In the absence of a staffed and functioning BMDCA Assistance and Guidance Resource, the Board of Directors shall be responsible for the entire Grievance Procedure.
BMDCA GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR NON-MEMBER COMPLAINTS
When a non-BMDCA member writes to the BMDCA with a complaint against a BMDCA member or members, the Assistance and Guidance Resource shall promptly determine whether BMDCA involvement is reasonable and appropriate.
If BMDCA involvement is not considered reasonable and appropriate, the Assistance and Guidance Resource shall immediately send a letter to the complainant:
a. acknowledging the complaint;
b. advising the complainant that his/her concern has been reviewed and determined not to be a matter to be handled by the BMDCA;
c. (optional) suggesting that the complainant look elsewhere (legal process, mediation, letter to the AKC, etc.) for satisfaction.
If the Assistance and Guidance Resource determines that BMDCA involvement with the complaint is reasonable and appropriate, the Assistance and Guidance Resource shall promptly:
1. send a letter, including a copy of the complaint, to the BMDCA member(s) named:
a. requesting and recommending that the member(s) contact the complainant to discuss and as appropriate, rectify the situation;
b. requesting that the member(s) send a written response to the new Committee describing the action taken by the member(s) to rectify the situation or providing an explanation as to why the situation should not be addressed or rectified as the complainant requested.
2. send the complainant a copy of the letter to the member(s).
Where the non-member complainant does not get satisfaction and appeals to the BMDCA for help a second time, the Assistance and Guidance Resource shall forward the issue to the BMDCA Board of Directors. At the discretion of the Board, either the Board or the Assistance and Guidance Resource shall promptly:
1. send a strongly worded letter, including a copy of the additional complaint, to the BMDCA member(s) named:
a. suggesting that the member(s), not the BMDCA, is responsible for rectifying the situation. The letter will stipulate a time limit for resolution of the issue.
b. send the complainant a copy of the letter to the member(s).
Last modified: August 18, 2008.