Docking tails?

Question

the law has been changed so that its illege to dock dogs tails (unless their going to be trained for certien work).
i recon docking tails for fasion is cruel.
what do u lot think?

Answer 1

Wait until you see a boxer, rottie or dobe with a broken tail. If it's done right away, it's fine.

Answer 2

Docking a tail cannot be as painful as a dog injuring its tail and then having to have surgery.
If the docking is done correctly at birth then it does not cause pain.
This is a grey area but personally I think some dogs are better off without the tail.

Answer 3

Having owned Yorkies for over 30 yrs, my present pair are the first to have natural tails. Personally, I am not against docking if it is done by a veterinary surgeon. Having said that, I respect others who hold the view that docking is wrong. Until we see dogs in the Crufts showring ALL with natural tails, this argument will just continue. Why doesn't the Kennel Club make a standing on this once and for all?

As a tail-note, why do we never see certain breeds un-docked? ... Norfolk terriers, griffons, old English sheepdogs etc etc ...???

Answer 4

I hate tail docking. It's totally cruel unless the dog is injured. Like someone else pointed out, dogs were born with a tail. And you can't just chop them off in case something happens, you deal with it if it does! And to all those who say the dog feels no pain, pft! How would you know? Are you a dog? No. But half of you are barking.

Answer 5

Its very cruel in my opinion. I think in the uk its only illegal as far a the breeder not being able to dock, but a vet can still do it. Some breeders used to tie a band really tight round the tail so the tail would eventually drop off. I have heard that the puppies scream when the tail is docked. Also the removal of dew claws is supposed to be very painful, although many accidents are caused to a dog with dew claws intact. I also think that the American thing of ear cropping, where the dogs ears are cut to make them stand up right on breeds such as Great Danes, GSD, and Dobermans is terrible.

Answer 6

for fashion is cruel yes but i don't think it should have been banned. seeing the damage that can be done from a long tail (tail splitting etc.) sometimes it might be cruel for dogs not to get it done. going a it off subject i also think that some standards at crufts may go down as many of the working show dogs actually work and will be docked and yet will not be ale to show at crufts as they are docked

Answer 7

Okay, I have had a dog with a tail injury and she was in pain for months!! The only reason I would say tail docking is okay, is that done correctly, it is a simple procedure that causes minimal pain, whereas a tail injury is horribly painful.
I think that if done strictly for looks, it is not okay, but dogs that have thin tails that are commonly injured, I see the purpose.

Answer 8

Tbh I think it depends on reason why they were docked. I don't think pups should be docked for the sake of it, but if a dog's tail is injured and it's the best way to prevent suffering then it should be carried out by a trained vet under anaesthetic.
In some breeds, such as dalmatians, docking can cause serious problems such as lack of balance, etc.

Answer 9

Docking for cosmetic reasons is not on, but where tail injury's are prone then I'm not against it, PROVIDING its done properly by a vet. I've seen several litters docked by a vet and the puppies were fine as soon as they were put back with their mum.

Answer 10

I must agree wholeheartedly. Docking puppy tails is a cruel and outdated procedure, as is ear docking.

Many ideas that had been considered truth in the past - such as the idea that animals do not have emotions or experience pain - has changed. With our new knowledge, how could we condone such a cruel practice? And one person has already pointed out that it stunts the dog's ability to communicate with other dogs. That is also true. Dogs rely on body and tail posture just as we read faces and listen to words.

Answer 11

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. You have your opinion that it is cruel, others want it done. You should respect their opinions and their thoughts. When it comes down to it, they own their dogs and can dock or not dock if they want to.

If you dock tails at 2 or 3 days old, it isn't nearly as painful as you think.