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Whitney
Coombs, Kim Rice, Patricia Princehouse Peggy Oba, Fran Princehouse Patricia Princehouse Fran Princehouse Jean Pero, Ashley Deacon Susie Fain, Christine Sapa Evelyn McCutcheon, Karen Majika, Betty Wathne Whitney Coombs, Susan Buttivant, Joni Johnson, Patricia Princehouse Whitney Coombs Kathleen Monje Susan Buttivant Susan Buttivant & Patricia Princehouse Amy Peikoff Val Davis Patricia Princehouse Val Davis, Kathy Burger, Kris Goodman, Judy Hartzell, Kim Rice, Merritt Sweeney,PatriciaPrincehouse Kathy Burger, Val Davis, Kris Goodman, Sue Peterson, Kim Rice, Betty Wathne Ashley Deacon, Marilyn Abbett, Julie Gibeau, Evelyn McCutcheon, Deb Rabuck Susan Buttivant Patricia Princehouse Fran Princehouse, Kat Lemar, Toni Lugosky, Mary Hunter Nancy Coombs, France Prineshouse Kathy Burger, Sara Armstrong, Andy Burger, Sue Peterson Kris Goodman, Susan Buttivant, Whitney & Nancy Coombs, Susie Fain, Jean Pero Susan Buttivant |
Approved September2005
ARTICLE
I Name and Objects
SECTION
1
The name of the club shall be The Pyrenean
Shepherd Club of America.
SECTION
2
The objects
of the club shall be:
a)
To protect and preserve in
Pyrenean Shepherds in America French Pyrenees Mountains
b)
To promote the standard of the
breed as put forth by The Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America and
approved by the American Kennel Club as the only standard by which the
Pyrenean Shepherds should be judged in America
c)
To promote meaningful
communication and sportsmanlike conduct between members at dog shows,
obedience and field trials; and meaningful communication between The
Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America and other such organizations
throughout the world.
d)
To educate members, potential
judges, dog fanciers, the general public, and all other interested
parties as to the correct type and temperament of the breed, proper
training and grooming techniques; and especially the idiosyncrasies and
special needs of this unusual breed.
e)
To encourage and promote quality
in the breeding of purebred Pyrenean Shepherds and to do all possible
to bring their natural qualities to perfection.
f)
To encourage the organization of
regional Pyrenean Shepherd clubs in areas which contain sufficient
numbers of Pyrenean Shepherd fanciers to support such clubs.
g)
To conduct specialty shows,
matches, obedience trials, herding trials and other such activities
under the Rules and Regulations of the American Kennel Club to promote
the Pyrenean Shepherd breed.
SECTION 3
The club shall not be conducted or operated
for profit and no portion of any profits or remainder or residue from
dues or donations to the club shall inure to the benefit of any
individual; nor shall the club endorse any privately produced product,
publication, or activity.
SECTION 4
The members of the club shall adopt and may
from time to time revise such bylaws which may be required to carry out
these objectives.
Approved September2005
ARTICLE
I Membership
SECTION 1
Eligibility
Eligibility
There shall be three (3) types of membership
open to all persons eighteen (18) years of age and older who are in
good standing with the American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the
purposes of this Club. A Junior membership may also be offered to
persons ten (10) through eighteen (18) years of age.
Types
of Membership: Regular,
Junior, Life-Time, and Honorary
(a)
Regular Membership – Voting membership for
individuals. They must be eighteen (18) years of age and in good
standing with the AKC. They must obtain the sponsorship of two (2)
Regular Members of the PSCA on their application form. The applicants
name and address will be published in the PSCA club publication for
comment by the Regular Membership. They must submit the regular dues
payment, including the application fee. Regular Members may vote, hold
elective office, and be added to the Breeder Referral List. The
calculation for continuous membership will begin from the date of their
acceptance to Regular Membership.
(b)
Junior Membership - Non-voting membership for individuals
ten (10) to eighteen (18) years of age. They must be in good standing
with the AKC. They must subscribe to the purposes of this Club and its
Code of Ethics. Junior Members may not vote, hold elective office, or
be added to the Breeder Referral List. Junior Members will receive all
PSCA publications.
(c)
Life-Time Membership - There shall be a special dues-free
membership to be bestowed on a long-time Regular Member of twenty plus
(20+) years. This membership carries with it all the privileges of
Regular Membership.
(d)
Honorary Membership - There shall be a special dues-free
membership to be bestowed on a Club member who has made an extremely
significant and unique contribution to the Breed and the Club.
Such members are not required to pay dues and are not eligible to vote
or hold office, unless they opt to pay the annual dues.
Candidates for this position may be proposed
by the Board of Directors or by written petition addressed to the
Secretary and signed by twenty percent (20%) of the membership in good
standing. Candidates nominated by the Board or by petition must be
submitted to the members for a vote within three (3) months of
nomination. The favorable vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members in
good standing who return valid ballots within thirty (30) days of the
date of mailing shall be required to elect a candidate to Honorary
Membership.
SECTION
2
Dues
Dues
Membership dues shall be determined by the
board of directors and approved by members annually, payable on or
before the first (1st) day of January of each year. Dues
shall not exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00) per year. No member may
vote whose dues are not paid for the current year. During the month of
November, the Treasurer or other designated person shall send to each
member a statement of his dues for the ensuing year.
