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 1. AIMS

To rescue or aid any mastiff in distress within the United Kingdom. The rescue scheme should always be operated in the interest of the dog, as determined by the OEMC Rescue Co-ordinator.

2. FUNDS

A separate account shall be maintained by the Club.

3. DIRECTION

The Committee should designate each year, a person to organise the scheme who should be a person of standing within the Club, whose opinions would command respect and whose actions would be likely to receive general support. Should the OEMC Rescue Co-ordinator require a second opinion, it should be obtained from the Officers of the Club.

In order to reduce travelling, the OEMC Rescue Co-ordinator should be empowered to call upon a responsible member of the OEMC fur assistance, who would if necessary, act as his/her Representative. Members of the Committee are expected to undertake this responsibility in the area in which they live.

If for any reason the OEMC Rescue Co-ordinator should be temporarily unavailable, an Officer or Committee Member of the Club should deputise in the interim.

4. FINANCE

The scheme should be conducted on the firm rule that Mastiff~ should not be purchased but a donation can be made to remove a Mastiff from a Rescue Centre.

Immediate veterinary expenses on the authority of the OEMC Rescue Co-ordinator should be limited to one visit, examination and advice from a Veterinary Surgeon. Further veterinary costs should only be incurred after consultation with an Officer of the Club, if necessary.

New owners of rescued dogs should be required to pay an adoption fee at the OEMC Rescue Co-ordinator's discretion to cover the costs incurred by the Club. They will also receive a Welcome Pack and a copy of the Club's Newsletter. Expenses incurred in operating the scheme should be reimbursed from the fund and an imprest account should be provided for the O.E.M.C Rescue Co-ordinator if required.

5. PROCEDURE

Whilst most enquiries are likely to be made from outside the Club to the Honorary Secretary, every effort should be made to publicise the existence of the scheme and the name of the OEMC Rescue Co-ordinator. Regular appeals for possible homes should be made. Where possible the suitability of such homes should be assessed by local OEMC members approved by the OEMC Rescue Co-ordinator.

In the first instance the relinquishing owner must contact their Breeder with a view to their taking responsibility for the dog's welfare. Should it be necessary for the OEMC to take responsibility for the dog he should first be assessed as to his suitability to be rehomed and then the relinquishing owner should be asked to deliver the dog to either the OEMC Rescue Co-ordinator or his Representative at which point the Relinquishment of Ownership form must be completed. One copy of the form must be given to the former owner, one sent to the Hon. Secretary and one to the OEMC Rescue Co-ordinator.

Every effort should be made to place the Mastiffs in approved homes as quickly as possible. In case of doubt the OEMC Rescue Co-ordinator shall have power to board dogs temporarily, in order to make an assessment. A list of members prepared to offer temporary accommodation would help relieve urgent problems. Any temporary arrangements should, where possible, be limited.

The new owner should complete a Questionnaire and be vetted by the OEMC Rescue Co-ordinator or his representative. The new owner should collect the dog from the OEMC Rescue Co-ordinator or his Representative and the Transfer of Ownership form duly completed. One copy must be given to the new owner, one sent to the Hon. Secretary and one to the OEMC Rescue Co-ordinator.

New owners should be advised that should they experience any problems with a rescued dog, they should contact the OEMC Rescue Coordinator, or his Representative, or if they are unavailable the Hon. Secretary.