This code of ethics applies to anyone bringing animals onto the Ferry County Fairgrounds. It includes rodeos, Junior as well as Open class exhibitors and 4-H/Grange. All classes of livestock offered are included; Cattle (Beef, Dairy), Goats (Angora, Cashmere, Dairy, Meat, Boer), Equine (Donkey, Horses, Mules), Llamas and other specialty animals, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep, Swine and any other livestock.
The following practices or procedures are unacceptable and defined as being deceptive, fraudulent, unethical and inhumane in the care, fitting, preparation and showing of all classes of livestock. The use of any illegal drugs prohibited. Legal or illegal substances used to phenotypically alter the appearance of an animal entered in a livestock event is prohibited, (See rule #4). Use of illegal drugs is considered a premeditated act! Furthermore, any information obtained in the practice of illegal alteration of an animal will be turned over to the proper authorities for criminal prosecution. THIS IS A ONE STRIKE YOU ARE OUT POLICY. Exhibitor will forfeit any premium, awards, auction proceeds or use of the grounds and prohibited from future participation at the Ferry County Fairgrounds, as well as being subject to criminal prosecution if proven guilty.
The following is a listing of guidelines all owners and managers must follow:
- Feed and water all animals at least once a day adequately. All reasonable measures will be made to keep stock contained. At no time will any stock be allowed to be loose on Fairgrounds. All liability incurred by loose stock will be that of the owner of said stock.
- In the fair Market Sale, no exhibitor may show an animal previously sold at an auction or sale as a market animal through another fair or livestock show, whether or not there is an actual change of ownership (progressive level show excluded). Any method used to misrepresent the age of an animal for a class in which shown is deceptive and considered illegal. Claiming ownership in order to show in a specific livestock class or event prohibited. FALSE OWNERSHIP IS ILLEGAL.
- All exhibitors during the fair or other shows expected to care for and groom their animals while on the Fairgrounds or livestock show. Adults not allowed to physically assist in the preparation of the animal while at the show. Verbal instruction allowed and members in good standing in the 4-H/Grange programs may provide assistance. Any violations of this rule could result in immediate disqualification from the show.
- Treating an animal internally or externally, with any irritant, counter-irritant or other substance used to artificially change the conformation or appearance of an animal for show is considered unethical, inhumane and is prohibited. This includes, but is 16 FERRY COUNTY FAIR • SEPTEMBER 1-3, 2023
not limited to the use of graphite, powders, hemp, artificial hair coloring, common products such as fly spray, ointment or liniment used to the point that it is irritating (unless required to reduce edema at time of calving) or similar type products. The use of dyes, spray paint or other artificial coloring, which result in altering an animal’s true and natural appearance and/or color, prohibited. Adding false hair or hair-like material, fleece or skin at any point, spot or area of the animal’s body is illegal and will result in immediate disqualification. Any liquid or substance not considered a part of an accepted and normal diet for livestock deemed illegal and inhumane. For example: the use of alcoholic or carbonated beverages as a drench or filler. - The use of tranquilizers, sedatives or depressants, (Herbal or Non-Herbal) which alter the physical or physiological state of the animal is illegal. Exceptions to this rule would be a licensed, certified Veterinarian’s treatment for a recognized disease or injury or recommendation for tranquilizing breeding animals in heat that might compromise the safety of others. The drugs must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. All market exhibitors shall advise show management of any drugs and medications administered to an animal detected at the time of showing or at meat inspection. The name of the drug, its purpose, the person who administered the drug, time and date of administration shall be presented to show management prior to the showing and sale of animal. Failure to report this information to the show management will result in severe penalty, disqualification or both. Any use of drugs or substances not approved by the Food and Drug Administration strictly prohibited. All animals
entered into livestock competition shall be subject to testing for foreign substances that exceed acceptable levels established by the FDA, FSIS, USDA or EPA. During a market livestock event, in the case of animals requiring treatment, a licensed Veterinarian shall administer all medications and the livestock show officials shall be notified. - Surgery, injection or insertion of foreign materials under the skin or into the flesh of an animal to change the natural contour, conformation or appearance of an animal’s body is illegal. This includes vegetable oil, silicon or any other substance used to alter the shape of the animal. Acceptable practices of physical preparation allowed include clipping of hair, trimming of hooves, dehorning or removal of ancillary teats.
- The balancing of the udder by abnormal means that includes the use of a mechanical contrivance or the injection of fluid or drugs, setting the teats or occluding (sealing the ends) with a mechanical contrivance or with the use of a chemical preparation is illegal. Treating or massaging the udder or its attachments with an irritant or counter irritant is prohibited.
- The use of inhumane fitting, showing or handling practices or devices not tolerated. For example, breaking of tails, striking of the animal to cause swelling or for bracing purposes or use of overly severe bits is not acceptable.
- Direct criticism or interference with the judge, show management, other exhibitors, breed representatives or show officials before, during or after the competitive event prohibited.
- At the time an animal is sold at a market auction in the livestock show and travels directly to slaughter, the exhibitor shall be held directly responsible for animals that are rejected at a processing center due to the presence of foreign residues. The seller may be liable to the buyer for an amount equal to three times the purchase price and may be liable for attorney’s fees and civil penalties. Show management may share acceptable intelligence and evidence information with FDA and USDA. If for any
reason, the FDA or USDA inspectors must remove any part of a meat animal carcass, the market price will be discounted. - Show management reserves the right to require animal health certificates. Health inspections and diagnostic tests may be made before or after animals are on the livestock show premises for exhibitor and animal safety or to inaugurate disease control procedures, which may become necessary in emergencies as determined by animal health officials.
Any violation of these “Animal Code of Ethics” or specific rules as designated by the Fair, could result in forfeiture of premiums and awards, disqualification and may result in probationary status, loss of eligibility or both for future participation in organized events. Possible civil penalties may be imposed by the proper authorities based on evidence provided by the livestock show of exhibitors in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic act, the animal mistreatment, neglect and abandonment laws or both that apply on the local, state and national levels. Other cooperating shows will be notified of the action taken by fair management, which may affect the eligibility of the individual, group or sponsoring organization for participation at other shows.
By making entry in a livestock or equine show or event you are verifying you have read the “Animal Code of Ethics” and understand the consequences of the penalties involved for illegal, unethical, inhumane and unfair practices of competition. You also verify that you and your family may be prohibited from future participation in organized Fairs, livestock and equine shows in the United States and could face possible criminal prosecution and civil penalties if implicated in any of the aforementioned acts.
** THE DECISION OF THE FAIR MANAGEMENT IS FINAL. **