SECTION 3
Election to Membership
Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form as approved by the Board of Directors and which shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by the constitution and bylaws and the rules of the Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America and the American Kennel Club. The application shall state the name and address of the applicant and it shall carry the endorsement of two (2) Regular Members in good standing. Accompanying the application, the prospective member shall submit dues payment for the current year, and a non-refundable application fee of five dollars ($5.00) per individual. The names will appear in the next official Club publication. Protests to Full Members must be postmarked within thirty (30) days following the new member publication. If no protest is filed within thirty (30) days, the applicant will automatically be granted membership. Each member in good standing is entitled to endorse four (4) members per year.
Election to Membership
Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form as approved by the Board of Directors and which shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by the constitution and bylaws and the rules of the Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America and the American Kennel Club. The application shall state the name and address of the applicant and it shall carry the endorsement of two (2) Regular Members in good standing. Accompanying the application, the prospective member shall submit dues payment for the current year, and a non-refundable application fee of five dollars ($5.00) per individual. The names will appear in the next official Club publication. Protests to Full Members must be postmarked within thirty (30) days following the new member publication. If no protest is filed within thirty (30) days, the applicant will automatically be granted membership. Each member in good standing is entitled to endorse four (4) members per year.
Any member in good standing, or the Board of Directors, may protest the acceptance of a prospective Member by setting forth the reasons to the Secretary in written communication, accompanied by a fifty dollar ($50.00) filing fee, which is refundable if the objection is upheld. The filing fee must be received by the Secretary within the allotted thirty (30) days. Such protests will be referred to a committee appointed by the Board of Directors. Upon completion of an inquiry, and after consideration of the facts developed, the committee will report its findings to the Board who will act upon the application. Two-thirds (2/3) of the Directors present at a meeting of the Board, or two-thirds (2/3) of the entire Board voting by mail, shall be required to elect an applicant who has been protested.
An application which has received a negative
vote by the Board may be presented by one of the applicant's endorsers
at the next Annual Meeting of the Club and the Club may elect such
applicant by a favorable vote of seventy-five (75%) of the members
present. Applicants for membership who have been rejected by the
club may not reapply within twelve (12) months after such rejection.
SECTION 4
Termination of Membership
Memberships
may be terminated:
(a) by resignation. Any member in good standing may resign from
the Club upon written notice to the Secretary; but no member may resign
when in debt to the Club. Obligations other than dues are considered a
debt to the Club and they must be paid in full prior to
resignation.
(b) by lapsing. A membership will be considered lapsed and automatically terminated if such member’s dues remain unpaid ninety (90) days after the first (1st) day of the fiscal year; however the Board may grant an additional ninety (90) days of grace to such delinquent members in meritorious cases. In no case may a person be entitled to vote at any Club meeting whose dues are unpaid as of the date of that meeting.
(c) by expulsion. A member may be terminated by expulsion as provided in Article VI of these bylaws.
ARTICLE II Meetings
SECTION 1
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Club held in the month of April, May or June shall be held in conjunction if possible with the Club's National Specialty show at a place, date and hour designated by the Board of Directors. Written notice of the annual meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary to each member, or to the official Club newsletter for publication at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for the meeting shall be at least ten percent (10%) of the members in good standing.
SECTION 2
Special Club Meetings
Special Club meetings may be called by the President or by a majority vote of the members of the Board who are present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the Board or who vote by mail; and shall be called by the Secretary upon receipt of a petition signed by ten percent (10%) of the members of the Club who are in good standing. Such special meeting shall be held at such place, date and hour as may be designated by the Board of Directors. Written notice of such meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary at least fourteen (14) days and not more than thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. The notice of the meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting and no other club business may be transacted thereat. The quorum for such a meeting will be the percent (10%) of the members in good standing.
SECTION 3
Board Meetings
A meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the Annual Meeting. Other meetings of the Board shall be held at such times and places as are designated by the President or by a majority vote of the entire board. Written notice of each such other meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary to each member of the Board at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for a Board meeting shall be a majority of the Board.
SECTION 4
The Board of Directors may hold meetings in person, videoconference, or teleconference. The Board of Directors may also conduct business by telephone conference call, mail, fax, or electronic mail, through the Secretary provided it does not conflict with other provisions of these bylaws. Items voted on by telephone conference call, mail, fax and electronic mail must be confirmed by the Secretary within seven (7) days. In order for business to be conducted by e-mail: every board member must be provided with the means to participate; a procedure must be in place to verify the identity of the individuals participating to ensure that they are the eligible board members; a mechanism must be in place to verify that the eligible board members are receiving all correspondence; and all board members must agree to participate in this manner. Electronic mail cannot be utilized on any issue which requires a secret ballot.
SECTION 5
Voting
Each member in good standing whose dues are paid for the current year shall be entitled to one vote. Proxy voting will not be permitted at any Club meeting or election.
ARTICLE III Directors and Officers
SECTION 1
Board of Directors
The general management of the Club's affairs shall be entrusted to the Board of Directors. The Board shall be comprised of nine (9) members, all of who shall be members in good standing who are residents of theUnited
States
SECTION 2
Officers
The Club's officers, consisting of the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer shall serve in their respective capacities both with regard to the Club and its meetings and the Board and its meetings.
