I wholeheartedly support a total ban on the non-therapeutic amputation of tails. "Because it's traditional" has never been an acceptable argument to support the continuation of any practice, let alone one as barbaric and pointless as this one. None of the other arguments I have heard in favour of docking are justifiable.

In my experience, almost all owners of new puppies are either unaware that their pets should have had longer tails, or have been convinced by the breeders that there are valid medical reasons for docking. They are generally horrified to learn that the docking has probably been carried out by the breeder, with no anaesthetic or pain relief, and that I can provide them with no medical reason why this practice continues.

I have had two Jack Russell Terriers now, both unfortunately docked (as both were rescue dogs), and I am convinced that their lack of full tails seriously hampers their communcation with other dogs. One of these dogs also had problems with tail irritation (totally unrelated to anal gland or parasite problems) and I suspect this is as a result of his being docked. We must make sure that this cruel, outdated practice is ended.

Alex Dawson BVSc MRCVS

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