Page Revised 09/20/2006
About Us
Bill & Cathy Brown   334-721-0343    E Mail



 
Introduction and Personal Information

Statement of Personal Ethics

Statement of Professional Ethics

Statement of Breeder Responsibility and Ethics

The International Cat Association (TICA) Code of Ethics

The International Bengal Cat Society (TIBCS) Code of Ethics

The International Bengal Breeders Association (TIBBA) Code of Ethics









Introduction and Personal Information

My name is Bill Brown and my wife is Cathy. We breed Bengal cats and they are, indeed, special to us. All of our cats are our friends and companions. Therefore we are pretty particular about who adopts them. We look for loving homes where our babies will have lots of love, kisses, hugs, playtime, toys, and someone to talk to.

We are dedicated to creating the most beautiful, well socialized Bengal cats and kittens available. Our goal is to produce kittens that are as close to the TICA Bengal standard as is possible. We selectively breed our Bengals in order to produce more difficult features to achieve in the breed, such as rosettes, prominent whisker pads, white tummies, heavy bone, and thick, short tails.

We handle our kittens early and often to assure they are well socialized and make excellent and reliable pets. Our babies follow us from room to room, and if we go outside, they wait at the door for us. They talk among themselves and with us, (most are REAL talkers!!). Bengal kittens are very self confident, outgoing, intelligent, loving and are quick to learn. They quickly bond with people of all ages and get along well with a wide variety of family pets. Our Bengals are exposed to small children (our grandchildren), other adults, and other animals. And, if you don't keep the door closed, some (but not all) will readily share the bathtub or shower with you. Their nutritional and immunization requirements are the same as for all domestic household cats.

We apply discipline by using water pistols and oral commands. Our babies are quick learners and soon know the parameters of their living environment. However, they will try their best to train you on when and how to feed them, to turn water on at the faucets when thirsty, and move over in the shower to allow them to have their rightful share of space. Ours routinely open closed doors.

We have experience in breeding and showing Bengals and are members of appropriate professional organizations such as, The International Cat Association (TICA), the International Bengal Cat Society (TIBCS), The International Bengal Breeders Association (TIBBA), The American Cat Fancy Association (ACFA), and the United Feline Organization (UFO). We provide wonderful Bengal kittens with written sales contracts and health guarantees, and we ship within the United States.

Bengal rescue efforts are a special interest of ours and we support our local humane societies, help educate cat owners to the need to spay or neuter their cats, oppose the practice of declawing cats, and actively work to educate pet owners regarding the proper care of their companion animals.

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Statement of Personal Ethics
 

The seven ethical principles set forth below, in no particular order, have been developed, with careful consideration and prayerful though, as statements of fact about our character. We pledge to abide by these principles in the way we live our lives and how we conduct our business.

Trustworthiness & Honesty. “You shall not give false testimony . . .” (Exodus 20:16) We believe, and endeavor to practice, that all worthwhile human relationships are build upon trust and honesty.

Justice. “When justice is done it brings joy. . .” (Proverbs 21:15) We believe that fairness is illusive and subjective, however, we subscribe to Justice as an objective means of insuring the appropriate treatment of others.

Respect. “Show proper respect to everyone.” (1 Peter 2:17) We believe that every human being should be treated with dignity and respect in all dealings, private and public.

Compliance with the law. “Again I declare to every man . . . that he is obligated to obey the whole law.” (Galatians 5:3) We believe that society has rightfully established laws to bring order and justice and that it is incumbent upon us to obey them all, even while working to change those with which we may not agree.

Refusing to take unfair advantage. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, . . .” (Philippians 2:3) We believe that protecting our good name and reputation far, far, outweigh any possible gain from using an ill-gotten advantage over another.

Benevolence: doing good. “Let us not become weary in doing good . . .” (Galatians 6:9) We believe that personal peace and joy come from doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons. It is our duty to seek every opportunity to do good.