(a) The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club and of the Board and shall have the duties and powers normally appurtenant to the office of President in addition to those particularly specified in these bylaws.
(b) The Vice-President shall have the duties and exercise the powers of the President in case of the President’s death, absence, or incapacity.
(c) The Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings of the Club and the Board and of all matters of which a record shall be ordered by the Club. He/she shall have charge of the correspondence, notify members of meetings, notify new members of their election to membership, notify officers and Directors of their election to office, keep a roll of the members of the Club with their address and carry out other such duties as are prescribed in these bylaws.
(d) The Treasurer shall collect and receive all moneys due or belonging to the Club. He/she shall deposit the same in a bank approved by the Board, in the name of the Club. His/her books shall at all times be open to inspection by the Board and he/she shall report to them at every meeting the condition of the Club's finances and every item of receipt or payment not before reported, and at the annual meeting he/she shall render an account of all monies received and expended during the previous fiscal year. The Treasurer shall be bonded in such amount as the Board of Directors shall determine.
[(e) AKC Delegate - The delegate to the American Kennel Club shall be appointed by the Board of Directors annually. The Delegate is not a member of the Board of Directors, however, a member of the Board of Directors may be appointed as Delegate. The duties of the Delegate shall be to attend the quarterly meetings of the American Kennel Club Delegates whenever possible and to report the results of these meetings to the Board of Directors.] [NOTE: Brackets to be removed after PSCA is elected as an AKC member club.]
SECTION 3 Vacancies
Any vacancies occurring on the Board or among the officers during the year shall be filled until the next annual election by a majority vote of all the then members of the Board except that a vacancy in the office of President shall be filled automatically by the Vice-President and the resulting vacancy in the office of vice-president shall be filled by the Board.
ARTICLE IV The Club Year, Voting, Nominations, Elections
SECTION 1
Club Year
The Club's fiscal year shall begin on the first (1st) day of January and end on the thirty-first (31st) day of December.
The Club's official year shall begin March first (1st) and shall continue through the last day of February. The elected Officers and Directors shall take office immediately upon the conclusion of the election and each retiring officer shall turn over to his/her successor all properties and records relating to that office within thirty (30) days after the election.
SECTION 2
Voting
At the Annual Meeting held in the month of April, May or June or at a special meeting of the Club voting shall be limited to those members in good standing who are present at the meeting, except for the annual election of the Directors and amendments to the constitution and bylaws and the standard for the breed which shall be decided by written ballot cast by mail. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted. The Board of Directors may decide to submit other specific questions for decision of the members by written ballot cast by mail.
SECTION 3
Annual Election
For the election of Directors the vote shall be conducted by written ballot cast by mail. To be valid ballots must be received by the Secretary by February fifteenth (15th). Ballots shall be counted by the Secretary. The Board of Directors reserves the right to designate an outside professional firm to receive and count the ballots when circumstances warrant it.
The persons receiving the largest number of votes for each Director position shall be declared elected. If any nominee, at the time of the meeting, is unable to serve for any reason, such nominee shall not be elected and the vacancy so created shall be filled by the new Board of Directors in the manner provided by Article III, Section 3.
SECTION 4
Nominations and Ballots
No person may be a candidate in a Club election who has not been nominated in accordance with these bylaws. A Nominating Committee shall be chosen by the Board of Directors before September fifteenth (15th). The committee shall consist of three (3), and two (2) alternates, all members in good standing, no more than one (1) of whom may be a member of the current Board of Directors. The Board shall name a chairman for the Committee. The Nominating Committee may conduct its business in person, by telephone conference call, mail, fax, or electronic mail.
(a) The Nominating Committee shall nominate from among the eligible members of the Club, one (1) candidate for each vacancy on the Board of Directors, and shall procure the acceptance of each nominee so chosen. The Committee should consider geographical representation of the membership on the Board to the extent that it is practicable to do so. The Committee, by November first (1st), shall then submit its slate of candidates to the Secretary who shall mail the list, including the full name of each candidate and the name of the state in which he resides to each member of the Club on or before December first (1st) so that additional nominations may be made by the members if they so desire.
(b) Additional nominations of eligible members may be made by written petition addressed to the Secretary and received at his/her regular address on or before January first (1st), signed by five (5) members and accompanied by the written acceptance of each such additional nominee signifying his willingness to be a candidate. No person shall be a candidate for more than one (1) position.
(c) If no valid additional nominations are received by the Secretary on or before January first (1st), the Nominating Committee's slate shall be declared elected on March first (1st), and no balloting will be required.
(d) If one or more additional nominations are received by the Secretary on or before January first (1st), he/she or an independent professional firm designated by the Board shall, on or before January fifteenth (15th), mail to each member in good standing a ballot listing all of the nominees for each position in alphabetical order, with the names of the states in which they reside, together with a blank envelope and a return envelope addressed to the Secretary (or designated professional firm) marked "Ballot" and bearing the name of the member to whom it was sent. So that the ballots may remain secret, each voter after marking his ballot, shall seal it in the blank envelope which in turn shall be placed in the second envelope addressed to the Secretary (or designated professional firm). To be valid ballots must be received by the Secretary (or designated professional firm) on or before February fifteenth (15th). The Secretary (or designated professional firm) shall check the returns against the list of members whose dues are paid for the current year prior to opening of the outer envelopes and removing the blank envelopes, and shall certify the eligibility of the voters as well as the results of the voting which shall be announced on or before the announced annual meeting.
