Canadian Highland Cattle Society

1. Name

The name of the association shall be the “THE CANADIAN HIGHLAND CATTLE SOCIETY/LA SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DES ÉLEVEURS DE BOVINS HIGHLAND” (the “Society”).
 

2. Incorporation

The Canadian Highland Cattle Society is incorporated pursuant to the Animal Pedigree Act, RSC 1985, c 8 (4th Supp) (the “Act”) of Canada.
 

3. Corporate Seal

The Corporate Seal of the Society bears the name of the Society in English and in French and the date of incorporation, as stamped in the margin.
 

4. Purpose

The principal purpose of the Society is the registration and identification of purebred Highland cattle and the keeping of animal pedigrees.

In addition, the Society exists to:

• Establish and maintain a breed standard for Highland cattle;
• Collect, preserve and publish data, in all forms of media, relating to the Highland cattle breed;
• Assist members in interpreting the By-laws and regulations governing the breeding and propagation of Highland cattle;
• Encourage the showing of Highland cattle, in both exhibition and competition; and
• Generally, regulate and encourage the breeding and promotion of purebred Highland cattle.
   

5. Offices

The head office of the Society will be situated at a location within Canada of the Secretary-Manager, unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors.

The office for the registration of pedigrees is the office of the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation, or whoever the Board of Directors deems to be responsible for the Herd Book, which contains the pedigrees and breeding records.
 

6. Language

The Society will endeavour to provide information and services in both official Canadian languages, French and English.

In the event of conflict between the English version of these By-laws and the French version, the English version will prevail.

7. Classes and Conditions of Membership

The Society has the following classes and conditions of membership:

• Annual Members
  Individuals who are at least eighteen (18) years of age, partnerships, or companies, in residence in Canada, who have paid the prescribed annual membership dues.
  
• Non-Resident Members
  Individuals, partnerships, or companies who or which reside outside of Canada and have paid the prescribed annual membership dues, may become members but cannot hold office or vote.
  
• Junior Members
  Individuals under the age of eighteen (18) years as of January 1 during the membership year, are a resident in Canada and have paid the prescribed annual membership dues or who has been nominated by the Board of Directors. Junior members may serve as full members of special committees of the Society but may not hold office or vote.
  
• Life Members
  Active and Honourary Life members admitted to membership prior to January 1, 2026, will be honoured, but life memberships will no longer be offered moving forward.
  
  

8. Non-Members

Any person not a member of this Society registering or transferring animals on the records of the Society are subject to the same rules and regulations as a member.
 

9. Application for Membership at the Registrar

Application for membership must be made to the Registrar, which is the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation, accompanied by the applicable dues.

An application for partnership or company membership must specify the authorized signing party(s).
 

10. Rejection of Membership

The Society has the power to reject any application for membership by resolution of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may reject an applicant for any, but not limited to, of the following reasons:

• Does not meet the membership qualifications as stated in Article 7 (Section 2);
• Presented false information in its application;
• Exhibited disruptive behaviour in the application process; and/or
• Is considered ineligible by the Board of Directors.

If the applicant is rejected, a notification will be sent to the applicant, either via electronic or written means, including the reason for rejection and any appeal procedures.
 

11. Appeal of Rejection of Membership

An applicant that has been rejected for membership may appeal, either via electronic or written means addressed to the Board of Directors, within fifteen (15) days of the rejection notice. The applicant should submit any additional information or evidence to support their appeal, such clarifying details or addressing any concerns raised in the rejection notice.

The Board of Directors will review any new information or evidence to reconsider the application. The Board of Directors will send its final decision either via electronic or written means.
 

12. Rights and Obligations of Members

Upon acceptance of an application for membership, the new member will be bound by these By-laws and the Canadian Animal Pedigree Act.
 

13. Membership Year and Dues

The membership year of the Society will correspond with the calendar year and dues must be paid on or before January 1st for each year.
 