Preventing harm. “Do not plot harm against your neighbor,” . . . (Proverbs 3:29) We believe in the “Thumper Principle” (from Disney’s Bambi – “If you don’t have anything good to say (or do) then don’t say (or do) anything at all!”

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Statement of Professional Ethics

  In addition to the personal ethical principles pledged above, we also pledge to adhere to the following as ethical guides in the conduct of our professional lives and business relationships as breeders of Bengal cats and kittens. We will:

Commit to honesty. We agree with Miguel de Cervantes who wrote in Don Quixote, “Honesty is more effective . . .” We are committed to truth and honesty in all our business dealings. Generally speaking, we operate on the notion that everyone is trustworthy until proven otherwise. We pledge to you that our word is our bond!

Assume responsibility. It seems that in today’s world, more and more, everyone is putting forth the defense, “I didn’t do it!” We pledge to you that if we did it, we will admit it, and we will do whatever it takes to make it right.

Show impartiality and objectivity. We believe in helping others, especially those who have shown a kindness to us. However, we pledge to you that our business decisions will be made based upon all available factual information and established policies without regard to personality, friendship, or position; and, of course, race, creed, color, national origin, or gender.

Practice full disclosure. It has often been said that “knowledge is power.” We believe there is truth in that statement, therefore, we pledge to you that we will fully disclose and inform you of any and all information that you need to make a prudent decision.

Exercise confidentiality. We realize that at times it is possible that you will wish to share information with us that you would not like disclosed to anyone else. We pledge to you that any information provided to us as confidential will be maintained in the strictest of confidences.

Practice due diligence and fidelity. We take the practice of our profession (breeding Bengal cats) very seriously. We acknowledge that there are many elements to every transaction and know that the job is not done until the paperwork is! We pledge to you that we will dutifully, professionally, and with due haste, deliver to you the cat or kitten involved in any transaction along with all information, documentation, and other related material.

Demonstrate financial responsibility. When all is said and done, any transaction with you is a business transaction that will involve consideration given and received. Whether this consideration is money or some other form, we pledge to you that any and all consideration given by us will be delivered exactly as promised and agreed.

Avoid potential or apparent conflicts of interest. We pledge to you that we will not participate in any activities or decisions that would reasonably appear to be a conflict of interest or provide us any unfair advantage in our business dealings.

Look for solutions that are best for everyone (win – win – win). The concept of Win-Win-Win is about entering all transactions with a spirit of cooperation. In this way we may promote our interests, but we must acknowledge the existence of your interest, and the interest of the cat/kitten. We pledge to strive to reach an accommodation such that your interest, our interests, and those of the cat are aligned so that we may all win. We pledge to you that we will enter every transaction determined to reach a win-win-win outcome.

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Statement of Breeder Responsibility and Ethics

Top As a responsible and ethical breeder of Bengal cats, we hereby pledge that we will:

Breed with a known purpose. The ethical, responsible conduct of breeding involves exercising good judgment and making wise decisions about a living, breathing, God made creature. It is a heavy responsibility to carefully select cats on the basis of health, temperament, conformation and history for the purpose of producing offspring better than their parents. The emotional and physical needs of the cats come first for an ethical and responsible breeder. That means before financial considerations, before convenience, and particularly before our ego. These difficult choices may cost many, many dollars, but we pledge to make the right decision, for the right reasons. Our primary motive for breeding cats will be the desire to preserve and improve the laudable qualities of the Bengal breed, and will not be based on financial gain. Of course, another very important motive for engaging in a cat breeding program is the enjoyment of having Bengal cats in our home.

