1. The prime objective of properly conducted terrier work is to provide a pest control service which is humane, efficient and selective.
2. The conduct of those engaged in terrier work should at all times reflect the above objectives.
3. Particular care should always be taken to minimise any risk of injury to either the quarry or the terrier.
4. Terrier work must always be conducted with the permission of the landowner/agent, whose wishes and property should be respected at all times.
5. Quarry should at all times be treated with respect and dispatched in a humane and proper manner.
6. In some locations it may not be practicable to dispatch the quarry immediately. Therefore if any quarry is taken alive, transported elsewhere and subsequently dispatched, due regard should always be paid to its general welfare, safety and comfort.
7. Any quarry which is injured should NOT be released, but should always be dispatched at the very earliest opportunity.
8. The practice of blocking off all entrance/exit holes while a terrier is below ground is actively discouraged. Note in certain circumstances it may also be viewed as contrary to the “Protection of Animals Act 1911” and result in prosecution.
9. Upon completion of any digging operations, all excavations should be backfilled, the earth and surrounding area reinstated to as close as possible its original condition, particular attention should be paid to the safety of livestock etc. and the earth’s future use.
10. Membership of a terrier club which offers a rescue/insurance service and which is a member of the I.W.T.F. is strongly recommended.
11. The use of locator collars to assist in quickly locating the quarry and reducing any likelihood of terriers becoming trapped underground is strongly recommended.
12. Terrier work must be confined to legal quarry species only and must at all times be conducted in a proper legal manner.
13. The IWTF and its member clubs reserve the right to withdraw membership from any individual or organisation deemed by the relevant committee(s) to have brought terrier work into disrepute.
14. Any individual convicted of an offence under the WILDLIFE ACT, (1976) will be brought before the relevant committee(s) in accordance with (13).
15. The IWTF, its member clubs, affiliated organisations and individual members, recognise and endorse the above code of conduct and understand that this is a condition of membership.
Notes: a) The IWTF ensures all affiliated clubs have signed a written agreement to comply with the above code of conduct. b) The IWTF has adopted the Code of Conduct from the NWTF (UK) Code. The NTWF is an organisation which has been in existence for twenty-five years. The NWTF code has been internationally recognised as the de-facto code for independent terriermen in many countries.