14. Financial Liability of a Member

The financial liability of a member is limited to the amount due for expenses incurred for membership dues and fees for services as outlined in the Society Fees Schedule.
 

15. Fee Schedule

The membership dues and fee schedule for services will be updated at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
 

16. Termination of Members

Membership in the Society is not transferable. It terminates on the death, resignation, or expulsion of the member, or member does not meet the membership qualifications as stated in Article 7(Section 2) anymore.

An exception will be made in case of the death of a member of the Society where the estate of the deceased may register and transfer animals for the period of twelve (12) months from the date of death, and the applicable fees are payable by the estate or a member in good standing.
 

17. Resignation of Members

A member may resign from the Society with written notice, by mail or electronic means, given to the Registrar or to the Society. Resignation does not relieve the former member from payment of all debts to the Society.
 

18. Discipline of Members: Suspension and Expulsion

The Society may suspend or expel any member who:

• Is in arrears of any fees owing to the Society.
• Contravenes the By-laws relating to the eligibility for registration, identification of animals or the keeping of private breeding records.
• Contravenes any provision of the Animal Pedigree Act or the regulations thereunder.
• Contravenes any provision of the Health of Animals Act (S.C. 1990, c. 21) or the regulations thereunder.

A suspended member is no longer considered a member in good standing and may no longer be granted the full rights and privileges of membership for the duration of a suspension.

The expulsion of a member will include the loss of the rights to register and transfer animals.

A non-member’s rights to register and transfer animals may also be suspended or forfeited by the Society for the same reasons as for members described above.

Notification of suspension or expulsion will be made in writing to the member, detailing the reasons for the suspension or expulsion, and sent by registered mail.
 

19. Appeal of Suspension and Expulsion of Members

A member who has been suspended or expelled may appeal the suspension or expulsion in writing, addressed to the Board of Directors, within sixty (60) days from the date of suspension or expulsion, stating the grounds for appeal.

The Board of Directors will hear the appeal virtually at a time mutually convenient to both parties. A quorum of the Board of Directors must be present at an appeal hearing. The appellant may present all relevant evidence in support of the appeal. An appellant will be reinstated by the vote of at least two-thirds of the Board of Directors present at the hearing.

If the appeal is dismissed, the appellant may file a final appeal in writing, addressed to the Society within sixty (60) days from the decision of the Board of Directors. The case shall be reviewed at the next general meeting of members, at which the appeal may be dismissed, or the appellant reinstated, by the vote of at least two-thirds of the members present and eligible to vote.

20. Annual General Meeting

An annual meeting of the Society (to be called “Annual General Meeting”) must be held once every calendar year at such a time and place as the Board of Directors designate.

Notice of the meeting must be sent to all members in good standing and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (the “Minister”), at least sixty (60) days prior to the meeting, either via electronic or written means, and shall include the date, time and location of the meeting. The accidental omission to give notice to any member, or non-receipt by any member of such notice, will not invalidate the proceedings. The notice will list the Board positions up for election. Nominations will be accepted at the Annual General Meeting. All voting members at the Annual General Meeting shall elect the Board of Directors.

Participation may be in person or virtually. Any member wishing to participate in the Annual General Meeting remotely shall:

• Advise the Secretary-Manager at least seven (7) days in advance of the Annual General Meeting that they will be participating remotely with compatible technology, and
• As specified by the Secretary-Manager, provide the Secretary-Manager with their contact information, as needed to be connected to the meeting, before the meeting commences.
  

Annual General Meeting will be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order. The pro forma agenda of an Annual General Meeting shall be as follows:

a) Call to order

b) Identification of voting members and quorum

c) Review and approval of minutes of the previous year Annual General Meeting

d) Report of Officers and Committees

e) Audited financial statements report

f) Election of Directors

g) Approval of Officers

h) Old business

i) New business
 

21. Annual General Meeting Quorum

Ten (10) members of the Society eligible to vote, present in person or participating by electronic means, constitute a quorum at a general meeting of members. A simple majority is required to pass resolutions.
 

