Preamble

In order to establish a consistent set of values for the International Kiko Goat Association, we include these ethics in our guiding principles. These ethics are the standards we hold ourselves to, we strive to live by, and uphold as obtainable ideals worthy of an organization based on trust such as ours. These ethics will set boundaries and expectations for our members.

 

Section A:  Responsibilities relative to the IKGA

   I.  Organization.

     a.  To promote the interests, aims, and purposes of the IKGA.
     b.  To follow the rules and policies of the IKGA and faithfully represent them in a manner the IKGA allows.

   II.  Public.

     a.  To use good judgment when dealing with the general public.

 

Section B:  Professional Responsibilities

   I.  General Honor.

     a.  To be respectful and honest with the IKGA, other professionals, and the public.
     b.  To report ethical violations.
     c.  To be fair and equitable to all people.

   II.  Knowledge.

     a.  To know the desired characteristics of the Kiko breed as described by the IKGA.
     b.  To evaluate Kikos against the IKGA standards for the breed.
     c.  To mentor, or share information in order to better the breed and the goat industry.

   III.  Advertising.  To make only true and accurate claims in advertising.

   IV.  Breeding.  To breed animals that are healthy.

    V.  Records.  To maintain complete and accurate records of registration, health, offspring, and sales.

   VI.  Animal Care.  To hold to the highest standard of care for animals.

  VII.  Sales.  To sell animals that are healthy, in good condition, and free from communicable disease.

 VIII.  To fully and honestly disclose any and all matters of health, behavior, and fertility.

 

Section C:  Resolving Ethical Issues

   I.  Complaints.

     a.  Complainant. Any person can summit a complaint
     b.  Form. The complaint must be made in writing and submitted to the IKGA Secretary, unless the complaint is made against the                Secretary, in which case the complaint must be submitted to the Ethics Chair.

   II.  Process.

     a.  Committee.

          i.  A committee to handle the complaint will be selected by drawing names from the list of the full membership of the IKGA in                    good standing.
         ii.  The Ethics Chair on behalf of the IKGA Board of Directors and at a regularly scheduled or special meeting of the Board will                     draw the names from a container. Unless the complaint is made against the Ethics Chair, in which case the names will be                         drawn by the Secretary.
        iii.  A member may be excused from serving for any hardship reason and a new name will be selected as a replacement.
        iv.  Formed within 30 days of receiving the written complaint.
         v.  Consisting of three (3) members in good standing in the IKGA.
        vi.  Members should be neutral and if possible unfamiliar with the parties involved.
       vii.  The term of the committee shall be 30 days.
      viii.  The committee will investigate the allegation.
        ix.  No third party will have the right to be heard by the committee unless requested by the committee to complete the                                    investigation.
        x.  The committee will judge the matter and make a binding ruling.
       xi.  Notify both involved parties in writing of their decision and the right of appeal.

     b.  Rights of the parties.

         i.  The complainant shall have the right to be seen and/or heard by the committee at his or her own expense.
        ii.  The defendant shall have the right to be seen and/or heard by the committee at his or her own expense.
       iii.  Both parties have the right to confidentiality in the matter.

              1.  No one from the IKGA will reveal the names, charges, nor any information about the issue while the case is pending.
              2.  If the complaint against the defendant should be found true, and after the right of appeal, the defendant shall no longer                           retain his or her right of confidentiality.

       iv.  An appeal can be made by either party in writing protesting the judgment provided it is made within 30 days of written                           notification of the judgment.
        v.  The IKGA Board will rule on any appeal within 30 days of receipt.

     c.  Resolution.

         i.  If possible, a negotiated settlement should be obtained.
       ii.  The committee can take any action it deems necessary from dismissing the complaint to expelling the member or members                     involved.
      iii.  The penalty should as much as possible be corrective or redemptive in nature.
      iv.  The goal should be to protect the IKGA, its members, and the public from further harm.

 III.  Final Determination.  The final determination, after all rights of appeal have been exhausted, shall be final and binding.