Ethics Statement

Members shall professionally and honestly represent the alpaca industry at all times.

Members will demonstrate proper care for the alpaca required by each member's County ordinances and State statues and considering the industry standard for care in health, husbandry and current practices by proper housing, nutrition, overall soundness, vet care, humane euthanization and the appropriate monitoring thereof. *Please see below for minimum standards of care.

Make responsible breeding choices to enhance the North American alpaca herd.

Provide full disclose and concise information to potential buyers, including purchase options, appropriate care, and animal history through the maintenance of accurate written records.

Review contracts and agreements with buyers including the confirmed understanding of buyer and owner responsibilities and the method of timing of transferring ownership in writing.

Provide on-going education, resources, and support to buyers and the public for the promotion of the alpaca industry as a whole.

Grievance Procedure

Responsibilities of the Ethics Committee

-Maintain and review annually the Ethics Procedure, including the selection of the chairperson, meeting schedule, and records retention.

-Using the Ethics Statement and a guide, act as the review body for the complaints against association members. Report recommendations to the BOD. Grievance Process

-Complaint Filing: The complaint must submit the issue in writing to the Committee Chair on the appropriate grievance form (to be made later). The Chair and committee will review and determine within seven working days whether the complaint is valid and, if so, review further.

- Complaint Process: The committee will review, discuss, and make recommendations to the BOD within 30 days of receipt of the complaint.

-Disciplinary Actions: The committee will recommend appropriate corrective/disciplinary action deemed necessary, including suspension or revocation from FABA.

-Administration

The BOD, by an affirmative vote of the majority of directors, will determine the final outcome of the event and notify both the committee and the individuals in writing.

* Minimum Standard of Care is mandatory to llama and alpaca survival and humane treatment.

These are the most basic requirements that all llamas and alpacas must-have for physical well-being and, as such, define minimum requirements for animal control officers and government officials investigating questionable llama and alpaca care situations.

1. WATER: Animals should have continuous access to potable drinking water.

2. NUTRITION: Animals should have nourishment adequate to sustain life and health.

3. SHELTER: Animals should have a natural or man-made shelter that enables them to find relief from extreme weather conditions. The sheltered area must allow for the ability to stand, lie down, rest, and reasonably move about.

4. MOBILITY: Animals should have a living area through which they can move freely and exercise independently.

5. NEGLECT: Animals should have a physical appearance free from signs of serious neglect. Signs of serious neglect may include such things as crippled ambulation due to severely curled toenails, ingrown halters, or living conditions not meeting the minimums listed above.

6. SAFETY: Animals should be reasonably safeguarded from injury or death within their defined living environment and/or when traveling.

7. CRUELTY: Animals should be reasonably safeguarded from cruel treatment and actions that endanger life or health or cause avoidable suffering.

8. SOCIALIZATION: Llamas and alpacas are herd animals and should not live alone without a companion animal. A cria (a baby llama or alpaca under six months) should not be raised apart from other llamas or alpacas.

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