AAPDB Inc Will Address Any Complaint Providing Four Conditions Are Satisfied

Complaints Policy

AAPDB Inc will address any complaint providing four conditions are satisfied:

(i). the complaint is in writing (email/post), AND

(ii). the complainant identifies themselves, including contact phone numbers, email and address, AND

(iii). the complaint is not hearsay, AND

(iv). the complaint concerns a breach of AAPDB Inc membership requirements.

Complainant's identity will remain confidential to the AAPDB Inc.

Complaints Procedure

1. Receipt of complaint

Complaints will be read within 12 hours of receipt. The complainant shall be notified by email that their complaint has been received and read.

2. Nature of complaint

2.1 Cruelty to Animals

If the complaint involves cruelty to animals, the complainant shall be contacted ASAP and advised to contact the RSPCA and/or the Police.

The complainant will be asked to confirm (verbal or in writing) that this is the course of action they will follow.

The AAPDB Inc will write to the accused Member with a dot point summary of the allegations made to the AAPDB, plusadvising them of theexpressed intent of the complainant to contact animal welfare authorities.

The accused Member will be requested to respond to the AAPDB Inc in writing with each allegation individually addressed.

The AAPDB Inc will follow up with complainant regarding which animal welfare authorities were notified. The AAPDB Inc will then contact the relevant authority for their findings.

In the event that the welfare authorities confirm cruelty, the Member will be advised ASAP in writing (post/email) that their membership of the AAPDB Inc has been terminated.

In the event that cruelty is not confirmed by authorities, the complaint will be handled according to procedure for Other Complaints (2.2 below).

2.2 Other Complaints

The AAPDB Inc will write to the accused Member with a dot point summary of the allegations made to the AAPDB Inc.

The accused Member will be requested to respond to the AAPDB Inc in writing with each allegation individually addressed.

If AAPDB Inc executive is satisfied with the accused Member's responses, then the matter will be closed and both complainant and accused notified of this decision in writing.

If AAPDB Inc executive is not satisfied, the AAPDB will request an inspection of the accused Member's dog breeding facility.

If an inspection is refused, the Member will be advised ASAP in writing (post/email) that their membership of the AAPDB Inc has been terminated.

If inspection is allowed, the AAPDB Inc will determine what (if any) breaches of Membership requirements exist. The accused Member will be notified in writing of any breaches and asked to provide method and timelines for rectification. Until such breaches are rectified, the Member will have their membership level downgraded to Associate Member.

In the case of serious breaches, or a Member failing to meet agreed timelines for rectification of breaches, the AAPDB Inc might suspend or terminate Membership.

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