"I would like to register my firm opposition to the non-therapeutic docking
of puppies. I qualified as a veterinarian in 1980 and hold the RCVS certificate in
animal welfare science and law. I have considered the available literature
in detail. There available evidence does not indicate that docking
"prevents injury" but there is strong evidence (clinical, pathological and
ethological ) that it can cause both short term and long term suffering.My own clinical experience of handling docked animals is that a pain
response can frequently be elicited by pressure on the healed stump of a
docked tail. Neuromata are known to be a frequent sequel to docking injuries
in other species. In pigs, there is that any "protective" effect could
simply be due to guarding of a chronically painful lesion. I accept that tails can become injured when working but so can ears, eyes,
claws and footpads. No case is made for removing these or other vulnerable
appendages. My own experience with my own undocked terrier is that she works
well in the heaviest undergrowth and has never suffered a tail injury. On the basis of these points, my ethical position as a veterinarian and utilitarian is that non-therapeutic docking cannot be justified and should
be banned."

Roger Hancock BA Vet MB Cert WEL MRCVS
Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA)

Back to Vets Against Docking Site