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Welcome
Tail docking is a very emotive subject the world over. The Council of Docked Breeds (CDB) campaigned to protect the freedom to choose the tail docking option. Based in the UK it was a non-profit making organisation manned by dog breeders. The CDB monitored and campaigned against parts of the UK Animal Welfare Acts which restricted the freedom of choice. It also monitored progress of the Council of Europe's Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. This Convention severely restricts canine breeding, so has serious implications for ALL dog breeds across Europe and beyond. In the UK, The Animal Welfare Acts came into force in Wales on 31 March 2007, England on 6 April 2007 and Scotland from 30 April 2007. Tail docking was effectively banned from the above dates. An exemption for certain working dogs only applies to those being docked in England or Wales. Australia has experienced a huge drop in litter registrations since their tail docking ban was introduced details here It remains to be seen how the UK will react, but a similar drop is to be expected. Any American or Canadian reader believing they are safe from those seeking to ban tail docking, may be interested to read what their veterinary associations have to say on the matter. New Zealand has taken a more balanced approach and in June 2010 introduced a code which allows tail docking by trained lay people, details here. The following selection of pictures show tail damage experienced by dogs in traditionally docked breeds who were not docked as whelps.
Welcome
Tail docking is a very emotive subject the world over. The Council of Docked Breeds (CDB) campaigned to protect the freedom to choose the tail docking option. Based in the UK it was a non-profit making organisation manned by dog breeders. The CDB monitored and campaigned against parts of the UK Animal Welfare Acts which restricted the freedom of choice. It also monitored progress of the Council of Europe's Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. This Convention severely restricts canine breeding, so has serious implications for ALL dog breeds across Europe and beyond. In the UK, The Animal Welfare Acts came into force in Wales on 31 March 2007, England on 6 April 2007 and Scotland from 30 April 2007. Tail docking was effectively banned from the above dates. An exemption for certain working dogs only applies to those being docked in England or Wales. Australia has experienced a huge drop in litter registrations since their tail docking ban was introduced details here It remains to be seen how the UK will react, but a similar drop is to be expected. Any American or Canadian reader believing they are safe from those seeking to ban tail docking, may be interested to read what their veterinary associations have to say on the matter. New Zealand has taken a more balanced approach and in June 2010 introduced a code which allows tail docking by trained lay people, details here. The following selection of pictures show tail damage experienced by dogs in traditionally docked breeds who were not docked as whelps.