Commit to a lifetime responsibility for every cat we breed. We, as ethical and responsible breeders, are responsible for the kittens we cause to be born into the world, even if this means rescuing them years later. It is unfortunate but some people do need to return kittens or cats they've purchased. People's circumstances sometimes change, and what may have once been a wonderful home may no longer be able to keep a cat. Therefore, it is important that we keep our unspoken promise to the cat. We insist, as a condition of sale, that any kitten that can not stay with the purchaser must be returned to us for re-sale or adoption. It is far better that the kitten is returned to us for re-homing than ending up in a shelter or passed on to an unsuitable home. It may not be convenient for us to take back a cat we sold as a kitten many years before, but it is the right thing to do! We count it a privilege to take back, or assist in finding a new home for, any cat we produce at any time in its life.

Breed only healthy cats. We will, as responsible and ethical breeders, insure that our breeding cats are in sound health, both mind and body, and have been tested for, and found clean of, genetic defects. If an examination of a cat’s pedigree indicates a strong possibility of defects we will not bred that cat. We will promptly and truthfully provide appropriate documentation to all concerned regarding the lineage and health of any of our cats. We will respect the nature of the breed, each individual cat, and will provide a clean and pleasant environment for our cats.

Adhere to the Breed Standard. For use in our breeding program, we will select only the finest specimens of the Bengal breed – those cats that closely fit the Bengal Breed Standard. Cats that have major conformation faults will not be accepted. Only cats registered in a reputable national or international registry, such as TICA and ACFA, will be used in our breeding program.

Maintain adequate resources. We will not commence any breeding unless we have the time and money to properly care for and raise the kittens. We will always be prepared for the possibility of unexpected and large veterinarian bills, and substantial time spent caring for the dam and her kittens.

Acquire appropriate knowledge. We will, as responsible breeders, know the pedigree and health of many generations of our cats. We will regularly research the "mechanics" of breeding, and know all that we can about the breeding cycle, the gestation period, and the birthing of kittens. We assert that we know what to expect, when to expect it and how to deal with a safe delivery of live healthy kittens.

Qualify every placement. We believe that it is essential to identify and qualify purchasers in advance of a kittens' birth. We will sell only to purchasers that we have screened for their suitability (ie. safe homes, commitment, maturity, experience, and attitude), and take special precautions to sell or place cats and kittens in homes where we are convinced they will be well cared for, loved, and appreciated. We assume the duty to educate buyers about the lifetime commitment of love, caring and money necessary to have a cat as part of the family.

Restrict sales. We will never sale, lease, lend, give, or abandon any cat to a shelter, pound, pet store, other retailer, wholesaler, mail order house, animal humane organization, veterinarian, researcher organization, or any similar organization, institution, or person and we will never donate a cat to anyone to be offered as a prize.

Accurately represent our cats. We will be professional in all my dealings with prospective buyers. We will make every effort to assure the buyer's understanding of the Bengal, its merits, personality, and all terms of the sale. We will be honest, fair, and as accurate as possible in providing appraisals and other information. We consider it our obligation and duty to display utmost integrity in all descriptions of any cat. Therefore, we will give only our opinions, and not make unqualified predictions, assessments, or claims. Each buyer will be given a copy of the Bengal Standard and a health and immunization record.

Provide written agreements, contracts, and certifications. For the protection of the buyer, the cat, and ourselves, we will always sell our kittens and cats with a written agreement/contract.

Practice integrity and professional ethics. We will not knowingly expose any cat or person to disease or unsanitary conditions. We will truthfully represent the quality of our cats and refrain from any deceptive advertising practices. We will not malign other breeders, their cattery, or their cats by making false or misleading statements. We pledge to demonstrate honesty and fairness in dealing with all cat owners, prospective purchasers of kittens, other breeders, and the general public.

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The International Cat Association (TICA) Code of Ethics

 

I am and will remain a member in good standing of The International Cat Association (TICA) and have a TICA registered cattery. (MillCreek 13459; Bagheera 14265)

I will breed discriminately, and only if I am sure I can find appropriate homes for my kittens. I will place kittens only in homes that I believe will provide a life-long commitment to love, appreciation and responsible care.

Any kitten or cat sold as a pet/companion, will be sold under the following conditions:

I will guarantee that the kitten/cat is in good health at the time of sale.

