RCVS welcomes amendments to Animal Welfare Bill to ban tail-docking of dogs

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons welcomes the new clause and amendments to the Animal Welfare Bill which have been tabled by the Secretary of State for the Environment and Mr Ben Bradshaw MP. The combined effect of the amendments, which are to be debated on 14 March, is to make it unlawful to dock a dog's tail except for the purpose of medical treatment.

The new clause on its own would prohibit docking, but there would be an exception for certain kinds of working dogs. Mr Bradshaw's amendments would remove that exception.

It is argued that it is justifiable to dock working dogs’ tails in order to prevent later injuries. In the view of the RCVS, however, there is insufficient evidence to support this. It would be better to ban docking altogether, and then look to see whether a problem in fact emerges.

The RCVS is also concerned that the new clause as it stands requires a veterinary surgeon who docks a tail to certify that the dog is likely to become a working dog. A veterinary surgeon asked to dock a litter of newborn puppies is in no position to judge the intentions of the present or future owners. Mr Bradshaw's amendments would remove this problem.

Lynne Hill MRCVS, the RCVS President, said:

"We hope that the House of Commons will vote for the new clause including the amendments tabled by Mr Bradshaw. The effect would be to ban tail-docking in dogs except when it is for the purpose of medical treatment. Sometimes it is necessary to amputate a tail in order to deal with injury or disease, but otherwise it is better not to have exceptions."