2012 flock register vol 58.pdf - Australian Poll Dorset Association Inc

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C. INSPECTION OF REGISTERED FLOCK ON OWNER’S PROPERTY
1. Courtesy
Courtesy and mutual understanding should be the keynote of a Flock Inspection.
It should be, and usually is, an interesting and pleasant occasion when two or
three stud breeders get together and chat over Association affairs, swap
experiences, check over the Breeders flock and discuss his particular problems.
2. Culling
The visiting Inspectors check to see that the Association regulations regarding
tattooing, are carried out; that a reasonable standard is being maintained and
may possibly cull one or two animals with dangerous breeding potential as a
guide to the Breeder. But only if necessary.
It is true that some Breeders leave all their culling to the Inspectors, and these
should be treated accordingly. However, most responsible Breeders do their own
classing and culling with great care.
There are some Inspectors who feel that they have not done their job properly
unless they cull a few animals. This attitude is wrong.
3. Flock Assessment
The Inspectors, having examined a Breeder’s entire flock, are in a position to
assess the main f lock strengths and weaknesses. No matter how able and
experienced the Breeder, he can benefit from such an assessment from the
visiting Inspectors who gain an overall picture not obvious to the man who lives
with his sheep and sees them daily.
4. Two Suggestions for the Inspector
The Flock Inspector must beware of two pitfalls. Firstly, he must not confuse old
age, or low condition, with poor quality. Secondly, he must realise that the man
who has yarded his flock for inspection is proud of his flock. Over the years, he
has planned it and bred it. This stud is his creation - and like any other creative
artist displaying his work to another artist - he is sensitive about it. Feelings can
be hurt and resentment aroused by unconstructive or tactless criticism - or by
an officious or dictatorial manner.
5. And Two for the Breeder
On the other hand, the Breeder whose flock is being inspected must also realise
certain things.
Firstly, his attitude towards inspections should be governed by the knowledge
that they are of great value to the Breed in the maintenance of Breed standards
and Breed purity; and in engendering confidence in, and demand for, his product.
Secondly, he must realise that the Inspector has been appointed by the
Association to do a job, which will cause the Inspector inconvenience, time and
expense; that the Inspector is not doing the job by choice, but in the interests of
the Association and the Breed. He should not be taken for granted.
6. Expulsion
Guidance to Breeders and Inspectors
A Breeder who is completely indifferent to the good name of the Breed or the
Association, and whose conduct and breeding methods make a farce of
registered stud breeding, does more harm inside the Association than out of it.