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Responsible Ownership Articles

UAPPEAL Bylaws

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ

CURRENT OWNERS and Potential OWNERS, please take the time to read this message.

In the recent months there have been a few incidents regarding exotic animals. Because incidents involving exotic animals are rare, especially when compared to other day to day activities and incidents involving domestic animals, the media tends to create a frenzy around any minuscule incident blowing it out of proportion. Unfortunately, Animal Rights groups who oppose ALL use of ALL animals take advantage of these incidents to call our legislators to ban exotics. There are already bans in place in about 20 states, and more are introducing bills to ban or severely restrict ownership of exotics. Every incident is another nail in the coffin of exotic animal ownership. We, as responsible owners need to be PROACTIVE, and show our law makers that WE ARE RESPONSIBLE and bans are not needed. In the end, the one paying the highest price is the animal when an incident occurs. Our beloved animals count on us to keep them safe and healthy.

Exotic animals do not have a federally approved rabies vaccine like domestic animals do, even though we all know they are effective. In the case of an animal bite or scratch the ONLY way to be 100% positive an animal is not infected with rabies is to test the animal for rabies by KILLING the animal and testing its brain tissue. Quarantine is an option, but government agencies (whose officials are not keen on animal husbandry) rarely opt for this option because they do not want the liability. There has NEVER been a case of a primate infecting a human with rabies in the US, and there has never been a positive result after euthanizing a captive primate after an incident. This does NOT matter to government officials. They will usually follow CDC recommendations to euthanize an animal where there is no approved rabies vaccine. This is ONLY a recommendation, and the CDC leaves the decision up to the state, but this is the route followed in MOST cases.

The ONLY way to prevent this from happening is by keeping exotics AWAY from situations where they may come into unintended contact with the public and cause another incident. As responsible owners we need to be prepared for any situation life may throw at us. NEVER have anyone other than yourself or someone you have PROPERLY trained, have contact with your animals. It is NOT worth risking your animal's LIFE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW

-Build caging so that in the event of your absence any person can care for your animals WITHOUT coming into contact with them.

-Have feeding stations and water changed/refilled from OUTSIDE of the cage.

-Equip caging with lock-out boxes, where the animal can be locked out of its main cage from OUTSIDE so the keeper can enter and clean safely. Again this is to prevent CONTACT with animal by any caretaker other than the owner.

-Equip caging with transfer tunnel so that animal can be transferred from main caging to carrier safely. Lock-out box can double as a transfer cage if guillotine door is put on exterior.

-Keep guillotine door transfer cages on property.

-Maintain an emergency plan in a conspicuous place where all animal safety/restraint equipment can be found as well as emergency contact information for who can care for your animal in your absence, detailed steps to take, and important information for each animal (special dietary needs, allergies, habits, etc.) in case of emergency. Perhaps leaving a trusted neighbor or relative with a copy of your evacuation plan to give to emergency response personnel is a good idea.

-Require those caring for or handling your animals to have their rabies vaccine current. In the event that there is a bite or scratch, there would be a higher chance of quarantine versus euthanasia if the caretaker is current on their rabies vaccine.

-Keep current records for all your animals (Veterinary visits, Vaccine records, acquisition/purchase documents from USDA breeder, current permits, etc)

-Perimeter fencing or barriers, especially in medium sized and larger animals

-Place SIGNS on caging warning visitors NOT TO TOUCH!

-Do NOT allow strangers to touch your animals.

-Keep animals under lock and key, and always DOUBLE CHECK enclosure doors/locks to be sure they are secure when leaving cage.

-In the case of large animals which have the potential to severely harm human life if they escape, keep equipment on hand to subdue the animal quickly (dart guns, etc)

I know that some of this sounds like it is not needed because your animals will never bite, or it is just overkill because you only have small animals such as squirrel monkeys, fennec foxes, geoffroy's cats, etc. We must remember they are ANIMALS. ANY animal with teeth can bite, including dogs, cats etc. The difference between a dog biting and an exotic is that dogs have an APPROVED rabies vaccine so dogs will not be killed, whereas exotics will be KILLED. It does not matter that the bite was minimal. Bites do not require medical attention to require euthanasia. A SCRATCH is all that is needed to require the killing of your animal for rabies testing, even an ACCIDENTAL SCRATCH where the animal showed no aggression! THIS HAS HAPPENED! Following the steps above will ensure the safety of your companion as well as the public.

