Vic: Make tail docking illegal, says RSPCA

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2000
Vic: Make tail docking illegal, says RSPCA

By Ben Packham

MELBOURNE, Dec 18 AAP - The RSPCA today launched a national campaign against tail docking
of dogs, urging breeders and owners not to allow puppies to be mutilated in the name of
fashion.

A hard hitting television advertisement to accompany the campaign will go to air from
today featuring a wagging tail without a dog attached.

RSPCA national president Hugh Wirth said puppies from more than 80 breeds routinely
had their tails cut off as newborn puppies for no good reason.

Tails were essential for dog communication and balance, Dr Wirth said and he called
on state and territory governments to follow the lead of the ACT government which two
weeks ago banned cosmetic tail docking.

"These dogs are mutilated - butchered would be a better term - at three to five days
of age, simply because it's fashionable to do so.

"There is no valid reason whatsoever for removing a dog's tail."

Dr Wirth said docked tails, while not technically part of breed standards, were favoured
by judges at dog shows, and the practice was sanctioned by various kennel clubs.

He said it came as a surprise to many Australians that certain breeds of dog, such
as Dobermans, Cocker Spaniels and Boxers, were even born with a tail, because almost every
puppy within those breeds had theirs cut off.

The practice involved cutting tendons, muscles and nerves, with scissors, a knife or rubber band.

Anaesthetic was rarely used, Dr Wirth said.

"Anyone who has heard the shrieking of a pup as it has its tail chopped off would realise
that the pup is suffering substantial pain," he said.

However, Victorian Canine Association president Graham Tracey said Dr Wirth was "working
on emotion".

He said puppies experienced only brief pain when their tails were docked and the procedure
meant painful tail injuries were avoided later in life.

Mr Tracey said hygiene was also an issue in some dog breeds which were susceptible
to becoming fly-blown.

AAP bp/clr/em

KEYWORD: TAILS

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