22. Eligibility to Vote

Life and annual members are eligible to vote and hold office, provided that they:

• are in good standing of the Society, and
• own a minimum of three (3) living animals registered with the Society.
   

23. Notice to the Minister

After the Annual General Meeting, the following information must be sent to the Minister and the Registrar:

• Annual Report
• Audited Financial Statement
• Updated list of Directors and Officers

A notice of meeting setting out proposed amendments of the By-laws and three (3) copies of the proposed amendments must also be submitted to the Minster at the same time and in the same manner as it is being send to members as stated in Article 46 (Section 7).
 

24. Special General Meetings

All meetings of members of the Society, are Special General Meetings, and may be called by the Board of Directors, in its discretion. The President will call a Special General Meeting without delay, on the written demand (by mail or electronic means) of five (5) Directors, or of twenty (20) members eligible to vote and residing in at least three (3) different Provinces and/or Territories.

Notice of the meeting must be sent to all members in good standing, at least sixty (60) days prior to the meeting, either via electronic or written means, and shall include the date, time and location of the meeting. The accidental omission to give notice to any member, or non-receipt by any member of such notice, will not invalidate the proceedings.

Ten (10) members of the Society eligible to vote, present in person or participating by electronic means, constitute a quorum at a Special General Meeting. A two-thirds majority is required to pass resolutions.

Each member wishing to participate in a Special General Meeting remotely shall:

• Advise the Secretary-Manager at least seven (7) days in advance of the Special General Meeting that they will be participating remotely with compatible technology, and
• As specified by the Secretary-Manager, provide the Secretary-Manager with their contact information, as needed to be connected to the meeting, before the meeting commences.
   

25. Board of Directors Meetings

The Board of Directors will meet, in person or by electronic means, no less than six (6) times a year. Five (5) members of the Board will constitute a quorum. A simple majority is required to pass resolutions.

A minimum of four (4) days notice will be given by the President or Secretary-Manager of a Board of Directors meeting.

26. Board of Directors 

Board of Directors of the Canadian Highland Cattle Society will comprise of ten (10) Directors elected from eligible voting members. 

The Board shall have and exercise the management and regulations of all business, the creation and amendments of all policies, procedures, and By-laws and the direction of all Officers and employees of the Society, including the right of appointment and dismissal.

Five (5) Directors are elected each year, by in person ballot or electronic voting at the Annual General Meeting of members and hold office for a term of two (2) years or until the election or appointment of their respective successors. Term is to begin after the Annual General Meeting.

A Director in good standing whose term has ended may seek re-election. 
 

27. Appointment of Officers

The President and Vice-President shall be appointed by resolution of the Board of Directors from amongst their number at the first meeting of the Board of Directors following the election of Directors.

With member approval at each Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors shall appoint a Secretary-Manager and a Treasurer, who are not required to be a Director or member of the Society, and who shall act under the control and with the approval of the Board of Directors. For further certainty, if the Secretary-Manager and Treasurer are appointed from within the Board of Directors, they are Directors with full voting powers within the meaning of these By-Laws. If the Secretary-Manager and Treasurer are appointed from outside the Board of Directors, they are not Directors and therefore no voting rights within the meaning of these By-laws.

Officers shall be subject to removal by resolution of the Board of Directors at any time.

28. President:

The responsibilities of the President are:

• Overseeing the business and affairs generally of the Society, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors.
• Acting as the chairman of general meetings of members and of all meetings of the Board of Directors.
• Being, by virtue of position, a member of all standing and special committees.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors. 

