The Rules of the Society

Applying to be an Irish Pig Society member

  1. There is an understanding that trust and professionalism are paramount, and all members will uphold the high standards of the Irish Pig Society.
  2. All members are required to adhere and comply with the rules governing the Irish Pig Society. 
  3. Irish Pig Society membership age is a minimum of 18 years old.
  4. The Irish Pig Society will not tolerate any abusive behaviours towards its members.
  5. Any person who would like to join the Irish Pig Society will pay a yearly subscription, in full and promptly.
  6. The Irish Pig Society may withhold all or any privileges of membership if the person fails to pay monies owing to the Irish Pig Society.
  7. Any change in members account details, regarding, mobile numbers, email addresses etc. must be updated at the earliest convenience, so that we are able to communicate any Irish Pig Society updates that you need to be made aware of.
  8. The Irish Pig Society has discretionary authorisation to investigate all cases of alleged wilful misrepresentation, or other conduct deemed inappropriate, or any irregularity that it may become aware of. Any such circumstance will be dealt with in a manner deemed appropriate by the Irish Pig Society Committee.
  9. Irish Pig Society members are required to read and abide by the Rules of the Irish Pig Society.

Animal Welfare

  1. All pigs must have access to an outdoor facility for 100% of their lifetime. Which allows for the freedom to express normal behaviours. Exceptions to this rule include:

i. nursing sows and medical intervention where there is a defined necessity to house pigs and remove outdoor access for a period of time.

  1. All pigs must be kept in accordance with the five freedoms:

i.  Freedom from Hunger and Thirst.

ii. Freedom from Pain, Injury, or Disease. 

iii. Freedom to express Normal Behaviours. 

iv. Freedom from Fear and Distress.

v. Freedom from Discomfort.

Social Media Usage

  1. The Irish Pig Society nurtures open and candid discussions and debates. However, all communications should be considerate; comments or content should not be violent or threatening, abusive or hateful.  
  2. Comments, questions, and contributions from members to Irish Pig Society forums should be relevant to the topic being discussed. Keeping in mind that this is not a place for unsolicited personal or commercial solicitation or advertising.
  3. No spam. No one likes seeing the same message posted to one or many articles, galleries, or discussions.
  4. The Irish Pig Society encourages members to identify content which they feel breaches any of the above Community Rules so we can review and take the appropriate action.
  5. The Irish Pig Society respects members’ privacy. Do not post personal or any other information that you do not want made public and respect the privacy of other members of the Irish Pig Society members. 
  6. Observe copyright and trademark law. The posting of copyrighted videos, photos, articles, or other material beyond what is protected as fair use is prohibited. 
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Irish Pig Society Breeders Directory

  1. All Irish Pig Society members who are on the Breeders Directory must abide to keep, update, and maintain private records of:

i. Service dates / periods for sows (to include boar details).

ii. All records to be up to date.

iii. Ear Tag details for pedigree registered pigs.

iv. Veterinary intervention / medications administered.

v. Litter records – numbers / sex.

2. The Irish Pig Society may from time to time require the keeping of further relevant pedigree breeding records.

3. At any time remove an entry from the Herd Book which is incorrect, or the accuracy is in doubt.

4. If any Irish Pig Society is of the opinion that a member has failed to:

i. Keep suitable records relating to their pigs.

ii. Is of the belief that the particulars of a pig submitted by a member are likely to be for any reason inaccurate.

iii. Are dissatisfied with the breeding management of a member’s herd.

They may refuse either absolutely or for a limited period that is considered appropriate, to register in the Herd Book the pigs of that member. 

5. No Member shall sell or offer or advertise for sale a pure-bred pig by name unless it by Private Treaty or auction, and whether under the Irish Pig Society auspices, or not.

6. If any entry for the Herd Book is cancelled and this cancellation is accepted by the Irish Pig Society as reasonable, the name or names and code given to that pig, shall not be given to any other pig.

Irish Pig Society Appeals Guidelines

If at any time a member fails to meet any of the required rules and guidelines of their Irish Pig Society membership, there will be a review by the Irish Pig Society Committee and should it be deemed necessary removal from the Irish Pig Society will be considered as an option.

  1. Where an individual has had their Irish Pig Society membership revoked the decision can be reviewed on appeal in the event of fresh evidence being provided.

i. A minimum of 3 committee members are required for any such appeals.

ii. Appeals to the committee must be in the form of a written appeal request based on fresh information/evidence.

iii. In the event that fresh (previously unseen) evidence cannot be provided the appeal will be declined.

iv. Appeals to decisions must come in writing to the committee within 14 days of the original decision.

2. Reinstatement of a revoked Irish Pig Society membership can take place with a renewed application after a period of 12 months. 

i. This is on the verifiable proviso that previous concerns have all been rectified or resolved. 

ii. A minimum of three committee members are required for this reinstatement review of Irish Pig Society membership.

iii. Decisions by the committee are final.

Changes or amendments to above rules and guidelines

In the event of the requirement of amendments, changes, or additions to the above rules the committee will convene to discuss potential changes, (it is acceptable to have this discussed as an agenda item within a standard Irish Pig Society meeting.

i. The attendees must be a minimum 50% of the committee (including the chairperson). In the event of disagreement, the final decision sits with the Chairman.

ii. On agreement the new rule/changes to rules will be included in an updated version of these rules and guidelines and circulated to all Irish Pig Society members.