Member’s  ‘ By Laws of the Club’

For all domestic, pet, pedigree registered and/or show rabbits in my care I will to the best of my ability:

¨       On a daily basis make sure rabbits are well fed and supplied with clean drinking water at all times.

¨       Provide regularly cleaned, adequately sized, escape proof hutches with fly screen wire attached. As well as daily exercise in a run or around the house.

¨       Quarantine infectious rabbits and ensure they receive appropriate medical attention whenever required. (Please notify the IRS about Myxomatosis or Calicivirus outbreaks! Confidentiality assured, we will only notify and forewarn members by the applicable town or suburb)

¨       Do not neglect, physically abuse, mistreat or allow needless suffering. (Genuine cases of ill treatment should be reported to an animal welfare organization or notify a IRS committee member)

¨       Never release any unwanted rabbits into the wild always endeavour to rehome them.

¨       Be responsible in breeding programs to improve the quality of the breed. Always let the IRS know when starting a specific breeding program if cross breeding for colour or type or trying to come up with something new eg ( Dutch Lops or Jersey wooly Lops ) never sell off spring from these programs as pure bred until they are recognised as a new breed .

¨       Show concern and consideration for breeding does especially do not mate too frequently 3 times a year is plenty or before adulthood. (The criteria for adults would be according to the mature age of specific breeds and not necessarily to the BRC Show Standard of five months).

¨       Never bring unhealthy or pregnant rabbits to shows or displays.

¨       Not to knowingly sell a kitten under the age six to eight weeks, in poor health, affected by any contagious disease or with a genetic physical condition. Six weeks at breeder’s discretion depending of breed of rabbit.

¨       Do not sell to children younger than 16 unless accompanied by an adult or without parental consent.

¨       Remove identification rings from rabbits sold or given away as pets.

¨       Honour a promise or agreement to supply pedigree papers in a timely manner, i.e. within thirty days of selling your rabbits. If you choose not issue pedigree papers or they are unavailable, it is advisable to notify the buyer at the time of purchase.

¨       Breeder’s restrictions will not be given out to any breeder purchasing a rabbit.

¨       Be honest and provide helpful information when dealing with the public. Aim to conduct yourself in a manner so as not to jeopardise the reputation of the IRS and rabbit fanciers in general.

Failure to adhere or respect the IRS ‘By Laws’ may result in disciplinary action (i.e. suspension) or forfeits membership, constitutional rights and privileges.