ABC Circle is built on a foundation of compassion, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of community dogs. Every member of our community - volunteers, sponsors, veterinary partners, and supporters - is expected to uphold these values in all interactions, both online and in the field.
We believe that effective animal welfare work requires trust, collaboration, and open communication. By participating in the ABC Circle community, you agree to conduct yourself with integrity, treat others with dignity, and prioritize the well-being of the animals we serve.
This Code of Conduct applies to all ABC Circle activities, including but not limited to fieldwork, community events, online forums, social media interactions, and any communications made on behalf of or in association with our organization.
We welcome community members from all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Healthy discussion and diverse viewpoints strengthen our mission. However, we expect all interactions to remain constructive, professional, and free from discrimination, harassment, or intimidation of any kind.
When engaging with fellow community members, please listen actively, assume good intentions, and respond thoughtfully. Disagreements are natural, but personal attacks, inflammatory language, or dismissive behavior will not be tolerated. If a conversation becomes heated, we encourage you to step back and revisit the discussion when emotions have settled.
Members should also be mindful of the diverse communities we serve. When working in neighborhoods, always approach residents with respect and cultural sensitivity. Building trust with local communities is essential to the long-term success of our programs.
The welfare of animals is at the heart of everything we do. All community members must adhere to the highest standards of animal care and handling. This includes following established protocols for feeding, medical treatment, and behavioral assessment as outlined in our training materials.
No member shall engage in or condone any form of animal cruelty, neglect, or mistreatment. If you encounter a situation that raises welfare concerns, report it immediately through our designated channels. Do not attempt to intervene in dangerous situations without proper training and authorization.
If you witness or experience a violation of these community guidelines, we encourage you to report it promptly. Reports can be made through our online reporting form, by email to conduct@abccircle.org, or by contacting any member of our leadership team directly.
All reports are treated with the utmost confidentiality. We will never disclose the identity of a reporter without their explicit consent, except where required by law. Retaliation against anyone who makes a good-faith report is strictly prohibited and will itself be treated as a violation.
Our team will acknowledge receipt of your report within 48 hours and will conduct a fair and thorough investigation. We may reach out to involved parties for additional information during this process.
Violations of these community guidelines will be addressed proportionally based on the severity of the infraction, the member's history, and the impact on our community. Our goal is always to educate and restore, but we will not hesitate to take decisive action when necessary to protect our community and the animals we serve.
Possible consequences include, but are not limited to:
Members who have been suspended may appeal the decision by submitting a written request to our review board within 14 days of notification. The review board's decision following an appeal is final.