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" I would like to add my name to those of other vets who are calling for a total ban on the docking of pups tails. My position on the matter is based on 12 years in small-animal practice (where in the un-enlightened Eighties I docked many a pups tail), 3 years post-graduate research into the pain associated with tail-docking in lambs (which is a separate issue I hasten to add), basic logic and a healthy contempt for the “Caution, Show Dogs in transit” brigade.
If it subsequently transpires that real working (gun) dogs do indeed regularly suffer traumatic damage to their tails in thick cover then the matter can be revisited and a derogation made based on hard rather than anecdotal evidence. There are plenty of precedents for amendments to legislation.
It will be important that the same legislation is introduced in Scotland as well as in England and Wales. Otherwise there will be claims that the docking took place in the appropriate jurisdiction. This matter is being debated in the Scottish parliament at present. The portents are not good (see The Scotsman newspaper article by Fordyce Maxwell on 28th November last; he makes some excellent points. It should be available on the Web.).
The Scottish Parliament consulted with various bodies, including the organisation I work for, in drafting the proposed Animal Welfare bill. I have to emphasise that the institute I work for is a Large Animal disease research institute and it makes no claim regarding small animal expertise. However, improving animal welfare is a cause the organisation wishes to support. Due to my background I was asked to respond. I have attached to this e-mail the relevant section of a document I submitted to them, in case it adds anything to your argument. The views expressed are mine.
If possible please let me know how the campaign is going.
Well done and good luck.
Manus Graham MVB, MPhil, MRCVS. |
