Verein der Original Ragdoll

1. Legal Name and Location

1.1 The association is registered under “Verein der Original Ragdoll” (refered to as “VdOR”) in paragraph 60 ff of the Swiss Civil Code (Schweizerischen Zivilgesetzbuches (ZGB)).
1.2 The residence of the president represents the association's official location.

2. Purpose

2.1 This association is based on the pure breed of the Original Ragdolls. New colors in the breed of Original Ragdolls are not accepted, nor will the association support a decision to include such new color Ragdolls into the association. These statutes' principles about the Original Ragdoll breed must not be altered.
2.2 The Association of the Original Ragdoll promotes good animal welfare practices and handling as well as monitored breeding of Original Ragdolls, according to the “ZBO”.
2.3 The VdOR officially represents the interests of its members.
2.4 The VdOR is politically neutral.
2.5 The VdOR is accessible to all people; the association is breeder friendly.
2.6 The VdOR recognizes the Swiss Confederation's laws, regulations and guidance relating to cat breeding.
2.7 The VdOR wants to promote the Original Ragdoll and foster a good cooperation between all its members.

3. Membership

3.1 Members
3.1.1 The VdOR membership commits a member to recognize and accept the association's statutes and regulations.
3.1.2 The general assembly determines the acceptance of new members.
3.1.3 Only the board is allowed to propose an additional board member to the general assembly.
3.1.4 Active Members (18 years and older): they have the right to vote and have the duty to pay the membership fee. Members are people who have an interest in the breed and animal husbandry of Original Ragdolls. They are given online access to the genetics card of Denny Dayton.
3.1.5 Every member is given online access to the genetics card of Denny Dayton. This data may be used for the research of bloodlines as part of a member's breeding program. For example it allows verification of the accuracy of bloodlines. The link to this genetics card must not be forwarded and cannot be used in any other way. Further, the genetics card must not be printed and/or distributed. Any printed information from this genetics card can only be utilized for member's exclusive personal use. Any noncompliance will result in a monetary penalty of 1,000 Euro/SFr. 1,600, and the immediate expulsion from the VdOR.
3.1.6 Passive Members: These are members who do not actively breed cats but want to promote the VdOR. These members only support the association's cause. Passive members do not have the right to vote nor do they have access to the genetics card.
3.2 Rights and Commitments
3.2.1 Members have the right to propose certain topics to the general assembly.
3.2.2 Members support the VdOR's mission and adhere to its statutes, regulations, decisions and guidance. Members do not act in a manner that may tarnish the VdOR's reputation or conflict the VdOR's interests. The VdOR particularly values the respect, harmony, support and team work among the breeders.
3.2.3 Every member commits to obtain the genetic certifications of his/her kittens from the VdOR.
3.3 Membership Fees
3.3.1 The general assembly determines the amounts of the membership fees based on the board's presentation.
3.3.2 The VdOR does not refund any pro-rated membership fee in the case of an expulsion of a member.
3.3.3 Members can exit the VdOR at the end of the calendar year after giving a three-month exit notice. The death of a member results in the immediate end of his/her membership.
3.3.4 Based on the board's proposal, the general assembly can expel a member who was in noncompliance with the VdOR's member responsibilities, or who may have tarnished the VdOR's reputation or was in conflict with the VdOR's interests (see paragraph 3.2.2).

4. Bodies

A) General Assembly
B) Members of the Board
C) Auditors
4.1 The fiscal year runs from January 1 to December 31.
4.2 VdOR's board invites its members every first quarter of the year to the ordinary general assembly. The written invitation is sent at least 15 days in advance along with the announcement of the agenda. Any discussion points are to be sent in writing to the board by December 31st of the previous year. Any proposals received in time will be added to the agenda. An extraordinary general assembly may be held if either the board finds it necessary, or upon proposal by 1/5 of the active members.
4.3 The general assembly's agenda usually contains the following:
- Welcoming and counting present participants and number of possible votes
- Consent of president's yearly report
- Acceptance of yearly financial report as well as resulting audit report
- Determination of fee ordinance
- Election of board members and auditors
- Dealing with issues/topics proposed by members and the board
- Acceptance of budget
- Consent of any changes to statutes
- Proposals
4.4 Elections and votes are decided by a simple majority of the present members. If the votes are tied, the proposal is considered denied.

5. Board

5.1 The board consists of at least 5 members
- President
- Vice President
- Cashier
- Actuary
- Keeper of the breed book
The board positions are accumulative.
5.1.1. The board can make decisions if at least 3 board members are present. The ultimate decision has the president; in case of his/her absence, that role falls to the vice president.
5.2 Duration of the Term
The members of the board are elected by the general assembly for a two-year term. A reelection is possible. To fill any open seat, a candidate is elected during the next ordinary general assembly. That elected official will continue to serve the remainder of the term of the retired board member.
Board members are elected as follows: the president and cashier are elected in the even years; the vice president, actuary, keeper of the breed book and assessor are elected in the odd years.
5.3 Responsibilities and competencies of the board
The board officially represents the VdOR and has all competencies that are not regulated by either the law, these statutes, or the general assembly. In particular, these competencies include:
a) Strategical and operational management of the association
b) Organization and chairing of the ordinary and extraordinary general assembly
c) Bookkeeping
d) Receiving of and responding to the proposals of issues/topics to be discussed during the general assembly
e) Approbation and enactment of regulations
f) Election of members, commissions and work groups
g) Acceptances or expulsions of members (expulsions with possible appeal to the general assembly)
5.4 The board activities have to be documented by keeping minutes.

6. Audits

6.1 Position and Election
The general assembly is responsible to elect an auditor with at least one member. The term of the auditor to serve is two years. A reelection is possible.
In lieu of electing an auditor from the member pool, the general assembly can outsource the audit services.
6.2 Responsibilities
The auditor verifies the fiscal finances and presents a written report to the general assembly.

7. Finances

7.1 Income
a) Yearly membership fees
b) Income of the VdOR
c) Fees
d) Interest
e) Donations
7.2. Monetary Utilization
The utilization of the finances is outlined in the VdOR's yearly budget based on obligations and
operational planning.
7.2.1 The finances are managed by the cashier and the keeper of the breed book with the signatures of each.
7.3 The fiscal year is identical with the calendar year.

8. Liability

The VdOR's liability is limited to its assets. The board and its members cannot be held personally liable.

9. Honorary Membership

The board members are volunteers, except when a board member is serving in several board positions. In that case a yearly payment of money and/or compensation in kind is an option. The amount is determined by the board based on the association's financial situation.

10. Changes to Statutes

Any changes and additions to the statutes require 2/3 of the votes during a general assembly.

11. Liquidation

11.1 The VdOR can be terminated during a general assembly if 2/3 of all members are present and 2/3 of the present votes call for the termination of the VdOR.
11.2 In case of a termination of the association, the general assembly would determine how the finances are handled. A possible credit balance shall be used for the benefit of cat breeding.

12. Final Rule

These statutes were accepted during the founding general assembly of the VdOR on May 17, 2008, at the Restaurant “Ochsen” in Lenzburg. They are valid immediately.

Lenzburg, January 29, 2011

Silvia Klaus