1. The registration (French purebred, British, American, Recorded Grade, unrecorded grade, etc.) as breeding (3 generation pedigree for purebred and American; as much as is known for grades) shall be clearly stated, preferably in writing, by the seller.
2. A signed transfer section of the dairy goat�s Registration with ADGA shall be given to the purchaser upon payment in cash, trade, or cleared check.
3. Unless specifically requested otherwise, the breeder shall be responsible for disbudding of all animals not born naturally hornless; castration of all bucks sold for pets or meat; and tattooing of all does and bucks.
4. The seller guarantees at the time of the sale the animals, to the best of his knowledge, to be in good health. Any CAE information on the animal, parents and/or how the kid was raised should be made available upon request.
5. The seller shall be honest, fair and accurate in informing the buyer of the condition of the dairy goat for sale. No false claims about an animal�s potential either with regard for breeding or production shall be made.
6. Any possible hereditary defects within two generations shall be clearly stated, preferably in writing, at the time of sale.
7. The seller guarantees the fertility of a buck sold for breeding purposes (i.e. with papers). A buck is sold as being able to service and settles a doe after reaching six months of age. The buyer is expected to provide reasonable care and feed. Should the buck prove to be a non-breeder, the buyer shall notify the seller within 160 days from the first time it was used for service; and the buyer shall provide sufficient proof, such as a statement from a license veterinarian, that said the buck is sterile. The sell shall have the option of making an exchange satisfactory to both parties or refunding the buyer�s monies. In no case shall the seller be responsible from more than the selling price. The purchaser shall pa any shipping charges involved in an exchange.
8. If the animal sold is a doe, there is no implied guarantee of fertility. When hermaphroditism becomes apparent when the animal reaches breeding age, the same options for exchange or refund policy, as for a buck, shall be enforced.
9. Does sold as bred must be accompanied by a service memo; however she is not guaranteed to become pregnant, but only to have normally accepted service from a buck or have been bred via artificial insemination with all expectations of becoming pregnant.
10. The owner of any doe serviced by a buck shall receive a service memo at the time of payment and if necessary, shall be entitled to two repeat servicings.
11. Animals that are boarded, whether for breeding or any other reasons, are done so at the owner�s risk.
12. Nothing in these trade practices rules shall be construed as abridging the right of the buyer and the seller to enter into a private contract. In the case of a complaint, if no written contract is presented s evidence, these trade rules shall govern.
II. HEALTH
1. All animals are to be housed and cared for in such a manner as to maintain them in good health.
2. Sick animals, or animals which have been exposed to contagious diseases within the incubation period of the disease in question shall not be brought into contact with animals from any other herds unless all parties are aware of and accept the risks involved.
3. All herds offering milk for sale must be tested and certified free of Tuberculosis and Brucellosis annually.
4. All animals owned by Rhode Island residents to be shown at Rhode Island Dairy Goat Association and American Dairy Goat Association sanctioned shows are required to be tested for and certified free of Tuberculosis and Brucellosis annually. Out of state RIDGA members showing in such shows are required to abide by their own state health regulations.
5. Although CAE testing is presently voluntary in Rhode Island, it is recommended that RIDGA members have their goats tested annually for CAE.
III. BREEDING AND RECORDS
1. All information sent to ADGA, AGS, or any other Dairy Goat Registration/Recordation body shall represent the true and actual fact of such breeding, appearance, performance, etc.
2. Any deviation from breed type must be noted when applying for registry.
IV. SHOW PHILOSOPHY
Dairy goat shows are an opportunity to promote dairy goats in general, and for breeders to promote their own animals. Dairy Goat shows are generally very competitive, and all exhibitors should show their animals to the animal�s best advantage. Exhibitors should keep in mind that their personal dress, cleanliness, and behavior, as well as the cleanliness, condition, and treatment of their animals reflect upon the entire Dairy Goat industry.