PLEASE KEEP YOUR EXOTICS AWAY FROM SITUATIONS WHERE THEY CAN COME INTO UNINTENDED CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC AND CAUSE ANOTHER INCIDENT THAT COULD END PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF THESE ANIMALS FOREVER! Note to US exotic animal owners: If you take your animals out in public, you are considered to be an exhibitor and must obtain a USDA Exhibitor's license.

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RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP
By: Eileen Perez-Carrion for UAPPEAL

When one purchases an animal one is making themselves responsible for that animal for its ENTIRE life. This applies to dogs, cats, and especially exotic/alternative pets. Animals are not disposable commodities that can be discarded once we are tired of them, or their baby "cuteness" has worn off. Casual acquisition of any animal hurts all owners. So before acquiring a pet be sure you are committed to its care for life.

Responsible Ownership BEFORE Purchasing:

-Fully research the care, husbandry, characteristics, and life span of the animal you plan to posses. Research what your animal will be like as an adult. Know their adult size, weight, age at maturity, and other pertinent information.

-Know the level of commitment required. Know how many hours per day the animal will require of your time for proper mental development. Be sure that your current employment will allow for you to dedicate the necessary time to your pet.

-Know the legality of owning the pet you plan to posses. Check state, as well as local animal ordinances, and permit requirements, if needed. Always get in writing whether animal is permitted or not. Ask to see the specific ordinance and document it.

-Know the costs associated with feeding the animal and take into account any necessary supplements the animal may need for proper growth and development. Many exotics require other food items, such as fruits and vegetables or vitamins, in addition to their commercial diet which may increase feeding costs significantly.

-Know adequate enclosures sizes and enrichment items for both for mental and physical stimulation of your animal. Most importantly, the need for a secure enclosure to prevent the animal's escape, as well as preventing others entering the enclosure. Proper locks at all entrances to the enclosure, a perimeter fence around enclosure to prevent physical contact by strangers, as well as containing the animal should it escape its primary enclosure, are wise. For the larger species perimeter fencing is law in most states.

-Know what veterinarian will see your pet, as well as a veterinarian in case of emergencies.

Responsible Ownership AFTER Purchase:

-Always maintain full control of your animal while in public or with family and friends (leash, harness or other restraint device to maintain safe handling) no matter how docile the animal. This should apply to domestic species as well.

-Never allow strangers, especially children, touch your pet if it is an animal considered inherently dangerous, or simply leave it at home.

-Always supervise interaction between animals and children especially those which are very young. Even with domestic animals, such as dogs, toddlers and young children should never be left alone in a room with any animal, and proper precautions should be taken to prevent animals from entering a room where a baby may be in without an adult present.

-Have someone who is in charge of feeding/caring for your animals in the case of your absence, death, or inability to care for them. With life spans of over 20 years for many species it is difficult to foresee what will happen that far in the future. Life changes sometimes require the re-homing of a pet. Seeing that your animal is provided for its entire life (whether in your care or that of others) is an essential component of responsible exotic/alternative animal ownership.

-NEVER release an exotic animal to the wild. Find a suitable home for your animal. Release of non-native species to the wild negatively impacts the rest of responsible owners who are committed to their pets for life, as well as interrupts the natural ecology of an area. It is ILLEGAL in all states to release wildlife. Some states such as FL have a "Pet Amnesty Day" where animals can be turned in at a set location on a specific day, and others with proper permits can adopt the animals. People turning in their pets on "Pet Amnesty Days" will have no penalty, even if animal was kept illegally. It is a "No questions asked" policy.

-Always maintain your permits up to date, and keep up with new laws which may affect your status, such as additional insurance requirements, increased enclosures sizes, etc.

-Always keep records of your pet's acquisition papers, vaccinations, vet visits, and permits. Document EVERYTHING. This may help you should your county enact an exotic animal ban after you have acquired your pet. Although we see our pets as MUCH more than mere property, from a legal standpoint it is better for the courts to consider them property because we have the right to protect our property.