29. Vice-President:

The responsibilities of the Vice-President are:

• In the absence, inability or failure to act of the President, exercising the powers and performing the duties of the President for the time being.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

30. Secretary-Manager 

The responsibilities of the Secretary-Manager are:

• Subject to the general direction of the Board of Directors, the Secretary-Manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration and management of the business and affairs of the Society.
• The Secretary-Manager attends and takes the minutes of all general meetings of members and of all meetings of the Board of Directors and the Pedigree Committee. 
• The Secretary-Manager keeps the Articles of Incorporation, By-laws and minutes. Business records are to be kept for 7 years unless otherwise required by law.
• The Secretary-Manager represents the Board of Directors in the supervision of the employees of the Society, if any, in the performance of their duties and sees to the payment of their salaries, wages and other compensation. 
• The Secretary-Manager oversees the duties of the Registrar.
• The Secretary-Manager shall perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors. 

31. Treasurer 

The responsibilities of the Treasurer are:

• Subject to directives of the Board of Directors, the Treasurer has charge of the finances and keeps the books of account of the Society.
• The Treasurer sees to the depositing of the funds and the securing of the valuable effects of the Society and maintains a petty cash account in an amount appropriate to the business of the Society.
• When requested by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall provide a financial update.
• After the close of each fiscal year, the Treasurer makes and submits to the Board of Directors an account of the financial position of the Society and all transactions of the Treasurer during the year. 

32. Vacancies of Board of Directors

The office of a member of the Board of Directors will be automatically vacated if the Director: 

• Ceases to be a member with the right to vote and hold office,
• Submits a resignation in writing to the Board of Directors,
• Is convicted of an indictable offence or is removed from office by resolution passed by two-thirds vote of those present at a duly convened meeting called for that purpose, of which notice thereof has been given. 

Any interim vacancies shall be filled by the Board of Directors by appointment.

33. Indemnification 

The Society shall indemnify every Director, Officer, committee member or employee and his or her heirs, executors and administrators against all loss, costs and expense, including legal fees, reasonably incurred by him/her in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which (s)he may be made a party by reason of his/her being or having been a Director, committee member or employee of the Society, except as to matters as to which (s)he shall be finally adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding to be liable for costs, fines or penalties imposed:

• In a criminal action;
• Suit for unjustified profit or advantage;
• Suit for damages incurred by the Society resulting from actions which were not ratified by the Board;
• For any illegal act done or attempted in bad faith;
• Dishonesty; or
• For any breach of the Animal Pedigree Act or these By-laws.

34. Conflict of Interest 

Where a Director of the Board has an interest in any matter in which the Society is concerned, they must disclose their interest and cannot take part in any consideration or discussion of or vote on any question with respect to the matter.
 

35. Committees 

Committees are required to perform work as delegated by the Board and report to the Board of Directors regularly. A chairperson shall be appointed from within the committee members. Decisions made during committee meetings will be kept on record by the Society. The Board of Directors may fill any vacancy. Committee members act as such without remuneration, provided that reasonable expenses necessarily incurred may be reimbursed. 

36. Standing Committees 

The Society has the following standing committees:

• Pedigree Committee
  Purpose
  The Pedigree committee oversees the fulfillment of the Registrar’s obligations and the integrity of the Herd Book. They also resolve questions or disputes regarding individual animal identification, registrations, amendments of registrations and transfers.
  Composition
  The Pedigree committee is composed of three members of the Board, appointed from its number, in addition to the President, at the first meeting of the Board of Directors following an Annual General Meeting. 
  Powers and Duties
  The Pedigree Committee shall resolve all questions in dispute between the Society, its members and the public respecting the integrity of the Herd Book. In doing so they, and agents acting on their behalf, have right of access to any records, animals, semen, embryos and/or genetic testing they deem necessary. If the Pedigree Committee is refused access by a member or non-member, the Minister responsible shall be notified and the uncooperative party shall be subject to expulsion.
  All unanimous decisions of the Pedigree Committee shall be final and binding. If a decision of the Pedigree Committee is not unanimous, the matter in question shall be submitted to the Board of Directors for decision. No decision of the Pedigree Committee or the Board of Directors shall be valid that does not respect the requirements for registration and transfer provided in these By-laws.
   All minutes of the Pedigree Committee will be entered into the Society minute book.
  All disciplinary action will be reported to the membership at large.
   
