Hedgehog Breeders Alliance Bylaws

Bylaws of the Hedgehog Breeders Alliance:

I. The Purpose of the Hedgehog Breeders Alliance:

The Hedgehog Breeders Alliance, herein after referred to as HBA, exists to secure a place in the world for domesticated hedgehogs by promoting and improving breeding practices and creating happier, healthier pets. The HBA will aid and support activities that benefit all hedgehogs.

II. The Registered Office of the HBA contact is located at:
Jane Kuta
1233 Inverness Way
Fruita, CO 81521
Unless otherwise established by the Board of Directors.

III. The membership of the HBA is described as follows:

a. Membership is open by invitation only to individuals who breed hedgehogs and wish to improve longevity and health through breeding with care and integrity. Potential members will complete a membership application and submit to the Board of Directors for approval. Applications will be reviewed at the weekly Board meeting following the submission.

b. Membership entitles members to be elected to committees and to receive updates about the organization. Members shall be required to provide a mailing address to the Membership Committee, in order to receive notices of meetings or other HBA business and notify HBA when contact information has changed.
c. Membership is free of charge unless otherwise established by the Board of Directors.

d. The HBA does not recommend ownership or breeding of hedgehogs in any area where hedgehogs are considered illegal. We are here solely to provide guidance for proper care and husbandry of hedgehogs. It is up to the individual seller/buyer to decide if it is ethical to sell or purchase a hedgehog in an area where they are considered illegal.

e. Any member who does not support the Code of Ethics of the HBA or who uses the name, offices, or influence of the HBA to participate in illegal activity, will have their membership terminated immediately.

f. A breeder selling to any commercial or retail dealer will share the information regarding that dealer, name, address and USDA number to the committee for distribution of appropriate HBA care sheets.

IV. Board of Directors, Terms and Annual Meetings:

a. The Board of Directors shall consist of the following positions:

2 Co Presidents; (both voting members)
Vice President; (voting member)
Secretary/Treasurer; (voting member)
International Liaison; (voting member)
Health and Education; (voting member)
and 2 Board Advisors. (NOT voting members)

b. The Board of Directors shall approve any changes to the bylaws by a simple majority vote.

c. The general membership, to include all Board members, may vote on new Board members, after the initial term of each (current) Board member expires. The Board positions will be elected in the following manner:

1. One Co-President and 3 other Board members will serve an initial term of three years. The remaining Co-President and Board members will change initially after 2 years. Thereafter, all terms will be for 2 years.

2. The Co-President positions will be filled by a majority vote of the membership and selected from the current Board members. All other positions will be open to the general membership nominations and elected by a majority vote.

d. The annual meeting, attended by Board members, will be held at a date and time determined by the Board of Directors, with written notice to each Board member provided at least forty-five (45) days in advance. Meetings may be held via Internet or at a place agreed on by the Board, chaired by the Secretary/Treasurer. The meeting will be governed by Robert's Rules of Order with respect to motions, voting, and conduct of the meeting. A simple majority vote of the voting quorum will suffice for any action.

e. Minutes of the annual meeting shall be provided to the general membership within 30 days of the annual meeting. Minutes shall be provided online, via individual e-mail, or by USPS for members unable to access the Internet.

V. The Duties of each Board member shall be guided by specific bylaws or by the goals of each committee,

as follows:

Co-Presidents: Will call meetings as specified or required and oversee actions of committees and other Officers. They will ensure that the goals of HBA are met, promote the Code of Ethics and oversee general committee activities.

Vice President: Will serve as a back-up to the current C0-Presidents, and will assist in performing the duties of that office. If at any time the CP is unable to perform her/his duties, the VP will do so. Will be responsible for preparing ballots and monitoring elections.

Secretary/Treasurer: The Secretary will conduct the meeting in accordance with the Rogers rules of Order. Will provide minutes of Board meetings during the following 7 days. Shall receive applications for membership. Shall keep and maintain financial records of the HBA. May disburse funds as necessary and as approved by the Board.

Liaison Officer: Coordinate non USA activities and promote this group to countries outside of the USA.

Health & Education Director: Gather online information regarding health, nutrition and well-being, facilitate educational activities and raising the public awareness of the domesticated African hedgehog. May accept volunteers to the committee who will assist in reaching its goals.

Legal Advisor: Works with the Board in legalities and advises as needed.

VI. The fiscal year of the HBA will be from August 1 through July 31.

VII. The Board will not accept any salaries or compensation.