By Connie Vandre, ACFA Executive Director
On occasion, ACFA is requested to intervene in personal disputes
between members, breeders and/or owners. Although we are saddened to
hear and read of such disputes, in most cases there is little ACFA can
do to alleviate the problems and issues unless they pertain to a direct
violation of ACFA Bylaws or Show Rules.
ACFA
has a Disciplinary Committee, comprised of a member from each Region and
a Chair, which handles complaints a member may have with another member,
the Board of Directors, a Regional Director, an ACFA Judge or an ACFA
Club for misconduct or violation of the rules and regulations of ACFA.
ACFA Bylaws outline the procedures to be taken for filing a protest,
processing the complaint, compiling the evidence, reaching a decision,
and taking any necessary disciplinary action.
However, matters of a personal nature, such as complaints between
breeders and owners, are private transactions, which should be referred
to the appropriate intermediary or small claims court. Most disputes
could be resolved by a proper contractual agreement between parties.
Such contracts should contain Breeder and Owner responsibilities spelled
out in simple, easy to read and understand language, and should be
signed by both parties. Breeders and buyers who do not conduct their
business in such a manner do so at their own peril. There is little to
be done, even by the courts, without a valid contract.
In matters where the abuse and/or neglect of animals occurs, whether
in an ACFA registered cattery or in a private home, the only recourse
ACFA has is to refer the complainant to the proper authority, such as
the local Humane Society. We do keep a file of complaints against
breeders and owners, but until the complaints have been proven (through
proper documentation and evidence - such as photos, signed affidavits,
court decisions, etc.), ACFA cannot withhold services and rights.
Please remember that ACFA is a registration body (cats, litters,
catteries, Judges, etc.), and not a policing agency, nor attorneys, nor
veterinarians. We do not have the personnel to inspect catteries or
homes, nor the expertise to evaluate contracts, nor the ability to
determine whether a cat is ill. As such, we respectfully request that
such questions and complaints be referred to the proper authority.