• Promotion Committee 
  Purpose
  This committee has the responsibility to implement various promotional tools to advance the visibility of the breed.
  Composition
  Members of the Promotion Committee can be appointed by the Board of Directors from its own group and the membership at large, but at least one member must be a Director of the Board.
  Powers and Duties
  The Promotion Committee shall suggest and implement strategies that promote the breed, as directed by the Board of Directors. 
   
• By-law Committee 
  Purpose
  The Bylaw Committee has the responsibility to review the By-laws and propose any changes as required.
  Composition
  Members of the By-law Committee can be appointed by the Board of Directors from within and the membership at large, but at least one member must be a Director of the Board.
  Powers and Duties
  The By-law Committee shall review the By-laws on an annual basis and shall, as needed, propose any amendments to the Board of Directors. 
   

37. Special Committees 

When necessary, the Board may establish working committee(s) with a specific mandate(s). Members can be appointed by the Board of Directors from both its number and the membership at large, but at least one member must be a Director of the Board. The Board of Directors will dictate the term of any special committees. 

38. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Society ends on December 31 of each year.

39. Audit and Financial Review 

An accredited professional or chartered accountant shall be appointed at each Annual General Meeting to perform a financial review and/or audit of the accounts of the Society. The financial review and/or auditors report for the preceding fiscal year must be presented at the Annual General Meeting. 

40. Annual Report 

At each Annual General Meeting, the President shall, on behalf of the Board of Directors, present a report on its actions and on the affairs of the Society, together with the audited financial statement. 

41. Renumeration

Renumeration for services provided is determined as followed:

• Board of Directors
  No compensation will be paid for serving on the Board of Directors.
• Secretary-Manager
  The Secretary-Manager, when not an elected Director on the Board, is compensated by a salary, the amount of which is determined by the Board of Directors.
• Other Officers, Agents or Employees
  The compensation, if any, for an Officer, Agent or Employee, of the Society is determined by the Board of Directors.
• Registrar
  The compensation of the Registrar is determined by contract.
   

46. Amendments of By-Laws

If the Society wishes to amend its By-laws, the following steps need to be taken:

• An amendment may be presented to the general membership provided the amendment is authorized in writing by twenty (20) members eligible to vote or by resolution of the majority of the Board of Directors.
• Notice will be given to the membership and Minister sixty (60) days in advance of a general meeting. A two-thirds majority vote of the members present at the general meeting is required for approval.

No amendments shall be valid until approved by the Minister.
 

47. Amalgamation and Dissolution

If the Society wishes to change its Articles of Incorporation, amalgamate with one or more other associations or dissolve the Society, the following steps needs to be taken:

• An amendment may be presented to the general membership provided the amendment is authorized in writing, by mail or electronic means, by twenty (20) members eligible to vote or by resolution of the majority of the Board of Directors.
• Notice will be sent to the membership sixty (60) days in advance of a general meeting.
• Twenty-five (25) percent or more of the membership must respond in writing, and at least two-thirds of the members who responded must approve the proposal.

48. Eligibility for Registration

The following animals are considered purebred Highland animals and eligible for registration and inclusion in the Herd Book:

• Animals born in Canada, and which are the progeny of animals registered in the Herd Book. All animals born on or after January 1, 2026, must be DNA typed, and be DNA parentage verified to sire. The animal must also be parentage verified to dam, if the dam has a DNA profile on file.
• Animals born in Canada which are the result of artificial insemination, provided that:
  • The dam and the sire have been registered in the Herd Book, the donor bull shall be DNA typed, and the results are filed with the Registrar prior to the registration of any progeny; and
  • The collection, freezing, labeling, importing, use and recording of the semen have been performed in compliance with the applicable governmental laws and regulations.
  • All animals born on or after January 1, 2026, must be DNA typed, and be DNA parentage verified to sire. The animal must also be parentage verified to dam, if the dam has a DNA profile on file.

