AMERICAN DONKEY AND MULE SOCIETY
BREEDERS CODE OF ETHICS

The American Donkey and Mule Society,is the only National Breed Organization in the United States for Donkeys and Mules of all types and zebra hybrids. It administers the Miniature Donkey Registry, The American Donkey Registry, The American Mule Registry, The American Zebra Hybrid/Bloodstock Registry and the American Mule Racing Registry.
The American Donkey and Mule Society requests that all breeders subscribe to the following Code of Ethics to promote and foster the highest standards among breeders, owners and fanciers, and to encourage sportsmanship and cooperation in the advancement and protection of all donkeys, mules and hybrids.

RECORDS:
I am familiar with and follow the registry requirements for my breed.
I will keep accurate records and retain those records for a minimum of 5 years. These records will include registry paperwork and health and breeding paperwork for all animals in my herd. I will notify the registry of the death of an animal and will work with the registry to keep records current.
I will report any person who falsifies a registration or knowingly misrepresents a pedigree to the Registry.

BREEDING:
I shall plan each breeding with the paramount intention of improving the breed.
I will select the sire and dam with an eye to conformation, temperament and good health with a careful study of the breed standard and the principles of genetics.

I will refrain from close breeding without careful study of pedigrees and individual animals.
I will not breed any male or female until they are both physically and mentally mature. I will not breed any female before the age of two years.

Before entering into any breeding arrangement I will scrutinize the pedigree, conformation and health of both the sire and dam, keeping in mind the ideal of the breed. I have an obligation to refuse the breeding if in my opinion it is not in the best interest of the breed.

As a responsible owner of a sire, I understand that should I refuse a breeding I will fully explain my reasons to the owner of the female.

I subscribe to the policy that only sires and dams free of defects such as cryptorchidism, under and over bite, dwarfism and other genetic defects shall be used for breeding.
Being a responsible breeder I will refrain from using a breeding animal, although free from the above defects that consistently produces afflicted offspring.

HEALTH:
I shall maintain high standards of health and care for my animals and will keep their feet properly trimmed. I will guarantee the health of animals I sell to others.

SALES:
I will be discriminating in the sales of my animals and concerned with the type of homes in which they are placed. My animals will not be sold to wholesalers or meat buyers and I will humanely euthanise animals that must be put down.

I will transfer all applicable registration papers at the time that the purchase agreement is completed and is suitable to all parties.

I will not advertise animals as "registered" and then present the new owner with a filled out application and expect him to register the animals himself.

Upon the sale of an animal I will provide the new owner with a diet record, an inoculation and parasite control record and a health guarantee.

I will refrain from releasing any young animal until it is at least 4 to 6 months old and properly weaned.

I will inform all buyers that donkeys need companions, preferably other equines in order to be happy inasmuch as they are herd animals not solitary creatures.

ADVERTISING:
I agree that all advertising of animals will be factual and honest both in substance and implication.

I will avoid encouraging buyers regarding the breeding potential of an animal without explaining that the breeding of any animal involves certain responsibilities and is not to be taken lightly.
I will make sure that all show winnings listed in advertising are accurate.

EXHIBITOR/BREEDER RELATIONS:
I understand that exhibiting animals is a sport and that I am expected to express good sportsmanship in all activities.

As an exhibitor I will refrain from unnecessary criticism of other people's animals, or of the judge.
I will not represent any animal I sell as being a sure winner, knowing that judges differ in their opinions.

I will not demonstrate behavior that could be defined as serious abuse or harm to an animal either in training the animal or in showing it.

IMPLEMENTATION:
In as much as a Code of Ethics is a guideline, not rules, regulations or legal documents, they do not carry an enforceable punishment. They should be enforced by breeders and buyers upon each breeder in a civil and responsible manner. Buyers should read the Code of Ethics and determine if it is being followed before buying an animal.

FARM REQUIREMENTS:

FOOD AND WATER:
Clean water must be available at all times. Care will be taken that water supplies are unfrozen in winter, and clean at all times. Animals should be neither too obese or too thin and proper rations should be available every day.

SHELTER:
All animals will have access to clean, dry shelter from rain, wind and snow and shade from heat.

CONFINEMENT:
Fences will be sturdy, well built and safe for the type of animal enclosed within. Space will allow for adequate freedom of movement and exercise.

SAFETY AND PROTECTION:
More than one jack over 6 months old will not be allowed to be pastured with a group of females. Caution will be taken at all times that under age females will never be available to be bred. Jacks will be confined so that they will not damage each other or jennets or kill foals.

HEALTH CARE:
I will take care that Vaccinations and Coggins tests will be administered in accordance with local and state requirements and health needs. An internal and external parasite control program will be maintained. Sick animals and newly introduced animals will be isolated from the general population. Health papers and Coggins tests must be required for any animals brought to the farm for breeding or training. Hoofs of all stock will be kept properly trimmed.

WASTE DISPOSAL:
Waste must be removed in accordance with accepted local and state requirements. Also waste must be handled in accordance with veterinarian prescribed health practices. Barn and stall areas must be cleared of waste daily.

RECORD KEEPING:
Health and breeding records will be kept for each animal. All breedings will be recorded and a sire's breeding certificate made out at the time of breeding. A sales record showing to whom each animal (registered or non-registered) is sold will be kept. All animals should be easily identified by the owner, and if possible should be identified with methods that anyone can use such as neckstraps, freeze brands, microchips etc. Ear tags are not recommended by the registry for donkeys or mules.

Farm owners must meet all local, county and state government requirements for farm or stable operations.