In Scotland since 2007 shortening the tails of young dogs has been banned. This legislation is currently under review and the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee would like to hear the views of the public on this issue.
If changes to legislation are approved, puppies could have their tails shortened where a vet believes they are likely to be used as a working dog and are at risk of serious tail injury in later life. This would allow two breeds of working dogs – Spaniels and Hunt Point Retrievers –to have their tails removed by up to a third within five days of being born.
Currently there are exceptions to the docking of a puppy’s tail in England and Northern Ireland and the practice is still common in the USA & Canada. It is banned in Australia and across most of Europe.
“There is a lot of debate as to whether or not surgical tail docking is painful. Many defenders say that the nervous system of a puppy isn’t developed enough to feel pain. However, multiple studies prove that while the pain a puppy feels during tail docking isn’t quantifiable, it is almost certainly present.”
[http://good.barkpost.com/discover/strange-origins-tail-docking/]
The SSPCA is opposed to all tail docking of young dogs.
If you would like to contribute your views:
The deadline for responses is by 12 noon on Thursday 1 June 2017. Evidence received after this deadline will be published on the Committee’s website but will not be considered by the Committee as part of its scrutiny of the draft Regulations.
Before making a submission, please read the policy on treatment of written evidence by subject and mandatory Committees. Written submissions will be made public on the Committee’s webpage. If you do not wish your response to be made public, please contact the clerks to discuss.
Written views can be in English, Gaelic, Scots or any other language.
Responses should be sent electronically in Word format to:
Tailshortening@parliament.scot
You may also make hard copy written submissions to: Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee T3:40 Scottish Parliament EH99 1SP
Reporter: Fiona Grahame