ARTICLE VI ∙ DISCIPLINE
SECTION I 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 II CHARGES.
Any member may prefer charges against a member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Club of the Breed. Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with a non-refundable deposit of ten dollars ($10.00). The Secretary shall send within five (5) days a copy of the charges to each member of the Board of present them at a Board meeting and the Board shall first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proved, might constitute conduct which is prejudicial to the best interest of the Club of the Breed. If the Board considers that the charges do not allege conduct which would be prejudicial to the best interest 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 not less than three (3) weeks nor more than six (6) weeks thereafter. The Secretary shall promptly send one (1) copy of the charges to the accused member by certified, return-receipt mail, together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in his or her own behalf and defense and may bring witness and/or evidence if he or she wishes.
SECTION III 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 evidence and testimony presented by complainant and defendant, the Board may, by a majority vote of those present, suspend the defendant from all privileges of the Club for not more than six (6) months from the date of the hearing; and, if it deems that punishment insufficient, it may further recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. Privileges of the Club shall include, but not limited to: attendance at all meetings, the making of motions, voting, receipt of Club mailings, participation in all Club activities, representing the Club at meetings as its liaison, sponsoring of Club applications, etc. In such cases, the recommendation shall not restrict the defendant’s right to appear before his or her fellow members at the ensuing Club meeting which considers the Board’s recommendations. Immediately after the Board has reached a decision, its findings shall be written from and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary, in turn, shall notify in writing, within ten (10) days, each of the parties of the Board’s decision and penalty, if any.
SECTION IV EXPULSION.
Expulsion of a member from the Club may only be accomplished at a meeting of the Club following a Board hearing and upon the Board’s recommendation in Section III 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 or her own behalf, but 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 or her own behalf if he or she wishes. The meeting shall the vote by secret ballot on the expulsions A (2/3) vote of those members in good standing, present and voting, shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the Board’s suspension shall stand. The records of all evidence shall be sealed and kept by the President. Such records may only be opened by Board approval or at the request of the American Kennel Club or the Bulldog Club of America.
