SECTION 1 The name of the club is the Mid-Southern Illinois Bully Breed Club
SECTION 2 OBJECTIVES
A. To promote the positive image of the "Bully Breeds"
B. To educate the public and future dog owners on the subject of responsible dog ownership.
C. To encourage the responsible and intelligent breeding of purebred dogs. To educate the importance of following a breeds standard and practising good breeder ethics.
D. To sponsor shows and other activities that will help to promote a positive image.
E. To promote fair conduct toward all at shows and events.
F. To form and maintain an open dialogue with other clubs.
G. NOT to condone any illegal activity involving any "Bully Breed". The producing, buying and/or selling of any dog knowingly used for this purpose. Illigal Activity is to include the mistreatment, neglet , abuse of any breed. "Dog Fighting" is defined by the Mid-Southern IL Bully Breed Club as follows:
| **Dog fighting is an illegal practice in which two dogs, usually of a Pit Bull breed, are put knowlingly into an enclosed area for the purpose of attacking and quite frequently, killing each other for spectators entertainment and/or profit of money.** |
H. To encourage participation in the Endangered Breed Association.
SECTION 3 This club shall be a non-profit organization and all dues, donations and monies shall go to the club treasury and shall be accessible to authorized members of the club only for the purposes designated by the popular vote of the members. No monies shall be used for the benefit of any one member or individuals.
SECTION 4 The club shall not tolerate the use of alcoholic beverages and /or unlawful drugs at the meetings or any show or event. Each member shall remain respectful of the other and any obvious show of dis-respect shall not be tolerated.
SECTION 5 MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY
A. Membership is open to all persons, living in or out of the state of Illinois, who is interested in the preserverance, the intelligent breeding and/or the responsible ownership of any breed referred to as a "Bully Breed" This includes, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, the American Pit Bull Terrier, The American Staffordshire Terrier, The American Bulldog, The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, The Miniature and Standard Bull Terrier, and the English Bulldog. Any person wishing to become a member of the club who has a breed not listed above will be considered by the existing members. Individuals need not own a dog to become a member.
B. No persons who has had charges brought against them for illegal activities or behavior of their dog/s , charges of neglect, animal cruelity will be accepted as a member.
C. Members will required to read a copy of the clubs constitution and by-laws waivers of liabilities as required for EACH of the registries. Members will complete a club membership application and sign all required forms.
D. WAIVER OF LIABILITY: I/We( family members) agree to accept ALL responsibility for myself, my family, and my dog/s at any club meeting, show, or event. I /we agree to waive and release any and all rights and claims for damages I/we may have against the Mid-Southern Illinois Bully Breed Club and its members, any registry who recognizes the club and any place the club designates as a meeting place, gathering or function.
E. All minors who are not included in a family membership will need written parent approval. A club official will contact the parent by phone for further verification. Parents MUST sign ALL required Waiver of Liability forms. ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 IS CONSIDERED A MINOR.
SECTION 6 DUES
A. Dues shall be $35 for an individual and $45 dollars for a family membership. "Family" is defined as two or more people living at the SAME address. Minors need parental consent to join. Membership dues for a minor shall be $10/year.
B. Dues must be paid by March 31st of each year. No member whose dues are not paid for the current year shall be allowed to vote on club buisness. The clubs year shall begin on March 1st and end on Febuary 28th.. Dues are non-refundable.
SECTION 8 OFFICES OF THE CLUB
A. PRESIDENT: The duties of the President is to head all the meetings, and shall have the duties and powers that normally pertain to the office of the president, in addition to those specified in these Constitution and By-laws.
B. VICE-PRESIDENT: The duties of the Vice President are the duties of the president in the even that the president is absent due to incapacity or death. The Vice-President will assist the President in any club business when it is required.
C. TREASURER: The Treasurer shall collect and receive all moneys and dues belonging to the club. He/She shall deposit this amount in a bank approved by the officers of the Club. The Treasurer's books shall be open at all times for the inspection of the club officers and a report of financial standing shall be made at all regular meetings. Two club officer signatures will be required for a withdrawal of funds.
D. SECRETARY/PUBLICITY DIRECTOR: This person shall make and preserve a record of meetings of the officers. The Secretary shall also keep an accurate account of the clubs meetings, activities, and events. This person shall also keep all membership information current. Included duties include the promotion of the club and it's activities,events etc through the media, internet, phone, mail etc.
E. Board of Directors ( 2 elected persons): These people will represent the general membership of the club. They will convey the members opinions, ideas, and viewpoints at all officers meetings.
F. BSL Representative: This is a VOLUNTARY position. This person will be responsible for staying updated on Breed Specific Legislation.
G. Terms of office shall be held for a period of 1 year. No individual may hold the same office for more than 3 consecutive years.
H. All club officials are required to attend all meetings. In the event of extenuating circumstances an absence is excused. Any failure to attend two (2) consecutive meetings may constitute failure to perform duties and provide for grounds of removal of office.
SECTION 9 VOTING
A. Voting shall be made by the majority of the members present and by ballots received by mail, e-mail, and phone. Out of state, or absent members, may vote by use of e-mail, mail, or phone by sending or calling TWO club officials NOT living in the same household. Out of state, or absent members ballots must be received no later than the day BEFORE a scheduled meeting.
B. The election for offices of the New Year shall occur between April 15th and the 30th . Nominations shall be taken in between April 1st and 15th.
SECTION 10 The appointment of a Special Committee can be made by the President and other officers as the need arises.
SECTION 11 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
A. Any member may resign from the Club by submitting a letter to any club official. E-mail notifications will be followed- up with a phone conversation by a club official.
B. By lapsing: A written notification of non-payment of dues will be sent within 30 days past January 31st to any member whose dues have not been received for the current year. If a member fails to pay dues by the 60th day past January 31st he/she will be considered "lapsing" and membership will be terminated.
C. IMMEDIATE termination to any member who is proven to be participating in the breeding, buying, selling or using any dogs for the use of illegal activities. Ignoring , and not reporting, such acts by others will be considered as participating. Any member convicted of animal cruelty or neglect will be subject to expulsion. ** Illigal activities as defined in Section 2 Part G
D. Expulsion: The expulsion process as follows;
1. Charges; Any member may prefer charges against a member for alleged
2. Hearing: The member charged with alleged misconduct shall be allowed to state his/her defense at the next regular club meeting. The majority of the members present may vote to
a. Drop the charges b. Suspend the member for a period up to 3 months c. Expel the member
Section 12 DISSOLUTION
The club may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less than 2/3 of the members. In the event of a dissolution of the club whether voluntary or involuntary, or by notice of the American Dog Breeders Association Show Inc. None of the property of the club, any proceeds thereof or any assets of the club shall be distributed to any members of the club. All payments of the debts of the club will be paid and any proceeds thereafter shall be donated to the Endangered Breed Association for the further benefit of the American Pit Bull Terrier.