• Animals born in Canada which are a result of embryo transplant, provided that:
  • The genetic sire and dam are DNA typed and are registered in the Herd Book or, in the case of foreign animals, would be eligible for registration as imported animals;
  • Proof of parentage, verified to sire and dam, is provided;
  • The recipient cow may require DNA typing;
  • The collection, freezing, labeling, importing, use and recording of embryos and fertilized ova have been performed in compliance with the applicable governmental laws and regulations; and
  • The registration number of the animals will be preceded by the letter “T”.
• Animals imported into Canada accompanied by a five-generation pedigree, provided that:
  • Those animals are either registered in the American Highland Cattle Association Herd Book; or
  • Those animals are registered in the United Kingdom Highland Cattle Society Herd Book with no ancestors registered in a grading-up appendix since January 1, 1994; or
  • Satisfactory proof is made to its purebred status as may be authorized by the Pedigree Committee.
    All imported animals must be DNA parentage verified to sire and dam prior to registration.
    An animal imported in utero, whose dam is registered in the Herd Book and whose sire is eligible for registration in the Herd Book.
    
    

• Cloned or genetically modified animals;
• Animals which are found to be positive or a carrier for lethal genes, including dwarfism; and/or
• Genetically polled animals.
   

51. False Statement or Representation

Under the Animal Pedigree Act, it is an offence for any breeder to make a knowingly false statement or representation regarding the registration of an animal. Therefore, if there is any uncertainty about an animal’s parentage, it is the responsibility of the registration applicant to determine correct parentage. If there is more than one possible sire for an animal, all possible sires must be listed on the initial registration application. 

In the event of a disqualified dam, or in the absence of qualified sire results from the DNA parentage test, the application will be rejected. The breeder will be responsible, at its own expense, to present the case to the Pedigree Committee to request permission to proceed with any further registration applications and testing for that animal. 

In the event the DNA parentage test results show more than one qualified sire, further testing will be required at the breeder’s expense to determine a single qualified sire prior to registration.

In the situation where proof of the animal’s identity and parentage is not conclusive, the animal affected will be ineligible for registration or, if an animal is already registered, it may be removed from the Herd Book.
 

52. Random Proof of Parentage

Every 25th animal registered in a calendar year will be required to be DNA parentage verified to sire and dam, to the satisfaction of the Board of Directors, as a perquisite for the registration certificate to be issued. 

The costs associated with this DNA parentage verification, which includes obtaining samples for proof of parentage, delivery to the laboratory and the standard laboratory charges are the responsibility of the breeder.

If the dam has died or been sold without a DNA case on file, then the next animal bred by the same breeder in the same calendar year, shall be substituted. 

If a member refuses to comply with the random proof of parentage test, the member may be subject to disciplinary action as described in Article 17 (Section 2).     

53. Application for Registration

Applications for registration in the Herd Book must be filed with the Registrar, accompanied by payment of the relevant fee. The application for registration of an animal:

• Born in Canada, can only be made by and in the name of the owner or lessee of the dam at the time of the animal’s birth, provided that, in the case of an animal produced by embryo or fertilized ovum transplant, the application must be made by and in the name of the owner of the calf at birth.
• Imported into Canada, can only be made in the name of the Canadian resident in whose name the animal has been imported, supported by a five-generation pedigree, DNA parentage verified and the foreign certificate of registration, duly transferred to the importer.

Applications for registration of an animal over twelve (12) months will be subject to a surcharge.

When an animal is a multiple birth, the application must disclose the sex of all multiple birth siblings. Failure to do so will invalidate the application.

54. Registration of Use of Names

Every purebred breeder must have a registered herd name or prefix, applied for to the Registrar along with the relevant fee.

No more than one herd name or prefix may be registered in the name of each breeder and can only be used by the registered owner.

The name of an animal must be composed of no more than a total of thirty (30) letters, numerals and spaces. Except in the case of an imported animal, its foreign-registered name and that of any of its ancestors will be accepted without alteration.

A name must not be misleading as to the origin or relationship of an animal.

