The USBCHA Standards of Conduct can be found in Part V of the USBCHA Rules
Grievance Discipline Summaries and Warnings
The sanctions imposed by the USBCHA Board of Directors will be posted here for a period of time as determined by the Board. Grievances substantiated or otherwise, often result in “Cautions,” which will also be noted here:
Sanctions
2022
SUSPENSION: On November 16, 2022, the USBCHA BOD sustained a grievance against Leslie Whitney for her actions contributing to a serious dog attack incident which occurred at a USBCHA sanctioned trial at Kerales Farm in October 2022. The BOD voted to suspend membership privileges for Leslie Whitney through December 31, 2023. Further, in the event USBCHA sanctioning is requested for future events at Kerales Farm, the HA will require an enhanced trial sanctioning application process for at least 2 events after the expiration of the suspension period.
2019
SUSPENSION: Stephen L. Kunkel is suspended from membership and participation in USBCHA sanctioned events indefinitely for violation of Rule V.F.2 (i): Using abusive language on the trial field – verbal abuse of trial personnel (use of profanity); and V.F.2 (k): Behaving in a manner discrediting to the HA – advancing on trial personnel in a threatening manner.
Cautions
The USBCHA Board cautions handlers to be aware of their conduct and treatment of their dogs at HA events. The determination of when a correction in a working situation stops being appropriate and becomes “abusive” is certainly not clear and open to different interpretations. Public perception of unacceptably harsh handling will cause harm to both local trial efforts and the sport as a whole. We believe members should also be encouraged to police our own ranks. It is incumbent on all of us to insure animal abuse does not occur at our events. If improper treatment is observed, members should address it immediately, report it to trial management and if the issue is not resolved, proceed to filing a complaint.