Mutilations And Tail Docking Of Dogs

Mutilations From 6 April 2007 in England, and 28 March in Wales, the mutilation of animals is banned under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, with certain exemptions set out in Regulations. “Mutilation” covers any procedure that involves interference with the sensitive tissues or bone structure of an animal other than for therapeutic purposes (medical treatment). Certain procedures are exempt from the ban because of long-term welfare or management benefits. There are some specific requirements on how many of the procedures are performed, and all must be carried out in a way that keeps pain to a minimum, under hygienic conditions, and in accordance with good practice. These exemptions largely consolidate and replicate existing legislation. There have been no very significant changes to the status quo. A full version of the Regulations, including an Explanatory Memorandum, can be obtained from the Office of Public Sector Information. Tail Docking The docking of dogs' tails will be banned in England from 6 April 2007, and in Wales from 28 March 2007; but with exemptions from the ban for certain working dogs, and for medical treatment. There will also be a ban on the showing of docked dogs (all dogs docked after the commencement date of 6 April/28 March) at events to which members of the public are admitted on payment of a fee. However, this ban does not apply to dogs shown for the purpose of demonstrating their working ability. Tail docking was one of the more contentious topics debated by the House of Commons during the Animal Welfare Act's passage through Parliament. The Government's view was that it was right for Parliament to decide on this issue. MPs had a free vote after a debate in the House of Commons and voted for a ban on tail docking with an exemption for working dogs. The exemption for working dogs allows a dog that is likely to perform certain specified types of work to have its tail docked by a veterinary surgeon. The dog will have to be less than 5 days old, and the veterinary surgeon will have to certify that he or she has seen specified evidence that the dog is likely to work in specified areas. The dog will also need to be micro-chipped to identify it. The types of dog that will be allowed to be docked, and the types of evidence needed, is detailed in further regulations. These are available on the Office of Public Sector Information website. Certificate When docking and micro-chipping a dog, vets must issue a certificate as detailed in the Regulations. Q&A Why can’t I show a docked dog? Experience from Sweden and Germany suggests that not restricting the showing of docked dogs results in continuing demand for them and creates incentives to find ways around the ban. The conditions of the ban agreed by MPs restricts the showing of legally docked dogs to demonstrations of their working ability. This is not because of any distaste for showing, but to support the aim that only dogs intended for working are docked, so ensuring that the numbers docked is be kept to a minimum. Can I show my dog if it is already docked? If the dog has been docked before the commencement date of 6 April 2007 in England, or 28 March in Wales, you can continue to show it after this date. What kind of dogs can be docked? Any spaniel, terrier or hunt point retrieve breed can be docked (as long as other documentary evidence is also produced). What kind of evidence do I need to show to prove that my dog will work? The forms of evidence you can provide are: armed forces identification; emergency rescue identification; police identification; prison service identification; Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs identification; evidence that the dog will be used for lawful pest control; a current shotgun or firearm certificate; or a suitable letter from a suitable person involved in shooting or pest control. More details are available in the Regulations. I breed dogs for working, but don’t work them myself, will I still be able to dock them? Yes, as long as you obtain a letter or have a suitable form of documentary evidence as detailed in the Regulations. What if my dog is born with a short tail? You do not need a certificate or special paperwork, and you can still show your dog if you wish.

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