cONSTITUTION

1. Name

The organisation shall be known as The British Cane Corso Society, hereafter referred to as “the Society”.

​

2. Objectives of the Society

2.1 Core Objects

The objects of the Society are:

​

a) To promote responsible ownership, welfare, and sound breeding of the Cane Corso within the United Kingdom.
b) To encourage development of the breed in accordance with Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) standards and, where applicable, The Kennel Club Breed Standard.
c) To educate owners, breeders, and the public in proper husbandry, health, training, and temperament.
d) To collaborate with organisations sharing similar objectives, nationally and internationally.
e) To organise events, seminars, and educational initiatives for members and the wider Cane Corso community.

​

2.2 Non-Profit Status

The Society shall operate strictly on a non-profit basis. No part of its income or assets shall be distributed to members, except for reimbursement of properly authorised expenses.

​

3. Membership

3.1 Classes of Membership

The Society offers the following membership classes:

​

a) Individual Member
b) Joint/Family Member
c) Junior Member (under 18 years; non-voting)
d) Breeder Member
e) Honorary Life Member (conferred by resolution at an AGM)

​

Breeder Member status applies to members who have bred a litter within the previous three years and who participate in the Society’s Breeder Recognition Scheme.

​

3.2 Membership Rights

a) Adult Members are entitled to one vote per membership at General Meetings.
b) Junior Members are non-voting.
c) Members may stand for election to the Committee after maintaining continuous membership for at least twelve months.​

3.3 Applications and Renewal

a) All applications are subject to Committee approval.
b) Membership runs from 1 January to 31 December annually.
c) Membership shall lapse if subscriptions remain unpaid after 31 March.​

3.4 Refusal, Suspension or Termination

a) The Committee may refuse, suspend, or terminate membership where conduct is deemed detrimental to the welfare of the breed or the reputation of the Society.
b) Decisions must be communicated in writing.
c) A member shall have the right of written appeal to a General Meeting.

​

4. Breeder Recognition Scheme

4.1 Purpose and Intent

The Society recognises the diverse experience of breeders and seeks to promote continual improvement in health, welfare, and owner support.

​

The Breeder Recognition Scheme is designed to encourage progression and shall not be used to unfairly exclude members who are making reasonable and genuine efforts to improve their practices.

​

4.2 Tier Structure

The Society operates a tiered recognition system:

​

a) Standard Breeder Member
b) Silver Accredited Breeder
c) Gold Accredited Breeder

​

4.3 Criteria and Standards:

​

a) Tier criteria shall be approved by the Committee and published within the Society’s Breeder Policy.
b) Criteria may be reviewed periodically to reflect best practice in welfare, emerging health requirements, or regulatory developments.

4.4 Renewal and Review

a) Tier status must be renewed annually.
b) Supporting evidence may be required to maintain accreditation.

​

Where standards are not maintained, breeders may be downgraded following a reasonable and proportionate Committee decision recorded in official minutes. A written right of appeal shall apply.

4.5 Promotion and Public Listing

Only Silver and Gold Accredited Breeders may be promoted by the Society through official listings, referrals, or recognition marks.

​

5. Governance and Management

5.1 Committee Composition

The Society shall be governed by a Committee consisting of:

​

a) Chair
b) Secretary
c) Treasurer
d) Up to six additional Committee Members

​

All positions are elected annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

5.2 Co-option

The Committee may co-opt members to fill vacancies until the next AGM. Co-option shall not result in a co-opted majority.

5.3 Transitional Committee (Founding Period)

From adoption of this Constitution until the first AGM:

​

a) A Transitional Committee appointed by founding members shall govern the Society.
b) The first AGM must be held within twelve months of adoption.
c) The Transitional Committee may not amend this Constitution except through a General Meeting.

​

6. Powers and Duties of the Committee

The Committee is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Society and for ensuring its objectives are fulfilled.

It shall have authority to:

​

• Implement resolutions of General Meetings

• Manage and safeguard funds

• Establish sub-committees

• Represent the Society externally

• Adopt supporting policies

• Admit, suspend, or terminate membership

• Administer the Breeder Recognition Scheme

• Investigate complaints and apply disciplinary measures

• Approve events and educational initiatives
   

Decisions require a majority vote. The Chair shall hold a casting vote where necessary.

No individual Committee member may act on behalf of the Society without formal authorisation.

​

7. Meetings

7.1 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Held once per calendar year. Business shall include:

​

• Approval of minutes

• Election of officers

• Approval of independently examined accounts

• Officer reports

• Motions and constitutional amendments
  ​

7.2 Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

May be called by:

​

• Committee majority; or

• Written request from at least 20% of voting members.
   

Business shall be limited to matters specified in the circulated notice.

7.3 Notice

A minimum of 21 days’ written notice shall be given for AGMs and EGMs.

7.4 Quorum

AGM/EGM quorum: 10% of active voting members (including valid written proxies).
Committee quorum: Chair or Secretary plus three Committee Members.
 

8. Digital Communication and Voting

Meetings may be conducted in person, virtually, or in hybrid format.

Voting may occur:
 

a) In person
b) By written proxy
c) By secure electronic ballot

​

Electronic systems must ensure:

​

• One vote per eligible member

• Confidentiality

• Verifiable results
   

9. Finance

a) All income shall be deposited into a Society bank account.
b) Payments require two unrelated authorised signatories.
c) Annual accounts shall be independently examined.
d) No member shall receive payment other than authorised expense reimbursement.
e) The financial year shall run from 1 January to 31 December.

​

10. Affiliation

The Society shall maintain compliance with Kennel Club regulations where applicable.

​

11. Disciplinary Procedures

a) The Committee may investigate written complaints.
b) Members shall be given opportunity to respond before sanction.
c) Matters may be referred to The Kennel Club where appropriate.

​

12. Conflict of Interest

a) Committee members must declare any actual or potential conflict of interest.
b) A conflicted member shall withdraw from discussion and voting.
c) Declarations shall be recorded in minutes.

​

13. Data Protection

The Society shall process personal data in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation. Member information shall be used solely for legitimate Society purposes and safeguarded appropriately.

​

14. Amendments

This Constitution may only be amended by a two-thirds majority of voting members present at an AGM or EGM, provided proposals are circulated in advance.

​

15. Dissolution

a) The Society may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority vote at an EGM.
b) After settlement of debts, remaining assets shall be donated to:

​

• A registered UK canine welfare charity; or

• The Kennel Club Charitable Trust
   

c) No assets shall pass to individual members.