Great Frederick Fair Animal Science Code of Ethics (Adopted September 2021)

 GFF members enrolled in animal science projects (e.g., beef, camelids, dairy, dog, goat, horse, poultry, rabbit, sheep, small pet, and swine) shall, at all times, conduct themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship, including while with their projects and at all GFF animal activities and events.   Their conduct should always reflect the highest standards of honor and dignity to promote the advancement of GFF and the agricultural community. GFF Youth members, as well as parents, GFF volunteers and others working with them, are under an affirmative responsibility to do more than avoid improper conduct or questionable acts; and their conduct and values must serve as a positive influence on others.

This Code of Ethics applies to all GFF Youth members who are enrolled in animal science projects, and to others (GFF members, parents, volunteers, owners, etc.) who participate in the animal science program; and it covers daily animal care, as well as participation in competition and other GFF animal activities and events.

GFF members and others who violate this Code of Ethics demean the integrity of GFF and its animal programs. GFF members who violate the code of animal science ethics are subject to sanctions including, but not limited to, forfeiture of premiums, awards, and/or auction proceeds and may be prohibited from participation in GFF events or activities; other violators may also be subject to sanction, as appropriate. Infractions may be reviewed by GFF Board of Directors (or Livestock Sale Committees, as appropriate to the infraction and to the event and/or activity in question), and/or may be subject to a fair oversight committee or other entity that oversees an activity or event.

The following is a list of standards and requirements for all GFF animal projects, at all times, whether at home, at animal exhibitions or events, or any other GFF event or activity.

1. The care of all GFF project animals is the responsibility of the GFF youth member. GFF youth members must properly care for and groom their animals for the duration of their

2. All project animals should be housed at the GFF youth exhibitor’s residence.

3. Upon request, GFF members must present proof of ownership, length of ownership, identity and/or age of all GFF project animals owned or leased. Misrepresentation of ownership, age, or identity of animal, or any facts relating thereto is prohibited. If a GFF project animal is sold in a livestock sale, it is no longer eligible to be shown in another Ag Youth event in Maryland in that

4. GFF members must provide appropriate animal health certificates upon request by GFF.

5. GFF project animals must be presented to competition, activities and/or events, where they will enter the food chain, free of volatile drug residues. Animals which are presented to competition, events and/or activities that do not culminate with the animal entering the food chain, shall not be administered drugs other than in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and GFF project animals shall not be exhibited if drugs administered in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and rules may affect the animal’s performance or appearance at the event. At any time after an animal arrives at GFF activity or event premises, a licensed veterinarian must administer or, in consultation with fair, direct the administration of any treatments involving the use of drugs and/or medications. Drenching at any time after an animal arrives on a fair or other GFF activity or event premises is prohibited, except when performed or directed by a licensed veterinarian in consultation with GFF officials for the sole purpose of protecting the health of the animal.

6. The act of enrolling in a GFF animal science project, and/or entering a project animal in a GFF event gives consent for GFF or event authorities to obtain any specimens of urine, saliva, blood, hair, tissue, or other substance from the animal to be used for testing purposes including, but not limited to, drugs or 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 GFF owner to prove otherwise at any review in regard to the matter conducted by GFF. If the laboratory report on the chemical analysis of saliva, urine, blood, hair, tissue or other sample, taken from a GFF animal project, 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.

7. Any surgical procedure or injection of any foreign substance or drug or the external application of any substance (irritant, counter irritant, or similar substance) which could affect the animal’s performance or alter its natural contour, conformation, or appearance, except external applications of substances to the hoofs or horns of animals which affect 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

8. Using ice, ice packs, cold packs, or cold compresses, internally or externally, other than those prescribed to relieve heat stress or a medical condition as diagnosed by a duly licensed veterinarian for the sole purpose of protecting the health of the animal, is

9. The use of showing and/or handling practices or devices, such as striking animals to cause swelling, using electrical devices, or other similar practices, are not acceptable and are

10. All judges, fair and event officials and/or GFF staff and volunteers shall be treated with courtesy, cooperation, and respect, and no person shall direct abusive or threatening conduct toward them or toward exhibitors or others participating in the activity. In addition, direct criticism or interference with a judge, fair, show or event official, exhibitor, breed representative, or GFF staff or volunteer before, during, or after an event or other activity is

11. No one shall violate this Code of Animal Science Ethics or 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

12. The application of this Code of Ethics provides for absolute responsibility for an animal’s condition to the GFF member 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

13. By participating in an animal project and/or entering an animal in a GFF event or activity, the GFF member, and his/her parent or guardian, consent to have disciplinary action taken by appropriate authorities (GFF Board of Directors, or if appropriate, Superintendents and/or GFF Livestock Sale Committee) for violation of this Code of Animal Science Ethics. In addition, the GFF member, and his/her parent or guardian, further understand and agree that any action which contravenes these rules, and is also in violation of federal, state, or local laws, statutes, regulations, or rules, may be released to appropriate law enforcement authorities with jurisdiction over such

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Note: By signing this form the GFF member and his/her parent or guardian each verify that they have read and understand the GFF Code of Animal Ethics and the consequences of and penalties provided for violations of the Code.