I will urge the purchaser to have the kitten/cat examined by the purchaser’s own veterinarian within a few days of purchase to confirm its good health.

I will require that the kitten be spayed or neutered NO LATER THAN 12 months of age and not be allowed to produce any offspring.

I will explain to the purchaser the dangers of an outdoor environment.

I will provide a written sales agreement that describes all the terms of the sale. I will abide by my own sales agreement.

I will provide the TICA registration application form and/or pedigree for the kitten/cat ONLY after I have received written evidence from a licensed veterinarian that the kitten/cat has been altered.

I will encourage the purchaser to contact me if the purchaser has any questions and I will respond in a timely manner.

I will not release a kitten until it has been inoculated at least twice against the following: Panleukopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus. I also may choose to give other vaccinations.

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The International Bengal Cat Society (TIBCS) Code of Ethics

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PURPOSE: In the breeding of bengal cats, emphasis shall be placed on good health, stable temperament, and intelligence as well as appearance. Consistent with this policy, I agree to breed with discrimination and only upon strong evidence of the probability of finding suitable homes for the kittens.

RECORDS: I agree to keep accurate records of all matings and pedigrees and to register breeding stock and litters with at least one recognized cat association.

BREEDING: I shall use for breeding only healthy cats, free from disease or hereditary deformity, who exhibit no radical departures from the Bengal Standard. If I discover subsequent hereditary defects, I shall advise previous buyers of breeding stock.

Recommendations:

1. Females should not be bred until at least one year old, unless there have been two heat cycles or medical indications.

2. Females shall not be bred unless they are in optimum breeding condition.

3. Stud service should only be offered to owners of pedigreed Bengal Cats, preferably who are TIBCS members.

4. Agreement should be reached before breeding on options to be taken should the female have further complications with resorbing kittens or failure to conceive.

5. Any breeder should refrain from further breeding if having difficulty placing kittens.

HEALTH: I agree to maintain a good standard of health and care including adequate room for exercise, regular grooming, clean quarters, and adequate food and water. Whenever possible, Bengals should be kept indoors. Where caging is unavoidable, the minimum size for individual cages shall be 4 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 4 feet high.

SALES: I shall refuse to sell to, to buy from, or to recommend breeders who sell to cat wholesalers or retailers, to donate a Bengal for raffle purposes, or to buy or sell in litter lots. Before selling a kitten as a breeder, I shall ascertain that the buyer is fully aware of all the ramifications of breeding, such as expenses, time involved in care, necessary facilities, and good placement of kittens, and responsibilities to buyers and other breeders. I shall encourage the breeder buyer to join TIBCS. I shall ascertain that all buyers know how to care for a cat or kitten properly, and make myself available to give advice. I will give buyers an honest appraisal of a kitten's potential as a pet, breeder, or show cat. All breeder and show kittens should be sold with a written guarantee stating the seller's responsibility should the kitten prove to be sterile or develop a genetic defect that prevents breeding or showing. The course of action to be taken is a matter for each breeder to specify in his guarantee. I shall provide a receipt for all deposits received which states what happens if the buyer changes his mind. A pedigree will be provided with pet kittens but registration forms will be withheld until the breeder receives a veterinarian's certification of altering. If a breeder does not want to provide registration or pedigree papers for a pet kitten, the buyer must be informed of that fact before purchase. All breeder and show kittens will have pedigrees and registration forms provided with them. Before a kitten is sold, it must receive immunizations appropriate to age. Kittens should be free of all external and internal parasites (worms, fleas, ear mites, fungus, etc.) Breeders should supply written instructions on care, feeding, and accommodations with each kitten sold.

ADVERTISING: Advertising, oral or written, shall be factual and not worded to encourage breeding as an easy money scheme.