-Keep a contingency plan readily available in case of emergencies, and who should be contacted if something was to occur in your absence.

-Never stop learning. Discuss with other owners their experiences, and offer help to those who may not be up to par.

-Maintain an atmosphere of unity among other exotic owners, and support each other through education in order to provide high quality animal care.

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EMERGENCY CONTACT SHEET
Sample

Contingency/ Disaster Planning Handout.

Front of Pamphlet:
*Name of animal
*Type
*Vet name ,address and telephone number
*Emergency contacts:
Names and telephone numbers
*Any known medical problems
*Any medication requirements and location

Inside Pamphlet
*Animal personality
*Food type
*Preparation
*Vitamins
*Where located

*Where to purchase food
*Litter box Habits (felines)
*How is animal housed
Inside
Inside/enclosure
Enclosure
*Leave room for care/handling instructions, location of equipment

Ample section for:
*Sudden illness (owner)

Power of attorney
money set aside
*Death instructions
Will
Trust fund
executor of will
money set aside
*Emergency Evacuation
Checklist of things you will need to take with you for you and your animal

For how many days
Food
Water
Crate
Toys
Bedding
Litter box
Emergency first aid kit

*Will your car hold you and your animal or do you have alternative means?

*List of procedures to follow and temporary housing options

This handout can be posted somewhere in your home where the needed people will see it and can be given out to family and friends of your choice

U.A.P.P.E.A.L Bylaws
Article I
Section 1. Offices
The principal office shall be in the County of Simpson, the State of Mississippi.

Section 2. Change of address
The designation of the city, county or state of the corporation's principal office may be changed by amendment of these Bylaws. The Board of Directors may change the principal office from one location to another within the named city by noting the changed address and effective date below, and such changes of address shall not be deemed, nor require, an amendment of these Bylaws.

Section 3. Other Offices
The corporation may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State, where it is qualified to do business, as its business and activities require, and as the Board of Directors may, from time to time, designate.

ARTICLE II
Nonprofit Purposes
Section 1. IRC Section 501(c)(4) Purposes
This corporation is organized exclusively for one or more of the purposes as specified in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Section 2. Specific Objectives and Purposes
The specific objectives and purposes of this corporation shall be:
A. To protect the rights of conscientious private exotic pet owners and to further the social welfare of nonhuman primates and other “exotic” pets in captivity.

ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
Section 1. Number of Directors
a. The corporation shall initially have three (3) Officers. The initial directors are to be appointed by the officers of the corporation. The officers and directors shall constitute the Board of Directors. In the future, each board member shall be elected to the Board of Directors by the members of each membership element of the organization. The group of animals represented is an element of U.A.P.P.E.A.L. and directors may be referred to as “Element Representatives.”
b. A maximum of twenty (20) directors may serve at any one time.

Section 2. Qualifications
Directors shall be a minimum of twenty one years of age, meet the Proactive membership requirements, and keep membership dues current. Elected directors must be a Proactive member of this organization for a minimum of one year immediately prior to the commencement of a term as a director. If a Director is appointed by the President to fill a vacancy and the Board of Directors approves the appointment by a majority vote, the one year membership requirement may be waived.

Section 3. Powers
Subject to the provisions of the laws of this state and any limitations in the Articles of Incorporation and these Bylaws relating to action required or permitted to be taken or approved by the members, if any, of this corporation, the activities and affairs of this corporation shall be conducted and all corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board of Directors and the officers of the organization.
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. Shall make no loans to any officer, director, or member.

Section 4. Duties
It shall be the duty of the directors to:
Perform any and all duties imposed on them collectively or individually by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws;
Prescribe the duties and fix the compensation, if any, of all officers, agents and employees of the corporation;
Supervise all officers, agents and employees of the corporation to assure that their duties are performed properly;
Meet at such times and places as required by these Bylaws;
Register their addresses with the Secretary of the corporation, and notices of meetings mailed or telegraphed to them at such address shall be valid notices thereof;
Encourage the growth of membership for all elements especially the one you represent;
Keep up with issues pertaining to the element you represent on Local, State and Federal legislation.
The group of animals you represent is an element of U.A.P.P.E.A.L and directors may be referred to as Element Representatives.
As a Director / Element Representative, you will have a vote that will represent the voice of your element. Element representative are elected by a single vote from all members in that element.
A Director / Element Representative will gather information from members, write articles and submit them to be posted on the U.A.P.P.E.A.L website or in any other U.A.P.P.E.A.L publication.
As a member and a leader of U.A.P.P.E.A.L it is requires you to support responsible private ownership of exotic animals.