(e) Nominations cannot be made at the annual meeting or in any manner other than as provided above.
ARTICLE V Committees
SECTION 1
The Board may each year appoint standing committees to advance the work of the Club in such matters as dog shows, obedience trials, herding tests and trials, trophies, annual awards, membership, and other fields which may well be served by such committees. Such committees shall always be subject to the final authority of the Board. Special committees may also be appointed by the Board to aid it on particular projects.
SECTION 2
Any committee appointment may be terminated by a majority vote of the full membership of the Board upon written notice to the appointee; and the Board may appoint successors to those persons whose service has been terminated.
ARTICLE VI Discipline
SECTION 1 American Kennel Club Suspension
Any member who is suspended from the privileges of The American Kennel Club automatically shall be suspended from the privileges of this Club for a like period.
SECTION 2 Charges
Any member may prefer charges against a member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Club or the breed. Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with a deposit of fifty dollars ($50.00) which shall be forfeited if such charges are not sustained by the Board or a Committee following a hearing. The Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to each member of the Board or present them at a Board meeting, and the Board shall first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, might constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Club or the breed. If the Board considers that the charges do not allege conduct which would be prejudicial to the best interests of the Club or the breed it may refuse to entertain jurisdiction. If the Board entertains jurisdiction of the charges it shall fix a date of a hearing by the Board or a Committee of not less than three members of the Board, not less than three (3) weeks nor more than six (6) weeks thereafter. The Secretary shall promptly send one copy of the charges to the accused member by certified or registered mail together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in his own defense and bring witnesses if he wishes.
SECTION 3 Board Hearing
The Board shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by complainant and defendant, the Board may by a majority vote of those present reprimand or suspend the defendant of all privileges of the Club for not more than six (6) months from the date of the hearing, or until the next annual meeting if that will occur after six (6) months. And, if it deems that punishment insufficient, it may also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such case, the suspension shall not restrict the defendant's right to appear before his fellow members at the ensuing Club meeting which considers the recommendation of the Board. Immediately after the Board has reached a decision, its findings shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary, in turn, shall notify each of the parties of the decision and penalties, if any.
SECTION 4 Expulsion
Expulsion of a member from the Club may be accomplished only at the Annual Meeting of the Club following a Board hearing and upon the Board’s recommendation as provided in Section 3 of this Article. Such proceedings may occur at a regular or special meeting of the Club to be held within sixty (60) days, but not earlier than thirty (30) days after the date of the board’s recommendation of expulsion. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in his/her own behalf though no evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The President shall read the charges and the board’s findings and recommendations, and shall invite the defendant, if present, to speak in his/her own behalf if he/she wishes. The members shall then vote by secret written ballot on the proposed expulsion. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting at the meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the board’s suspension shall stand.
ARTICLE VII Amendments
SECTION 1
Amendments to the constitution and bylaws and revisions to the Breed Standard may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by written petition addressed to the Secretary signed by twenty percent (20%) of the membership in good standing. Amendments proposed by such petition shall be promptly considered by the Board of Directors and must be submitted to the members with recommendations of the Board by the Secretary for a vote within three (3) months of the date when the petition was received by the Secretary.
SECTION 2
The constitution and bylaws or the Breed Standard may be amended or revised at any time provided a copy of the proposed amendment has been mailed by the Secretary to each member in good standing on the date of the mailing, accompanied by a ballot on which he/she may indicate his/her choice for or against the action to be taken. The notice shall specify a date not less than thirty (30) days after the date of mailing by which date the ballots must be returned to the Secretary to be counted. The favorable vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members in good standing who return valid ballots within the time limit shall be required to effect any such amendment.
[SECTION 3]
[Amendments to the constitution and bylaws and revisions to the Breed Standard require AKC Board approval.]
[NOTE: Brackets to be removed after PSCA is elected as an AKC member club.]
ARTICLE VIII Dissolution
SECTION 1
The Club may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the members in good standing. In the event of the dissolution of the Club, other than for purposes of reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law, none of the property of the Club nor any proceeds thereof nor any assets of the Club shall be distributed to the members of the Club but after payment of the debts of the Club its property and assets shall be given to a charitable organization for benefit of dogs selected by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IX Order of Business
SECTION 1
At meetings of the Club, the order of business, so far as the character and nature of the meeting may permit, shall be as follows:
(b) by lapsing. A membership will be considered lapsed and automatically terminated if such member’s dues remain unpaid ninety (90) days after the first (1st) day of the fiscal year; however the Board may grant an additional ninety (90) days of grace to such delinquent members in meritorious cases. In no case may a person be entitled to vote at any Club meeting whose dues are unpaid as of the date of that meeting.
(c) by expulsion. A member may be terminated by expulsion as provided in Article VI of these bylaws.
ARTICLE II Meetings
SECTION 1
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Club held in the month of April, May or June shall be held in conjunction if possible with the Club's National Specialty show at a place, date and hour designated by the Board of Directors. Written notice of the annual meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary to each member, or to the official Club newsletter for publication at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for the meeting shall be at least ten percent (10%) of the members in good standing.