SPORTSMANSHIP: I shall conduct myself always in a manner that reflects credit upon the bengal cat breed and me, especially when attending shows as an exhibitor or a spectator. I shall abide by the various cat association rules and customs. I shall be a good loser and a gracious winner, remembering that having happy, healthy cats is much more important than winning ribbons.

AGREEMENTS: TIBCS strongly recommends that all transactions be in writing. This includes stud service agreements, buyer's requirements, breeder's guarantees for kittens, leasing of cats, deposits for kittens, etc. TIBCS also recommends moneys be paid by check and that receipts be issued for all payments. If problems arise later, it is difficult to determine a fair course of action when agreements were verbal and cash changed hands without receipts.

SHIPMENT: Shipping can be a frightening experience for any animal; consequently TIBCS recommends that, if possible, the kitten be picked up by its new owners. If this is not possible, the only method of shipping that we recommend is air freight arranged directly with the airline, preferably counter-to-counter. This will specify exact routing and arrival time. Kittens should not be shipped until they are fully weaned, eating on their own, and able to withstand separation from litter mates.

ENFORCEMENT AND AMENDMENT: Upon sufficient proof of violations of the Code of Ethics, action shall proceed according to Article 1 Section E of the TIBCS Bylaws. This Code of Ethics may be amended by using the procedure set forth for amendment of the TIBCS Bylaws.

I, THE UNDERSIGNED, HAVE READ AND AGREE TO UPHOLD THE CODE OF ETHICS AND THE BYLAWS OF THE INTERNATIONAL BENGAL CAT SOCIETY. I REALIZE THAT MY RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES AS A MEMBER OF TIBCS MAY BE REVOKED IF I DO NOT ABIDE BY MY WORD.

(Signed) William H. Brown d/b/a Bagheera Bengals

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The International Bengal Breeders Association (TIBBA) Code of Ethics

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PURPOSE: In breeding of Bengal cats, emphasis shall be placed on good health, stable temperament, intelligence, and conformation consistent with TIBBA Breed Standards. I agree to breed with discrimination and with the best interest of TIBBA and the Bengal breed in mind.

RECORDS: I agree to keep accurate records of all matings and pedigrees and to register breeding stock and litters with at least one recognized cat association preferably the International Progressive Cat Breeders Alliance (IPCBA).

BREEDING: I shall use for breeding only healthy cats, free from disease or hereditary deformity, keeping the Bengal Standard in mind. If I discover subsequent hereditary defects, I shall advise previous buyers.

Recommendations:

a. Females should not be bred until at least one year old, unless there have been two heat cycles or medical indications.

b. Females shall not be bred unless they are in optimum breeding condition.

c. When breeding for Bengals, Stud service should only be offered to owners of pedigreed Bengal Cats, also pedigreed Bengal queens may be offered to owners of pedigreed Bengal studs, preferably who are TIBBA members.

d. Agreement should be reached before breeding on options to be taken should the female have further complications with resorbing kittens or failure to conceive.

e. Any breeder should refrain from further breeding if having difficulty placing kittens.

HEALTH: I agree to maintain a good standard of health and care including adequate room for exercise, clean quarters, adequate food and water, regular worming, parasite controls, and adequate immunizations when needed.

SALES: I shall refuse to sell to, buy from, or to recommend breeders who sell to cat wholesalers or retailers, to donate a Bengal for raffle purposes, or to buy or sell in litter lots. Before selling a kitten as a breeder, I shall ascertain that the buyer is fully aware of all the ramifications of breeding, such as expenses, time involved in care, necessary facilities, and good placement of kittens, and responsibilities to buyers and other breeders.

I shall encourage the breeder buyer to join TIBBA. I shall ascertain that all buyers know how to care for a cat or kitten properly, and make myself available to give advice. I will give buyers an honest appraisal of a kitten's potential as a pet, breeder, or show cat. All breeder and show kittens should be sold with a written guarantee stating the seller's responsibility should the kitten prove to be sterile or develop a genetic defect that prevents breeding or showing. The course of action to be taken is a matter for each breeder to specify in his guarantee.