Section 5. Term of Office
Each director shall hold office for a period of two (2) years or until his or her successor is elected, he or she resigns, or is removed. All directors are eligible for re-election with no term limit.
Any director resigning from any position must wait one year from the next election for any position before being eligible to run again.

Section 6. Compensation
Directors shall serve without compensation

Section 7. Place of Meetings
The Board of Directors may designate any place, either within or without the State, as the place of meeting for any regular or special meeting called by the Board of Directors. If no designation is made, meetings shall be held at the principal office of the corporation in the State.

Section 8. Regular meetings
Regular meetings of the Directors shall be held annually as announced by the officers with a minimum of 30 days notice.

Section 9. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President, the Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, or any two directors and an officer. Such meetings shall be held at the principle office of the corporation or, if different, at a place voted on by the Board of Directors.

Section 10. Notice of Meetings
Unless otherwise provided by the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or provisions of law, the following provisions shall govern the giving of notice for meetings of the Board of Directors.
Regular Annual Meetings. At least 30 days notice need be given of any regular meeting of the Board of Directors.
Special Meetings. At least one week prior notice shall be given by the Secretary of the corporation to each director of each special meeting of the board. Such notice may be oral or written, may be given personally, by first class mail, by electronic mail, by telephone or by facsimile, and shall state the place, date and time of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted upon at the meeting. In the case of facsimile or electronic mail notification, the director to be contacted shall acknowledge personal receipt of the facsimile or electronic mail notice by return message of telephone call within 48 hours of the first facsimile or electronic mail transmission. Waiver of notice will be in effect for the monthly online Board of Director meetings. The date and time of these monthly meetings will be determined by the majority vote of the Board of Directors and officers.

Section 11. Quorum
The Board of Directors is composed of the officers and the directors. The Directors are also referred to as element representatives. At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors, except as may otherwise be specifically provided by statute or by the Certificate. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

Section 12. Majority Action as Board Action
Every act or decision done or made by a majority of the directors present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present is the act of the Board of Directors, unless the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws or provisions of law require a greater percentage or different voting rules for approval of a matter by the board.

Section 13. Voting
Each Director / Element Representative, and Officer, shall have one vote. No voting by proxy permitted. In order to maintain voting integrity, Officers will abstain from voting on animal specific issues.

Section 14. Vacancies
Vacancies on the Board of Directors shall exist (1) on the death, resignation or removal of any director and (2) when the number of authorized directors is increased. Any vacancy caused by the death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, of any Element Representative shall be filled by a special election by the members of the element needing a representative on the board of directors unless the vacancy brings the number of Board of Directors to three or less in which case the President may appoint a new Element Representative to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the two year term. This appointment must be approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Any director may resign effective upon giving written notice to the President, the Secretary or the Board of Directors, unless the notice specifies a later time for the effectiveness of such resignation. No director may resign if the corporation would be left without a duly elected or appointed director or directors in charge of its affairs, except upon notice to the Office of the Attorney General or other appropriate agency of this state.
Directors or Members may be removed from office or general membership, with or without cause, as permitted by and in accordance with the laws of this state. A Director or Member may be removed by a two thirds vote of the Board of Directors in a meeting at which a quorum of not less than one-half (1/2) of the Directors are present.
Cause shall be defined as, but not limited to
Misappropriation of Corporate funds.
Commission of any criminal act against this organization or its members.
Actions or statements which threaten or violate the spirit of congeniality and cooperation among the Board of directors or membership.
Intentional mistreatment, gross neglect of, or cruelty to an animal.
Commission of any public act which knowingly serves to discredit or harm the viability of the organization or its purposes as defined in our mission statement.
The Board of Directors may entertain charges against any Director or Member at its discretion. The Director or Member shall be informed of the charges in writing and be afforded a reasonable opportunity, no less than 14 days, for a hearing prior to a vote on the removal of a director.
Unless otherwise prohibited by the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws or provisions of law, vacancies on the board may be filled by approval of the Board of Directors. If the number of Directors then in office is less than a quorum, a vacancy on the board may be filled by an appointment by the President and approval of a majority of the directors then in office or by a sole remaining director. A person elected or appointed to fill a vacancy on the board shall hold office until the next election of the Board of Directors or until his or her death, resignation or removal from office.