SECTION 2
Special Club Meetings
Special Club meetings may be called by the President or by a majority vote of the members of the Board who are present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the Board or who vote by mail; and shall be called by the Secretary upon receipt of a petition signed by ten percent (10%) of the members of the Club who are in good standing. Such special meeting shall be held at such place, date and hour as may be designated by the Board of Directors. Written notice of such meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary at least fourteen (14) days and not more than thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. The notice of the meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting and no other club business may be transacted thereat. The quorum for such a meeting will be the percent (10%) of the members in good standing.
SECTION 3
Board Meetings
A meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the Annual Meeting. Other meetings of the Board shall be held at such times and places as are designated by the President or by a majority vote of the entire board. Written notice of each such other meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary to each member of the Board at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for a Board meeting shall be a majority of the Board.
SECTION 4
The Board of Directors may hold meetings in person, videoconference, or teleconference. The Board of Directors may also conduct business by telephone conference call, mail, fax, or electronic mail, through the Secretary provided it does not conflict with other provisions of these bylaws. Items voted on by telephone conference call, mail, fax and electronic mail must be confirmed by the Secretary within seven (7) days. In order for business to be conducted by e-mail: every board member must be provided with the means to participate; a procedure must be in place to verify the identity of the individuals participating to ensure that they are the eligible board members; a mechanism must be in place to verify that the eligible board members are receiving all correspondence; and all board members must agree to participate in this manner. Electronic mail cannot be utilized on any issue which requires a secret ballot.
SECTION 5
Voting
Each member in good standing whose dues are paid for the current year shall be entitled to one vote. Proxy voting will not be permitted at any Club meeting or election.
ARTICLE III Directors and Officers
SECTION 1
Board of Directors
The general management of the Club's affairs shall be entrusted to the Board of Directors. The Board shall be comprised of nine (9) members, all of who shall be members in good standing who are residents of the
SECTION 2
Officers
The Club's officers, consisting of the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer shall serve in their respective capacities both with regard to the Club and its meetings and the Board and its meetings.
(a) The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club and of the Board and shall have the duties and powers normally appurtenant to the office of President in addition to those particularly specified in these bylaws.
(b) The Vice-President shall have the duties and exercise the powers of the President in case of the President’s death, absence, or incapacity.
(c) The Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings of the Club and the Board and of all matters of which a record shall be ordered by the Club. He/she shall have charge of the correspondence, notify members of meetings, notify new members of their election to membership, notify officers and Directors of their election to office, keep a roll of the members of the Club with their address and carry out other such duties as are prescribed in these bylaws.
(d) The Treasurer shall collect and receive all moneys due or belonging to the Club. He/she shall deposit the same in a bank approved by the Board, in the name of the Club. His/her books shall at all times be open to inspection by the Board and he/she shall report to them at every meeting the condition of the Club's finances and every item of receipt or payment not before reported, and at the annual meeting he/she shall render an account of all monies received and expended during the previous fiscal year. The Treasurer shall be bonded in such amount as the Board of Directors shall determine.
[(e) AKC Delegate - The delegate to the American Kennel Club shall be appointed by the Board of Directors annually. The Delegate is not a member of the Board of Directors, however, a member of the Board of Directors may be appointed as Delegate. The duties of the Delegate shall be to attend the quarterly meetings of the American Kennel Club Delegates whenever possible and to report the results of these meetings to the Board of Directors.] [NOTE: Brackets to be removed after PSCA is elected as an AKC member club.]
SECTION 3 Vacancies
Any vacancies occurring on the Board or among the officers during the year shall be filled until the next annual election by a majority vote of all the then members of the Board except that a vacancy in the office of President shall be filled automatically by the Vice-President and the resulting vacancy in the office of vice-president shall be filled by the Board.
ARTICLE IV The Club Year, Voting, Nominations, Elections
SECTION 1
Club Year
The Club's fiscal year shall begin on the first (1st) day of January and end on the thirty-first (31st) day of December.
The Club's official year shall begin March first (1st) and shall continue through the last day of February. The elected Officers and Directors shall take office immediately upon the conclusion of the election and each retiring officer shall turn over to his/her successor all properties and records relating to that office within thirty (30) days after the election.
SECTION 2
Voting
At the Annual Meeting held in the month of April, May or June or at a special meeting of the Club voting shall be limited to those members in good standing who are present at the meeting, except for the annual election of the Directors and amendments to the constitution and bylaws and the standard for the breed which shall be decided by written ballot cast by mail. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted. The Board of Directors may decide to submit other specific questions for decision of the members by written ballot cast by mail.
SECTION 3
Annual Election
For the election of Directors the vote shall be conducted by written ballot cast by mail. To be valid ballots must be received by the Secretary by February fifteenth (15th). Ballots shall be counted by the Secretary. The Board of Directors reserves the right to designate an outside professional firm to receive and count the ballots when circumstances warrant it.
The persons receiving the largest number of votes for each Director position shall be declared elected. If any nominee, at the time of the meeting, is unable to serve for any reason, such nominee shall not be elected and the vacancy so created shall be filled by the new Board of Directors in the manner provided by Article III, Section 3.
