Show Ring Ethics

The following is a list of guidelines for all exhibitors and all livestock in competitive events:

1. Exhibitors of animals at livestock shows shall at all times deport themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship. Their conduct in this competitive environment shall always reflect the highest standards of honor and dignity to promote the advancement of agricultural education. This code applies to junior as well as open class exhibitors who compete in structured classes of competition. This code applies to all livestock offered in any event at a livestock show.
2. Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers, or absolutely responsible persons shall provide animal health certificates from licensed veterinarians upon request by Fair or livestock show officials.
3. Exhibitors are expected to care for and groom their animals while at the Fair or livestock show.
4. Animals shall be presented to show events where they will enter the food chain free of drugs according the NYS Ag & Markets regulations. The act of entering an animal in a livestock show is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer and/or absolutely responsible person for show management to obtain any specimens of urine, saliva, blood, or other substances from the animal to be used in testing. Animals not entered in an event which culminates with the animal entering the food chain shall not be administered drugs other than in accordance with applicable federal, state and provincial statutes, regulations and rules. If the laboratory report on the chemical analysis of saliva, urine, blood or other sample taken from livestock indicates the presence of forbidden drugs or medication, this shall be prima facie evidence such substance has been administered to the animal either internally or externally.It is presumed that the sample of urine, saliva, blood or other substance tested by the approved laboratory to which it is sent is the one taken from the animal in question, its integrity is preserved and all procedures of said collection and preservation, transfer to the laboratory and analysis of the sample are correct and accurate, and the report received from the laboratory pertains to the sample taken from the animal in question and correctly reflects the condition of the animal at the time the sample was taken with the burden on the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person to prove otherwise at any hearing in regard to the maƩer conducted by the Fair or livestock show.
5. Any surgical procedure or injection of any foreign substance or drug or the external application of any substance (irritant, counterirritant, or similar substance) which could affect the animal’s performance or alter its natural contour, confirmation, or which affects appearance only and except for surgical procedures performed by a duly licensed veterinarian for the sole purpose of protecting the health of the animal is prohibited.
6. The use of showing and/or handling practices or devices, such as striking animals to cause swelling, using electrical contrivance, or similar practices, are not acceptable and are prohibited.
7. Direct criticism or interference with the judge, Fair or livestock show management, other exhibitors, breed representatives, or show officials before, during, or after the competitive event is prohibited. In the furtherance of their official duty, all judges, Fair and livestock show management, or other show officials shall be treated with courtesy, cooperation and respect; no person shall direct abusive or threatening conduct toward them.
8. No owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person shall conspire with another person or persons to intentionally violate this Code of Ethics or knowingly contribute or cooperate with another person or persons either by affirmative action or inaction to violate this Code of Ethics. Violation of this rule shall subject such individual to disciplinary action.
9. The application of this Code of Ethics provides for absolute responsibility for an animal’s condition by an owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or participant whether or not he or she was actually instrumental in or had actual knowledge of the treatment of the animal in contravention of this Code of Ethics.
10. The act of entering an animal is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person to have disciplinary action taken by the Fair or livestock show against such individuals published in any publication of the IAFE including Fairs and Expositions and any special notices to members.
11. The act of entering of an animal in a Fair or livestock show is the giving of verification by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person that he or she has read the Saratoga County Agricultural Society Code of Show Ring Ethics and understands the consequences of and penalties provided for actions prohibited by the code. It is further a consent that any action which contravenes these rules and is also in violation of federal, state or provincial statutes, regulations, or rules may be released to appropriate law enforcement authorities with jurisdiction over such infractions.