Care and Welfare of the Quarry

The care of the quarry is paramount. NASDA expects that all quarry animals will be treated with humane, respectful, and compassionate care throughout their natural lives.

Each quarry cage must house either two gerbils or one to two rats to ensure the comfort and well-being of the animals. Clubs and judges must also ensure that the quarry receives adequate breaks throughout the event. The timing and frequency of these breaks will depend on factors such as temperature, duration of the event, the number of dogs worked, and the intensity of the work being performed. These determinations are at the discretion of the judge or club, with the welfare of the quarry as the foremost priority.

---

Quarry Care Guidelines

To ensure the live quarry is properly cared for:

• When not actively working, the quarry must have free access to food and water appropriate for their species and in compliance with local ordinances.
• Quarry animals must be housed in secure, clean, and comfortable enclosures that protect them from injury and escape.
• Enclosures must provide adequate ventilation and airflow and offer protection from inclement weather and extreme temperatures.
• Animals must be handled gently and respectfully at all times, minimizing stress and ensuring their safety.

These measures are essential to maintaining the humane and ethical treatment of quarry animals before, during, and after events.

---

Compliance and Enforcement

Failure to uphold the standards of care established by NASDA will result in the loss of club status and privileges. Humane and respectful treatment of the quarry is a fundamental expectation of all sanctioned events. Any deviation from this standard will not be tolerated.

Clubs are responsible for maintaining the highest level of animal welfare and must adhere strictly to NASDA’s care and housing guidelines to remain in good standing.