Only the breeder of a registered animal can change the name and is only permitted within sixty (60) days from the registration date, or before the registration of any of its progeny, whichever first occurs.

55. Registration and Use of Tattoo Letters

Every purebred breeder will have a set of registered tattoo letters, composed of not less than two (2) and not more than four (4) letters of the alphabet. An application for it, together with the fee payment, needs to be send to the Registrar.

Only one set of tattoo letters may be registered in the name of each breeder and each animal’s tattoo must be unique and must not be duplicated.

Tattoo letters can only be used:

• By their registered owner, or another individual under the direct supervision of that owner; and
• On a calf born to a dam owned or leased or by the registered owner of the tattoo letters, or, in the case of an animal produced by embryo or fertilized ovum transfer, by the owner of the calf at birth.

Every animal for which an application for registration is made, must have been tattooed either before the application for registration is submitted or before the animal is sold, weaned or turns eight months, which ever occurs first.

The complete tattoo shall be imprinted in the right inner ear in one (1) or two (2) rows, starting with the registered tattoo letters and followed by the animal’s sequential number followed by the letter signifying the year, commencing with the letter “A” for 2013 and omitting the letters “I”, “O”, “Q” and ”V”.

If the shape or size of the ear does not provide enough space for imprinting in the right inner ear, the left inner ear may be used for one or both rows of the tattoo, provided that a clear description is specified on the application for registration of the animal.

Purebred breeding animals brought forward at stock shows in Canada or presented for sale at auctions sponsored by the Society, must first be identified by their tattoo. Animals which cannot be identified as such will be disqualified.

Registration of an animal without a tattoo that adheres to the requirements outlined is in violation of the Society By-laws and the Animal Pedigree Act. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action as described in Article 17 (Section 2) including, but not limited to, removal of the animal from the Herd Book.

56. Colour

The declaration of the colour of an animal for registration is mandatory.

Only animals of the following colours are eligible for registration in the Herd Book: black, dun, silver dun, red, yellow and white. Animals which show light (yellow) brindle, or dark (red) brindle pattern shall be identified as such.

An animal with more than one colour in patches must be subject to proof of parentage to sire and dam. A light- or dark-coloured muzzle or light-coloured mane, underbelly or tail switch shall not disqualify an animal otherwise of eligible colour and will not require proof of parentage.

Colour changes must be supported by colour DNA evidence or, in the case of brindle pattern, photographic evidence.

57. Transfer of Registration

Only the registered owner of an animal may initiate a transfer application.

If a female was bred at the time of transfer of ownership, the certificate of service must also be completed.

Unless the parties have agreed in writing that ownership is to pass without transfer of registration, the duly transferred certificate of registration of an animal must be provided by the seller of the animal within six (6) months of the date of sale.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the transfer must be initiated at the seller’s expense.

The application for all transfers of registration must be filed with the Registrar, accompanied by the original registration certificate and payment of the relevant fee. A new registration certificate will be issued by the Registrar in the name of the transferee.

58. Duplicate Certificates

A duplicate certificate may be issued if the registered owner files a statutory declaration on a form supplied by the Registrar along with the applicable fee, showing in a satisfactory manner that the original is lost, destroyed, or unobtainable.

59. Surrender of Certificates

A registration certificate must be surrendered to the Registrar and/or the electronic registry is to be updated when:

• The ownership of the animal is transferred without the transfer of the certificate of registration, as agreed in writing; or
• The animal has died.
  
  

60. Leases

In the case of the lease or loan of an animal for purebred breeding, the owner/registrant must file an application for registration of lease with the Registrar, accompanied by payment of the relevant fee, as a prerequisite to the registration of the resultant progeny.

The transfer of a lease, to another party by the lessee or borrower, is prohibited.

61. Private Breeding Records and Authority to Inspect

Every breeder of purebred animals will maintain private pedigrees and breeding records, respecting the particulars of the operations of the herd, and make them available for inspection by the Society or its appointed agents, if requested.