TIBCS Code of Ethics

Revised March 2022

1. PURPOSE

The International Bengal Cat Society, Inc. (TIBCS), is dedicated to the welfare and promotion of the Bengal breed. Responsible breeder members of TIBCS are expected to demonstrate best practices in breeding, promote the ethical  treatment of both Bengals and their owners/buyers, and be an active advocate for the Bengal breed.

To that end, I shall provide responsible care in the breeding of Bengal cats, emphasizing good health, stable temperament, and intelligence as well as appearance.  I shall breed with discrimination and only upon strong evidence of the probability of finding suitable homes for the kittens. I shall treat prospective buyers and owners honestly and responsibly.

2. RECORDS

I shall keep accurate records of all matings and pedigrees, and register breeding stock and litters with at least one recognized  cat association.

3. BREEDING

I shall use for breeding only healthy cats, free from disease or hereditary deformity. If I discover subsequent hereditary medical defects, I shall advise previous buyers of my breeding cats that may be affected by them.

I shall not breed females unless they are in optimum breeding condition.

I shall offer stud service only to owners of registered pedigreed Bengal cats.


4. HEALTH

I shall maintain a good standard of health and care, including adequate room for exercise, regular grooming, clean quarters, and adequate food and water.

I shall not declaw my cats and shall contractually forbid declawing.

Where permanent caging is unavoidable, I shall provide individual cages (one cat per cage) that are a minimum of 4 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 4 feet high.

I shall have my cats tested for both PRA-b and PK def, and ensure that carriers are not bred together.

I shall obtain HCM testing for my breeding cats by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist at one year of age and every one to two years thereafter.

5. SALES

I shall refuse to sell to, to buy from, or to recommend breeders  who sell to cat wholesalers, brokers, or retailers; to donate a Bengal for raffle purposes; or to buy or sell in litter lots.

I shall give buyers an  honest appraisal of a kitten's potential as a pet, breeder, or show cat.

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, good placement of kittens, and responsibilities to buyers and other breeders.

I shall encourage the breeder buyer to join TIBCS.

I shall sell all breeder and show kittens with a written guarantee stating my responsibility should the kitten prove to be sterile or develop a genetic defect that prevents breeding or showing (e.g., in a contract).

I shall provide breeder and show kittens with pedigrees and registration forms.

Before a kitten is sold, I shall ensure that it has received  immunizations appropriate to age and is free of all external and internal parasites (worms, fleas, ear mites, fungus, etc.).

I shall ascertain that all buyers know how to care for a cat or kitten properly, and make myself available to give advice. 

Registration forms for pet kittens shall be withheld until I receive a veterinarian's certification of altering.

I shall supply written instructions on care, feeding, and accommodations with each pet kitten sold.

6. ADVERTISING

I shall ensure that my advertising, oral or written, is factual and not worded to encourage breeding as an easy money scheme.

7. SPORTSMANSHIP

I shall not promote a divisive atmosphere in TIBCS. I shall treat all members with respect and, when necessary, disagree with them without personal or derogatory attacks. I shall discuss disagreements with TIBCS members or officers privately when at all possible and air concerns in a TIBCS forum only.

I shall conduct myself always in a manner that reflects credit upon the Bengal cat breed and myself, especially when attending shows as an exhibitor or a spectator.

 

8. AGREEMENTS

I shall ensure that all agreements/transactions are in writing and signed by all parties (i.e., a contract).


9. SHIPMENT

I shall not ship kittens until they are fully weaned and eating on their own, and able to withstand separation from their parent and litter mates.


10. RESCUE AND REHOMING

If I become aware that a cat of my breeding is found to be abandoned, neglected, mistreated, or in need of rescue, I shall participate in its rescue, relocation, and/or re-homing  to the best of my ability.  This may include monetary donations to rescue groups when other actions are unworkable.

11. ENFORCEMENT AND AMENDMENT

Upon sufficient proof of violations of the Code of Ethics, action shall proceed according to Article VII of the TIBCS Bylaws. This Code of Ethics may be amended by using the procedure set forth for amendment of the TIBCS Bylaws.

I, THE UNDERSIGNED, HAVE READ AND AGREE TO UPHOLD THE CODE OF ETHICS AND THE BYLAWS OF THE INTERNATIONAL BENGAL CAT SOCIETY, INC. I REALIZE THAT MY RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES AS A MEMBER OF TIBCS MAY BE REVOKED IF I DO NOT ABIDE BY MY WORD.