Tail Docking
As of June 1st 2004 Australia is to be commended in joining the ever growing list of countries in the world which have banned the docking of dogs tails.
The following article produced by the AVA (Australian Veterinary Association) outlines the need for this legislation.
TAIL DOCKING
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) considers amputation of dog's tails to be an unnecessary surgical procedure and contrary to the welfare of the dog.
The AVA recommends that the docking of dog's tails be made illegal in Australia except for professionally diagnosed therapeutic reasons, and only then by registered veterinarians, under conditions of anaesthesia that minimise pain and stress.
IS TAIL DOCKING PAINFUL?
Yes, there is strong evidence that this is the case. The puppy has fully developed nervous system and well-developed sense of pain - many biological markers show that pain is occurring.
WHY DID TAIL DOCKING START?
Many theories on how tail docking began include: a prevention of rabies, prevention of back injury, increasing speed and prevention of damage due to fighting, ratting and rabbiting. Tails are also docked to conform to breed standards and include breeds such as Schnauzer, Old English Sheep Dogs, Dobermans, Boxers ......
DOES TAIL DOCKING PREVENT TAIL INJURIES?
Traditionally, some breeders considered a docked tail necessary to fulfil the working function of the dog. Today many working breeds are kept as house pets. When tails are allowed to remain intact, there are no more tail injuries in breeds that are customarily docked than in other breeds of dog.
CAN DOCKING CAUSE PROBLEMS IN LATER LIFE?
There is considerable scientific evidence that docking itself can lead to complications, including death of the puppy. In later life the stump of the tail may be painful due to the formation of a neuroma in the stump. This also occurs following amputation of limbs in people and causes considerable discomfort.
DO DOGS NEED THEIR TAILS?
Yes, tails have many useful functions and are important for balance and body language among other things. Although some breeds today have individuals that are occasionally born with deformed or short tails.
WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN OTHER COUNTRIES?
There are countries which have banned cosmetic tail docking for a considerable number of years: Norway since 1987, Sweden and Switzerland since 1988, Cyprus, Greece and Luxembourg since 1991, Finland since 1996 and Germany since 1998.
No increase in tail injuries or serious health problems has been detected as a result of the ban on tail docking in these countries.
WHAT COULD I DO TO PREVENT TAIL DOCKING?
Do not buy puppies without tails
Insist that the breeder from whom you buy your dog does not dock tails
Demand that your kennel club or canine organization stops advocating docking in any form and starts promoting the showing of intact dogs
Most importantly, please take action to make tail docking illegal for anything but medically justified reasons.