SECTION 4
Nominations and Ballots
No person may be a candidate in a Club election who has not been nominated in accordance with these bylaws. A Nominating Committee shall be chosen by the Board of Directors before September fifteenth (15th). The committee shall consist of three (3), and two (2) alternates, all members in good standing, no more than one (1) of whom may be a member of the current Board of Directors. The Board shall name a chairman for the Committee. The Nominating Committee may conduct its business in person, by telephone conference call, mail, fax, or electronic mail.
(a) The Nominating Committee shall nominate from among the eligible members of the Club, one (1) candidate for each vacancy on the Board of Directors, and shall procure the acceptance of each nominee so chosen. The Committee should consider geographical representation of the membership on the Board to the extent that it is practicable to do so. The Committee, by November first (1st), shall then submit its slate of candidates to the Secretary who shall mail the list, including the full name of each candidate and the name of the state in which he resides to each member of the Club on or before December first (1st) so that additional nominations may be made by the members if they so desire.
(b) Additional nominations of eligible members may be made by written petition addressed to the Secretary and received at his/her regular address on or before January first (1st), signed by five (5) members and accompanied by the written acceptance of each such additional nominee signifying his willingness to be a candidate. No person shall be a candidate for more than one (1) position.
(c) If no valid additional nominations are received by the Secretary on or before January first (1st), the Nominating Committee's slate shall be declared elected on March first (1st), and no balloting will be required.
(d) If one or more additional nominations are received by the Secretary on or before January first (1st), he/she or an independent professional firm designated by the Board shall, on or before January fifteenth (15th), mail to each member in good standing a ballot listing all of the nominees for each position in alphabetical order, with the names of the states in which they reside, together with a blank envelope and a return envelope addressed to the Secretary (or designated professional firm) marked "Ballot" and bearing the name of the member to whom it was sent. So that the ballots may remain secret, each voter after marking his ballot, shall seal it in the blank envelope which in turn shall be placed in the second envelope addressed to the Secretary (or designated professional firm). To be valid ballots must be received by the Secretary (or designated professional firm) on or before February fifteenth (15th). The Secretary (or designated professional firm) shall check the returns against the list of members whose dues are paid for the current year prior to opening of the outer envelopes and removing the blank envelopes, and shall certify the eligibility of the voters as well as the results of the voting which shall be announced on or before the announced annual meeting.
(e) Nominations cannot be made at the annual meeting or in any manner other than as provided above.
ARTICLE V Committees
SECTION 1
The Board may each year appoint standing committees to advance the work of the Club in such matters as dog shows, obedience trials, herding tests and trials, trophies, annual awards, membership, and other fields which may well be served by such committees. Such committees shall always be subject to the final authority of the Board. Special committees may also be appointed by the Board to aid it on particular projects.
SECTION 2
Any committee appointment may be terminated by a majority vote of the full membership of the Board upon written notice to the appointee; and the Board may appoint successors to those persons whose service has been terminated.
ARTICLE VI Discipline
SECTION 1 American Kennel Club Suspension
Any member who is suspended from the privileges of The American Kennel Club automatically shall be suspended from the privileges of this Club for a like period.
SECTION 2 Charges
Any member may prefer charges against a member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Club or the breed. Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with a deposit of fifty dollars ($50.00) which shall be forfeited if such charges are not sustained by the Board or a Committee following a hearing. The Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to each member of the Board or present them at a Board meeting, and the Board shall first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, might constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Club or the breed. If the Board considers that the charges do not allege conduct which would be prejudicial to the best interests of the Club or the breed it may refuse to entertain jurisdiction. If the Board entertains jurisdiction of the charges it shall fix a date of a hearing by the Board or a Committee of not less than three members of the Board, not less than three (3) weeks nor more than six (6) weeks thereafter. The Secretary shall promptly send one copy of the charges to the accused member by certified or registered mail together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in his own defense and bring witnesses if he wishes.
SECTION 3 Board Hearing
The Board shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by complainant and defendant, the Board may by a majority vote of those present reprimand or suspend the defendant of all privileges of the Club for not more than six (6) months from the date of the hearing, or until the next annual meeting if that will occur after six (6) months. And, if it deems that punishment insufficient, it may also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such case, the suspension shall not restrict the defendant's right to appear before his fellow members at the ensuing Club meeting which considers the recommendation of the Board. Immediately after the Board has reached a decision, its findings shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary, in turn, shall notify each of the parties of the decision and penalties, if any.
SECTION 4 Expulsion
Expulsion of a member from the Club may be accomplished only at the Annual Meeting of the Club following a Board hearing and upon the Board’s recommendation as provided in Section 3 of this Article. Such proceedings may occur at a regular or special meeting of the Club to be held within sixty (60) days, but not earlier than thirty (30) days after the date of the board’s recommendation of expulsion. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in his/her own behalf though no evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The President shall read the charges and the board’s findings and recommendations, and shall invite the defendant, if present, to speak in his/her own behalf if he/she wishes. The members shall then vote by secret written ballot on the proposed expulsion. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting at the meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the board’s suspension shall stand.
ARTICLE VII Amendments
SECTION 1
Amendments to the constitution and bylaws and revisions to the Breed Standard may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by written petition addressed to the Secretary signed by twenty percent (20%) of the membership in good standing. Amendments proposed by such petition shall be promptly considered by the Board of Directors and must be submitted to the members with recommendations of the Board by the Secretary for a vote within three (3) months of the date when the petition was received by the Secretary.
