FAQ - Suspended Members
What is Suspension?
Suspension is a penalty handed down by the Disciplinary Committee for a specified period of time. A suspension may be imposed when a breach of the Dogs Victoria Code, Constitution, Rules and/or Regulations has been proven and comes into effect immediately at the conclusion of the Hearing.
Members can also be “administratively” suspended (Rule 2.11 refers) for failure to provide documents/information.
Suspension is from all member privileges as set out in the attached (Rule 2.12). When suspended, a member may not breed or compete. Please see the sections set out below for further information.
Important Note: Where a Disciplinary Panel imposes specific penalties in alignment with Regulation 5.6.1 these shall come into effect immediately at the conclusion of the Hearing and may override any of the points specified below.
Publication of Findings
All findings stand and are publicised in accordance with Regulation 3.11 immediately following a Hearing (irrespective of the lodgement of an Appeal). Where an appeal is upheld (and charges dismissed), website listings are removed. However, Gazetted notifications will still go to print as a result of lead times, with the Appeal outcome publication to follow.
Am I still a member whilst suspended?
You are still a member. Your privileges of membership however, have been suspended for a specified period of time.
Can further charges be brought against me whilst under suspension?
Yes. Should a further breach be detected during the course of your suspension, you can be subjected to Disciplinary proceedings for this matter during the course of an existing suspension.
Do I need to do anything once my suspension period is over?
Under the Dogs Victoria Rules/Regulations, a suspended member will be subject to the following:
- Suspension for a breach relating to Animal Welfare/Breeder Breach
- A Field Officer Audit will be required prior to reinstatement of privileges of membership. A visit will be arranged three-four months prior to the termination of your suspension term. You will be notified in writing of the procedure at the appropriate time;
- You will be issued with forms and a procedure for reinstatement two months’ prior to the conclusion of your suspension term. Further instructions will be provided at this time;
- Your application for reinstatement and the Field Officer Audit Report will be submitted to the Management Committee for approval. You will be notified of the outcome just prior to your proposed date of recommencement;
- Assuming that your application to be reinstated is successful, any applicable fees payable will fall due and you will be notified in this regard.
- Suspension for a breach relating to personal misconduct (i.e. at a Show or via Social Media)
- A Field Officer Audit will not be required;
- You will be issued with forms and a procedure for reinstatement two months’ prior to the conclusion of your suspension term. Further instructions will be provided at this time;
- Your application for reinstatement will be submitted to the Management Committee for approval. You will be notified of the outcome just prior to your proposed date of recommencement;
- Assuming that your application to be reinstated is successful, any applicable fees payable will fall due and you will be notified in this regard.
Can I breed while under suspension?
No. Your stud dog/s cannot be used in a mating. Any breeding bitches may not be bred from during the course of your suspension.
What if I already have a bitch in whelp/have just mated my stud dog when my suspension is imposed?
Management Committee, at its meeting held 19 April 2017 determined that should a bitch be mated prior to the imposition of a suspension that the litter will be registered. Under the Dogs Victoria Rules/Regulations, a breeder is required to register all living progeny. Failure to do so will result in a further breach.
Can I advertise the puppies whilst suspended?
Should there be puppies on the ground or a bitch already in whelp when the suspension is imposed, you can advertise. Under the Dogs Victoria Rules, you are required to quote your membership number.
STOP! Suspension precludes a member from signing over Pedigree papers. Should a transfer document be received from a buyer, it is highly unlikely that the dog can be transferred. Applications of this nature are submitted on an independent case by case basis to the Management Committee for consideration. As a result, your obligation as the seller is to inform buyers of the imminent delays relating to Pedigree paperwork.
What do I do if I have an accidental mating during the course of my suspension?
First and foremost, all living progeny must be registered. You will be required to notify Dogs Victoria of this incident.
Breeding whilst under suspension, even if “accidental” will result in further disciplinary action.
Can I transfer a dog during the term of my suspension?
Suspension precludes a member from the right to sign over a Pedigree. Any applications received during the term of a suspension will not be considered.
Can I attend a VCA sanctioned event?
In some circumstances, you may attend as long as you do not handle or participate in any official manner.
Where a Disciplinary Panel imposes Regulation 5.6.1, the provisions of the Regulation supersede the statement above.
Can I enter a show which is scheduled for a date after my suspension term has concluded?
No. You may not lodge an entry even if the show is scheduled to be held at a future date.
Can I judge, steward or rep?
No. Whilst suspended, you may not Judge, Steward or Rep at any VCA sanctioned event.
Can I enter into a contract to judge, steward or rep at a future date?
No. You may not enter into a contract whilst under suspension.
Can I participate in club activities?
Subject to provisions made within an individual Club’s Constitution, a suspended member can continue to hold a general committee post. However, a suspended member is not entitled to hold an office bearing position under the Dogs Victoria Regulations.
General Club activities are acceptable provided that this does not cross over into any VCA sanctioned event (and is acceptable under the Constitution of the relevant Club).