Code of Ethics
The Rocky Mountain Fancy Rat Association (RMFRA) is a club and as such is not a rat policing organization. Members should be individuals exhibiting a common interest in the rat fancy and who share certain goals and objectives. These are contained in our Code of Ethics, a document which does not list all required behaviors, etc., as such a listing would be both burdensome and unenforceable.
* I will not sell/place rats that I know to be ill, and will seek veterinary care as appropriate for such animals before any placements are made.
* I will not breed males or females before they are physically mature and can be assessed by me as worthy of being bred, taking into consideration temperament, type, and health.
* I will not cull/kill healthy baby or adult rats
* I agree to keep accurate records to the best of my ability regarding the health and pedigrees of my animals, and will fully disclose all such relevant information when placing an animal.
* I am responsible for directly qualifying those who would buy/own a pup of my breeding or a rat I am seeking to place. I will not sell to pet stores, at swap meets or auctions, or to individuals who use live feeder mammals or breed feeder rats.
* I will breed for the betterment of the whole rat and the rat fancy, taking into consideration health and temperament before any other factors.
* I will at all times provide appropriately for all rats in my care, including following safe and healthful practices regarding housing, feeding, cleanliness of habitats, and prompt treatment of illness or injury.
* When placing rats, I will create and employ an ?Adoption Agreement? that will be signed by both parties (buyer and seller) and kept on record.
* I will work towards the betterment of the club to the best of my ability and I will encourage others to do likewise.
* As a member of RMFRA I am aware that I represent the club and the fancy, and will conduct myself appropriately as such in order to promote the club and the fancy.
* I understand that substantive actions in violation of this Code of Ethics or actions consistently contrary to the support of the club and the fancy may result in suspension or expulsion from the club, according to the RMFRA Constitution and Bylaws.
Please remember that RMFRA is open to ALL rat lovers, whether your interests lie in showing and breeding or if your interest is simply enjoying them as the wonderful companions they are. These Code of Ethics are in place for those members of RMFRA who also breed rats. All members who breed rats (even if you breed just one litter a year), must agree to abide by RMFRA's Code of Ethics.