SECTION 2
The constitution and bylaws or the Breed Standard may be amended or revised at any time provided a copy of the proposed amendment has been mailed by the Secretary to each member in good standing on the date of the mailing, accompanied by a ballot on which he/she may indicate his/her choice for or against the action to be taken. The notice shall specify a date not less than thirty (30) days after the date of mailing by which date the ballots must be returned to the Secretary to be counted. The favorable vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members in good standing who return valid ballots within the time limit shall be required to effect any such amendment.
[SECTION 3]
[Amendments to the constitution and bylaws and revisions to the Breed Standard require AKC Board approval.]
[NOTE: Brackets to be removed after PSCA is elected as an AKC member club.]
ARTICLE VIII Dissolution
SECTION 1
The Club may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the members in good standing. In the event of the dissolution of the Club, other than for purposes of reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law, none of the property of the Club nor any proceeds thereof nor any assets of the Club shall be distributed to the members of the Club but after payment of the debts of the Club its property and assets shall be given to a charitable organization for benefit of dogs selected by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IX Order of Business
SECTION 1
At meetings of the Club, the order of business, so far as the character and nature of the meeting may permit, shall be as follows:
- Roll Call
- Minutes of last meeting
- Report of President
- Report of Secretary
- Report of Treasurer
- Reports of Committees
- Elections of Officers and Board (at Annual Meeting)
- Election of new members
- Unfinished business
- New business
- Adjournment
SECTION 2
At meetings of the Board, the order of business, unless otherwise directed by majority vote of those present, shall be as follows:
At meetings of the Board, the order of business, unless otherwise directed by majority vote of those present, shall be as follows:
- Reading of minutes of last meeting
- Report of Secretary
- Report of Treasurer
- Reports of Committees
- Unfinished Business
- Election of new members
- New business
- Adjournment
ARTICLE X Parliamentary Authority
SECTION 1
The rules contained in the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised” shall govern the Club in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any other special rules of order the club may adopt.
P.S.C.A. CODE OF ETHICS
1.
The Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America
exists to improve and protect the breed and these aims should to be
uppermost
in the minds and actions of its members.
2. Members shall demonstrate good sportsmanship and behave in a manner that will be conducive to the advancement of our breed and the Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America, with the welfare of the dog always being the foremost concern.
TREATMENT OF PYRENEAN SHEPHERDS
All Pyrenean Shepherds in the care of members will be provided a clean, healthy environment, and given proper nutrition and veterinary care. Because the Pyrenean Shepherd breed is not suited to a kennel environment, members will assure that all their Pyrenean Shepherds receive individual attention on a daily basis. All Pyrenean Shepherds should be given training and socialization with humans and other animals sufficient to enable them to become well-adjusted assets to society.
BREEDING
1. Members recognize that anyone breeding Pyrenean Shepherds, whether by offering stud service or producing a litter from their own bitch, bears great responsibility to the future of the breed. The ultimate goal of the responsible breeder should be to produce sound, attractive, healthy puppies with good temperaments, whether for pet or show. Breeders should have a basic knowledge of genetics, the breed, dog breeding in general, and the specific faults and virtues of their chosen genetic lines. They should also be aware of potential health problems, associated both with the breed itself, and the specific lines. Motivation for breeding the Pyrenean Shepherd should be the improvement of the breed, and not solely for financial gain
2. Pyrenean Shepherds used for breeding should conform as closely as possible to the breed standard. Both parents should be clear of discoverable genetic defects prior to breeding, including, but not limited to the following: eyes certified clear, hips normal, patellas normal, and epilepsy free.
3. Members are encouraged to spay or neuter all dogs which are not intended for breeding or conformation exhibition.
4. Members will take responsibility for all the dogs they produce. Members understand that if sufficient good homes with responsible owners are not found in the form of puppy buyers or adoptive homes, it is incumbent upon the breeder to keep all unplaced puppies of his production and provide them with proper care and attention. Members are also willing to take back any dog they have produced at any time during its life.
5. Members will safeguard their Pyrenean Shepherds from unplanned breedings.
6. Members will not allow any bitch in their care to be bred before her second heat or under the age of 18 months. A normal bitch (i.e. having a six month cycle) should not be bred more than 2 out of 3 consecutive seasons.
SALES
1. Members shall make every effort to educate all interested persons and to represent the breed honestly to prospective buyers.
2. Breeders will be discriminating in the sale of puppies and adult dogs. They will be particularly concerned with the type of homes in which their dogs are placed. No member will engage in the wholesaling of litters, or in the sale of any Pyrenean Shepherd to pet shops, dealers, catalog houses, or other commercial establishments involved in the reselling of dogs; nor will any Pyrenean Shepherd be donated or given as prizes in contests, raffles, or fundraising events, no matter how charitable.
3. Before agreeing to sell a Pyrenean Shepherd, breeders will educate potential buyers about the temperament and qualities of the Pyrenean Shepherd, and about its grooming, training and exercise needs. Breeders will also determine the capability and intention of the potential buyer to provide proper care and an appropriate environment for a Pyrenean Shepherd for its entire natural life. Breeders will refuse to place a Pyrenean Shepherd with any potential owner who does not appear well suited to owning a Pyrenean Shepherd.