I shall provide a receipt for all deposits received which states what happens if the buyer changes his mind. A pedigree may be provided with pet kittens but registration forms will be withheld until the breeder receives a veterinarian's certification of altering. If a breeder does not want to provide registration or pedigree papers for a pet kitten, the buyer must be informed of that fact before purchase. All breeder and show kittens will have pedigrees and registration forms provided with them. Before a kitten is sold, it must receive immunizations appropriate to age. Kittens should be free of all external and internal parasites (worms, fleas, ear mites, fungus, etc.) Breeders should supply written instructions on care, feeding, and accommodations with each kitten sold.

ADVERTISING: Advertising, oral or written, shall be factual. I shall represent TIBBA members, with the utmost respect and highest regard. I will price my kittens and cats reasonably, but high enough to reflect the high quality and years of hard work behind their breeding and not to undermine other TIBBA breeders. I will refrain from unfairly making negative or derogatory comments or statements regarding any generation of Bengal cats. I realize and acknowledge that each cat/kitten is an individual and dependent on the socialization that he/she received from his/her breeder(s) and his/her subsequent owners(s).

SPORTSMANSHIP: I shall conduct myself always in a manner that reflects credit upon TIBBA, the Bengal breed and me, especially when attending shows as an exhibitor or spectator. I shall abide by the various registries and clubs rules and customs. I shall be a good loser and a gracious winner, remembering that having happy, healthy Bengals is much more important than winning trophies and titles.

AGREEMENTS: TIBBA strongly recommends that all transactions be in writing. This includes stud service agreements, breeding rights, breeder’s or seller’s guarantees on kittens, cats, deposits for kittens, etc. TIBBA also recommends that receipts be issued for all payments and deposits. If problems arise later, it is difficult to determine a fair course of action when agreements were verbal and cash changed hands without receipts.

SHIPMENT: Shipping can be a frightening experience for any animal; consequently TIBBA recommends that, if possible, the kitten be picked up by its new owner. If this is not possible, the only method of shipping that we recommend is air freight arranged directly with the airline, preferably counter-to-counter. This will specify exact routing and arrival time. Kittens should be in optimum condition and should not be shipped younger than ten weeks of age unless in special circumstances and purchaser is fully aware of the possible complications.

CONDUCT:

a. Upon joining TIBBA's E-mail list, I agree to abide by all TIBBA E-mail list rules. The list rules are posted by the web bot once a month. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to familiarize myself with them. I am also aware the list rules are subject to change by TIBBA's Board. Any changes to the list rules will be posted to the list by the Board, List Moderator, and/or the web bot.

b. I agree that any questions, comments, suggestions, or criticisms of TIBBA organization or disciplinary matter will be directed solely to the entire TIBBA Board , current address is TIBBA Board. E-mail address is subject to change, notice will be provided on TIBBA's E-mail list.

c. I agree that I will make no attempt to circumvent or undermine the confidentiality of TIBBA's Board by contacting one or more Board members privately in order to gain information regarding any Board decisions, discussions, meetings, or disciplinary actions. I am fully cognizant that all Board decisions are final and confidential.

ENFORCEMENT AND AMENDMENT: Upon sufficient proof of violations of the TIBBA Code of Ethics, the TIBBA Executive Board will take proper action which may result in the removal of membership. This Code of Ethics may be amended by the Executive Board with prior notification.

This code of ethics must be signed by the applicant, before joining TIBBA.

I, the undersigned, have read and agree to uphold the Code of Ethics and the Constitution of The International Bengal Breeders' Association, Inc. I realize that my rights and privileges as a member of TIBBA may be revoked if I do not abide by my word.

(Signed) William H. Brown

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We do hope this helps answer some of your questions. Please let us know how we can help.

Bagheera / MillCreek Bengals     Phone  (334) 712-0343   Dothan Alabama
via e-mail.