News In Focus
8 February 2007
Tail docking ban in force in April
The practice of tail docking of dogs will become illegal with a maximum £5,000 fine and six months in prison from 30 April this year.
The measure was part of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act, passed by the Scottish Parliament last year despite vigorous protests from gamekeepers and other countryside interests who claim that the practice is necessary to avoid injury to working dogs.
Yesterday however Ross Finnie, the Environment and Rual Development Minister, said that after further consultation the ban would come into force, subject to parliamentary confirmation.
The minister claimed that veterinary groups supported the move in the interests of welfare. Tail docking involves the severance of muscles and tendons, and sometimes bones and cartilage.
However, the Scottish Gamekeepers' Association and the Scottish Countryside Alliance argue that tail docking prevents working dogs from injuring their tails in thick undergrowth.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals oppose tail docking, unless the tail is diseased or injured.
When the Act was passed the Executive promised to consider evidence that dogs were being injured as a result of their tails not being docked.