Section 15. Meeting Absence
If any member of the board of directors shall fail to attend two or more consecutive board meetings without showing just cause, he or she shall be deemed to have resigned from office and the vacancy will be filled as provided for in these bylaws.

Section 16. Non-Liability of Directors and Officers
The directors and officers shall not be personally liable for the debts, liabilities or other obligations of the corporation.

Section 17. Indemnification by Corporation of Directors and Officers
The directors and officers of the corporation shall be indemnified by the corporation to the fullest extent permissible under the laws of this state.

ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Section 1. Designations
The officers of the corporation shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The corporation may also have one or more Vice Presidents, and one or more Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless applicable law, the Certificate or these bylaws otherwise provide.

Section 2. Qualifications
Any person that has been a Proactive member two consecutive years may serve as an officer of this corporation, however only one member of an immediate family may hold an office in this corporation in the same term. If an officer is appointed by the President to fill a vacancy and the Board of Directors approves the appointment by a majority vote, the two year membership requirement may be waived.

Section 3. Election and Term of Office
After a 30 day election period, Officers shall be elected by the membership for a term of two (2) years. Each officer shall hold office until he or she resigns or is removed or is otherwise disqualified to serve, or until his or her successor shall be elected, whichever comes first. Officer elections will be alternated in order to keep a level of experienced officers at all times. After the first (4) years, elections for (2) officers will be held for Vice President and Treasurer. The following (2) years, elections for Secretary and President will be held. The founding Secretary and President officers will hold a longer term to start this rotation.
The Board of Directors shall vote on an election Chair Person and (6) committee members, each from a different element.
Any officer or member of the Board of Directors resigning from office must wait one year from the next election for that office before being eligible to run again. If that date is during a nomination period they must wait until the following election.
An officer may be removed from office, with or without cause, as permitted by and in accordance with the laws of this state.
An officer may be removed by a two thirds vote of the Board of Directors in a meeting at which a quorum of not less than one-half (1/2) of the Directors are present. Any officer resigning from any position must wait one year from the next election for any position before being eligible to run again.
Cause shall be defined as, but not limited to;
Misappropriation of Corporate funds.
Commission of any criminal act against this organization or its members.
Actions or statements which threaten or violate the spirit of congeniality and cooperation among the Board of directors or membership.
Intentional mistreatment, gross neglect of, or cruelty to an animal.
Commission of any public act which knowingly serves to discredit or harm the viability of the organization or its purposes as defined in our mission statement.
The Board of Directors may entertain charges against any Director at its discretion. The Director shall be informed of the charges in writing and be afforded a reasonable opportunity, no less than 14 days, for a hearing prior to a vote on the removal of a director.
Any officer may resign effective upon giving written notice to the Board of Directors, unless the notice specifies a later time for the effectiveness of such resignation.

Section 5. Vacancies
Any vacancy caused by the death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, of any officer shall be filled by a special election. Any office other than that of President, such vacancy may be filled temporarily by appointment by the President until such times as the special election by the membership shall fill the vacancy.

Section 6. The President
The President shall be the chief executive and administrative officer of the corporation and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, supervise and control the affairs of the corporation and the activities of the officers. He or she shall perform all duties incident to his or her office and such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, by these Bylaws, or which may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and, if this corporation has members, at all meetings of the members. Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, by the Articles of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, he or she shall, in the name of the corporation, execute such deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, checks or other instruments which may, from time to time, be authorized by the Board of Directors.

