The mission and purpose of ACRA is to contribute to the conservation, development, and promotion of ACRA sheep for all members, breeders, and Cotswold enthusiasts.
The American Cotswold Record Association (ACRA) became America's official registry and certifier of the Cotswold breed of sheep in 1878 (see Article 7), then formed their sister registry called the Black Cotswold Society (BCS) in 1990 which was changed to Black Cotswold Registry (BCR) in 2023 (see Appendix I). The mission includes but is not limited to:
- Guarding the purity of ACRA sheep.
- Registering and retaining pedigree records of all animals that qualify for either ACRA or BCR standards.
- Providing educational support and opportunity for collaboration for breeders to preserve the Cotswold breed and attract new breeders.
- Exhibiting livestock and educating the public in order to promote interest for ACRA sheep.
Members of our association are held to the highest standards in their interactions with buyers, other breeders, in the show ring, and in sheep husbandry. Our goal is to ensure the conservation, development, and promotion of the Cotswold sheep. As an organization, we adhere to the following code of ethics.
As a member of the American Cotswold Record Association, I pledge to:
REGISTERING AND BREEDING
- Plan each breeding with the paramount intention of improving my flock within the foundation of the ACRA historical breed standards.
- Practice honesty in all its forms in representing the genetics of my sheep and in dealing with the public and potential purchasers of my stock.
- Maintain accurate records of parentage and dates of birth for each registered sheep.
- Properly identify each sheep. All registered sheep will be identified by ear tags, legible tattoos, or microchips. ACRA recommends a backup identification in the event an ear tag becomes lost - either a second ear tag in the other ear, a tattoo, a neck chain and tag, or some other method that would allow an outside person to identify the sheep.
- Ensure that identification numbers of sheep correspond to the identification numbers listed on each sheep’s registration. In the event that an ear tag is lost and replaced with a different number, a record of that number change must be maintained by the owner and corrected by the Registrar prior to the transfer of the sheep.
- The seller is responsible for registering and transferring all sheep intended as breeding stock and supplying the purchaser of the registered animals with the animals’ registration certificates.
- Provide the purchaser with a certificate of parentage when selling a bred ewe.
- Encourage all new purchasers of ACRA/BCR sheep to join in the conservation efforts of ACRA/BCR sheep by joining ACRA.
- Provide the purchaser with a bill of sale and keep records of the purchases of their registered sheep.
- Have a plan of succession for all registered Cotswold sheep in the event of a farm closure or change of focus to ensure genetics remain available for the conservation of the breed.
SHEEP HEALTH
- Demonstrate a high standard of integrity in all activities related to my sheep and their heath.
- Extend to all sheep under my care the benefit of a high standard of animal husbandry and best practices.
- To assist in achieving the conservation and survival of the Cotswold sheep.
EXHIBITOR/BREEDER RELATIONS
- Conduct myself with dignity and honesty at any breed organization public function in such a manner that enhances the image of ACRA sheep rather than myself and to speak authoritatively for the breed organization only with approval of the organization.
- Understand that showing sheep is a sport, and that I am expected to express good sportsmanship in all activities.
- As an exhibitor, refrain from unnecessary criticism of other people’s sheep.
- As a matter of ethics, pledge to help educate the general public as well as to assist the novice breeder.
Electronic Consent:
By signing this statement, I agree that ACRA may send all communications, notifications, and voting electronically. I agree to notify ACRA of any changes to my e-mail. ACRA will comply with all electronic privacy regulations and will not share any emails with other organizations.