4. Breeders will be available to buyers for whatever reasonable advice, aid, and assistance they may need for the life of that dog.
5. All agreements should be in writing, and be clearly understood by all parties. Dogs should be guaranteed against serious hereditary afflictions and replacements or dollar refunds offered, where necessary. The agreement should specify that dogs which are not intended for breeding or conformation exhibition should be spayed or neutered and /or sold on a limited registration.
6. When transferring possession of a puppy or adult dog, the breeder will follow these guidelines:
a) Each dog sold will be, to the best of the seller's knowledge, in good health, free of parasites, and will have had adequate immunization for its age. Records detailing all dates and types of medical care given to the dog will be supplied to the buyer.
b) Breeder will provide written instructions to the buyer on the feeding, health, training, and grooming needed for the proper care of the puppy/ dog.
c) Puppy must be a minimum age of 7 weeks old, unless a minimum age of 8 weeks old is required by law, before leaving the breeder.
d) Breeder will supply a pedigree of no less than 3 generations.
Approved 2005
2. Members shall demonstrate good sportsmanship and behave in a manner that will be conducive to the advancement of our breed and the Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America, with the welfare of the dog always being the foremost concern.
TREATMENT OF PYRENEAN SHEPHERDS
All Pyrenean Shepherds in the care of members will be provided a clean, healthy environment, and given proper nutrition and veterinary care. Because the Pyrenean Shepherd breed is not suited to a kennel environment, members will assure that all their Pyrenean Shepherds receive individual attention on a daily basis. All Pyrenean Shepherds should be given training and socialization with humans and other animals sufficient to enable them to become well-adjusted assets to society.
BREEDING
1. Members recognize that anyone breeding Pyrenean Shepherds, whether by offering stud service or producing a litter from their own bitch, bears great responsibility to the future of the breed. The ultimate goal of the responsible breeder should be to produce sound, attractive, healthy puppies with good temperaments, whether for pet or show. Breeders should have a basic knowledge of genetics, the breed, dog breeding in general, and the specific faults and virtues of their chosen genetic lines. They should also be aware of potential health problems, associated both with the breed itself, and the specific lines. Motivation for breeding the Pyrenean Shepherd should be the improvement of the breed, and not solely for financial gain
2. Pyrenean Shepherds used for breeding should conform as closely as possible to the breed standard. Both parents should be clear of discoverable genetic defects prior to breeding, including, but not limited to the following: eyes certified clear, hips normal, patellas normal, and epilepsy free.
3. Members are encouraged to spay or neuter all dogs which are not intended for breeding or conformation exhibition.
4. Members will take responsibility for all the dogs they produce. Members understand that if sufficient good homes with responsible owners are not found in the form of puppy buyers or adoptive homes, it is incumbent upon the breeder to keep all unplaced puppies of his production and provide them with proper care and attention. Members are also willing to take back any dog they have produced at any time during its life.
5. Members will safeguard their Pyrenean Shepherds from unplanned breedings.
6. Members will not allow any bitch in their care to be bred before her second heat or under the age of 18 months. A normal bitch (i.e. having a six month cycle) should not be bred more than 2 out of 3 consecutive seasons.
SALES
1. Members shall make every effort to educate all interested persons and to represent the breed honestly to prospective buyers.
2. Breeders will be discriminating in the sale of puppies and adult dogs. They will be particularly concerned with the type of homes in which their dogs are placed. No member will engage in the wholesaling of litters, or in the sale of any Pyrenean Shepherd to pet shops, dealers, catalog houses, or other commercial establishments involved in the reselling of dogs; nor will any Pyrenean Shepherd be donated or given as prizes in contests, raffles, or fundraising events, no matter how charitable.
3. Before agreeing to sell a Pyrenean Shepherd, breeders will educate potential buyers about the temperament and qualities of the Pyrenean Shepherd, and about its grooming, training and exercise needs. Breeders will also determine the capability and intention of the potential buyer to provide proper care and an appropriate environment for a Pyrenean Shepherd for its entire natural life. Breeders will refuse to place a Pyrenean Shepherd with any potential owner who does not appear well suited to owning a Pyrenean Shepherd.
4. Breeders will be available to buyers for whatever reasonable advice, aid, and assistance they may need for the life of that dog.
5. All agreements should be in writing, and be clearly understood by all parties. Dogs should be guaranteed against serious hereditary afflictions and replacements or dollar refunds offered, where necessary. The agreement should specify that dogs which are not intended for breeding or conformation exhibition should be spayed or neutered and /or sold on a limited registration.
6. When transferring possession of a puppy or adult dog, the breeder will follow these guidelines:
a) Each dog sold will be, to the best of the seller's knowledge, in good health, free of parasites, and will have had adequate immunization for its age. Records detailing all dates and types of medical care given to the dog will be supplied to the buyer.
b) Breeder will provide written instructions to the buyer on the feeding, health, training, and grooming needed for the proper care of the puppy/ dog.
c) Puppy must be a minimum age of 7 weeks old, unless a minimum age of 8 weeks old is required by law, before leaving the breeder.
d) Breeder will supply a pedigree of no less than 3 generations.
Approved 2005
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