Satin Cavies
SATIN CAVIES (Satin Guinea Pigs)
NZ Cavy Council Update
Satin Cavies, in particular “Satin Syndrome” and the welfare of Satin Cavies has been a topic of much discussion within the New Zealand Fancy.
In 2019 a survey on Satin Cavies was sent to all NZ Cavy Council Members. The results of this survey were sent to all NZ Cavy Council members.
In January 2020 a council meeting to discuss Satin Cavies was set for 7th February 2020 at the NZ Cavy Council Conference, several proposals were received and sent to affiliated clubs for discussion and vote.
At the Satin meeting held 7th February 2020 the following 5 proposals were passed.
1. That from March 1st 2020 no New Zealand Cavy Council member shall breed from a Satin Cavy.
That from March 1st 2020 New Zealand Cavy Council members shall not knowingly breed any two Cavies together that carry the Satin gene.
That any Satin Cavy sold, gifted or moved into new ownership be accompanied by a New Zealand Cavy Council fact sheet on the Satin gene in Cavies & the care of Satin Cavies.
That any Cavy known to carry the Satin gene sold, gifted or moved into new ownership be accompanied by a New Zealand Cavy Council fact sheet on the Satin gene in Cavies.
That from March 1st 2020 no New Zealand Cavy Council affiliated Club or New Zealand Cavy Council show shall provide a class or section in any breed show for the exhibition of Satin Cavies.
2. That from March 1st 2020 no New Zealand Cavy Council member shall exhibit a Satin Cavy in any breed show.
3. Pet/Condition Classes
That from March 1st 2020 any exhibitor showing a Satin pet at a council affiliated show be provided the Council fact sheets on Satin Cavies by the club/show secretary.
4. That the Council form a sub committee to produce a fact sheet on Satin Cavies to include:
● Basic Satin genetics - How the recessive gene is carried and produced
● Satin Syndrome Facts And a second factsheet be produced to include:
● The Care of Satin Cavies
5. That from March 1st 2020 the New Zealand Cavy Council Standard for Exhibition Cavies shall not include a standard for any Satin Cavy.
That from March 1st 2020 the New Zealand Cavy Council Standard for Exhibition Cavies shall list Satin (Satinization of the coat) as a disqualifying fault across all breeds of Cavy.
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There is evidence that a large amount of Cavies exhibiting the Satin gene suffer from a condition/s also known as “Satin Syndrome” This genetic disease is not curable.
After extensive consultation with breeders, exhibitors and judges in NZ we have found Satin Syndrome is present across both pet and purebred Satin Cavies in NZ.
The New Zealand Cavy Council believes that any continued support for the breeding and or exhibition of Satin Cavies would be unethical and breech both the New Zealand Cavy Council Codes of Conduct and Welfare.
We feel that the above proposals which come into effect 1st March 2020 manage the large responsibility placed on the New Zealand Cavy Council in a fair manner for those members breeding and exhibiting Satin Cavies and in a humane way for Satin Cavies.
The council understands that Cavies within some breeds may carry the Satin gene and are happy to support studs in this position to understand Satin genetics and manage their breeding going forward.
For anyone seeking clarification on any of the above feel free to contact the New Zealand Cavy Council.
The New Zealand Cavy Council