenty-four (24) months, including the next two editions of the show where the infraction occurred (even if it exceeds twenty-four (24) months) |
Three years: Refers to thirty-six (36) months, including the next three editions of the show where the infraction occurred (even if it exceeds thirty-six (36) months) |
Five years: Refers to the sixty (60) months, including the next five editions of the show where the infractions occurred (even if it exceeds sixty (60) months) |