Section 7. The Vice President
The Vice President shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them and shall exercise such powers as may be granted to them by the Board of Directors or by the President of the corporation. In the absence of the President and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Vice President, shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President with the same force and effect as if performed by the President and shall generally assist the President and shall perform the duties and have the powers prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Section 8. The Secretary
Certify and keep the original, or a copy of these Bylaws, as amended or otherwise altered to date.
Keep a book of minutes of all meetings of the directors, and, if applicable, meetings of committees of directors and of members, recording therein the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, how called, how notice thereof was given, the names of those present or represented at the meeting and the proceedings thereof. See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law.
Be the custodian of the records and of the seal of the corporation and affix the seal, as authorized by law or the provisions of these Bylaws, to duly executed documents of the corporation.
Exhibit at all reasonable times to any director of the corporation, or to his or her agent or attorney, on request therefore, the Bylaws, the membership book (if any) and the minutes of the proceedings of the directors of the corporation.
In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation or by these Bylaws or which may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Section 9. The Treasurer
The Treasurer shall:
Have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds and securities of the corporation, and deposit all such funds in the names of the corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as shall be selected by the Board of Directors. Receive, and give receipt for, monies due and payable to the corporation from any source whatsoever. Disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the corporations may be directed by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements. Treasurer will have authority to disburse checks to lobbyist, and other miscellaneous checks under $500 without requiring the approval of the board of directors provided that he/she is bonded. Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the corporation’s properties and business transactions, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains and losses. Exhibit at all reasonable times the books of account and financial records to any director of the corporation, or to his or her agent or attorney, on request therefore. Render to the President and directors, whenever requested, an account of any or all of his or her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the corporation. Prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify, or cause to be certified, the financial statements to be included in any required reports.
In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation or by these Bylaws or which may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Section 10. Director of Federal Legislation
The Director of Federal Legislation is a voluntary two (2) year term position appointed by the Board of Directors by a majority vote. The Director of Federal Legislation must be a proactive member of U.A.P.P.E.A.L. The Director of Federal Legislation may appoint other U.A.P.P.E.A.L members to a legislation committee to help with the duties of this office. The Board of Directors may terminate any appointment to the legislation committee made by the Director of Federal Legislation by a majority vote.

Section 11. Director of State Legislation
The Director of State Legislation is a voluntary two year term position appointed by the Board of Directors by a majority vote. The Director of State Legislation must be a proactive member of U.A.P.P.E.A.L. The Director of State Legislation may appoint other U.A.P.P.E.A.L members to a legislation committee to help with the duties of this office. The Board of Directors may terminate any appointment to the legislation committee made by the Director of State Legislation by a majority vote.
It will be the responsibility of the Directors of Federal and State Legislation to: Update the web master about any changes or additions to the legislation section of the UAPPEAL web site in order to keep members informed of State and Federal legislation and provide this information to the newsletter editor for inclusion in the UAPPEAL newsletter.
Work with the Board of Directors to develop official UAPPEAL position statements and press releases pertaining to legislation at the state level and follow the direction of the UAPPEAL lobbyist at the Federal level.
Stay current on all state and federal legislation that affects the UAPPEAL membership.
Stay current on all USDA and USDI policies, rules and regulations and inform the members of any changes via the UAPPEAL web site and newsletter.
Supply the UAPPEAL secretary with a legislation report to be given at the regular meetings of the Board of Directors. This report is to be provided to the Secretary no later than 3 days prior to the regular meetings of the Board of Directors.
The Directors of Federal and State Legislation should be present for a regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors. It is the duty of the Directors of Federal and State Legislation to attend such meetings. If the directors of Federal and State Legislation fail to attend two or more consecutive board meeting without showing just cause, he or she shall be deemed to have resigned from office and the vacancy will be filled as provided for in these bylaws.

Section 12. Director of Membership

Section 13. Compensation
The salaries of the officers, if any, shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors. Salaried individuals cannot vote on their own compensation. All compensation decisions will be made by a majority vote of disinterested board members. In all cases, any salaries received by officers of this corporation shall be reasonable and given in return for services actually rendered to or for the corporation.

Section 14. U.A.P.P.E.A.L. Founding Officers
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. Founding Officers may attend the Board Meetings even after their term is expired. Founding Officers shall not have a vote, and shall not be counted for purposes of determining a quorum.
Founding Officers may participate in discussion.

Section 15. Past President
The Board of Directors may elect to seat the past President as an Honorary Director for a one year term to aid in transition and provide a historical perspective. Honorary Directors shall serve without a vote and shall not be counted for purposes of determining a quorum.

ARTICLE V
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. is open to any individual, organization or business that shall conform to the following:
All members of U.A.P.P.E.A.L. must support responsible private ownership of exotic animals, and support the U.A.P.P.E.A.L. mission statement.
Members are required to complete the U.A.P.P.E.A.L. membership application when paying annual dues.
Annual Dues will be due on or before January 15th. Dues paid by new members in the last quarter of the year (October through December) will be considered paying dues for the following year. Annual Dues will not be prorated. Dues for all classes of U.A.P.P.E.A.L. Memberships are not tax deductible, not refundable, not transferable and not assignable.
Non payment by any member by the due date shall terminate the membership.
The Board of Directors shall review all classes of membership dues annually, and is empowered to make changes in the amount and structure of dues.
The Board of Directors shall determine all matters concerning eligibility for membership.

Section 2. Membership Classes
Proactive Member owns or cares for exotic animals. Caring for shall be defined as providing veterinary services for, housing, feeding and general maintenance of exotic animals on your premises. (1)Proactive Members have the right to vote on ballots brought before the membership, officers, and their element representative as specified in Article V, Section 3. Proactive members. (2) Proactive members have the right to participate on the online forum.
Honorary memberships will be voted on by a majority vote by the Board of Directors once each year. Honorary members will be granted membership on one year terms.
Honorary members do not have voting privileges and may not run for an Officer position or as an Element Representative.

Section 3. Voting
Ballots for the Proactive membership may be distributed by mail or e-mail. Votes from Proactive members may be submitted by mail, email, or fax to the Election Chair person. Ballots submitted by mail, may not be opened until the election committee is present. Should more than one person on the election committee not be able to make the meeting the Election Chairman may appoint another member preferably from an element that is not represented.
Proactive Members will have one vote on issues brought before the membership, and officers. Proactive Members are allowed to belong to more than one element. Proactive members will have the opportunity to submit one vote per issue. Proactive members will have the opportunity to submit one vote for the Element Representative for each element they belong to. A member may join any element at no additional cost for which they have ownership or direct care of that species and vote for the element representative for each element they belong to. Proactive Family Memberships must have a minimum of two people to be considered a family and will have no more than two votes per household per issue brought before the membership, Officer elections, and a Proactive Family Membership will sign up as one Element as a family giving them two votes for that Element Representative. Proactive Family Memberships will have the opportunity to sign up with additional elements as a family. Proactive Family Members will have the opportunity to submit one vote per person up to two people for the Element Representative for each Element they belong to. Voting procedure for Officers will be based on a single ballot vote per proactive member with a maximum of two votes per household. The Election Committee will decide on the Chairman of the Election Committee. Each Element representative must submit a vote for the officers that reflects the outcome of the Proactive members in their element. Element representative are elected by a single vote from all members in that element.

Section 4. Online Forum The forum will have discussion lists for different interest where members can exchange information. The officers and Directors appointed as moderators have the right to moderate or remove members that do not follow the rules of the Forum from the discussion group.

Section 5. Regular meetings Regular meetings of the Directors shall be held annually as announced by the officers with a minimum of 30 days notice. The annual membership meeting of this organization shall be held each year after the Board of Directors Meeting, Proactive members may attend a meeting of the Board of Directors, however, they may not have a voice in discussion and they may not have a vote. Proactive members may address the Board of Directors with advance notice of 5 days of the board meeting with a 3 minute presentation.

ARTICLE VI
IRC 501(c)(4) Tax Exemption Provisions
Section 1. Limitation on Activities
This corporation shall not participate or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, this corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Section 2. Prohibition Against Private Inurnment
No part of the net earnings of this corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, directors, officers or other private persons, except that this corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes of this corporation.

Section 3. Distribution of Assets
Upon the dissolution of this corporation, its assets shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, exclusively for a public purpose. The assets may also be distributed to a nonprofit corporation, trust, foundation or other organization which, at the time of transfer, is exempt from Federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.

ARTICLE VII
Amendment of Bylaws
Section 1. Amendment
These bylaws, or any of them, may be altered, amended or repealed and new Bylaws adopted by approval of the Board of Directors.