In recent years, the practice of docking tails has been met with mixed reactions. On one hand, some people see it as an outdated and cruel procedure, while others maintain that it is for the benefit of the health and safety of the animal in certain contexts. Docking tails is a practice that has been around for many centuries, dating back to ancient times, and it is still used today.
In this blog post, we will explore the legalities and ramifications of docking tails from dogs. We will discuss the various laws and regulations that govern this practice, as well as the ethical considerations. We will also consider whether docking tails is beneficial for the health and safety of dogs, and how owners can ensure that their dogs are properly cared for if they choose to have their tails docked. Ultimately, it is up to the owner to decide whether docking tails is right for their pet, and we will explore the implications of that decision in this post.
Why Do People Cut Dogs’ Tails?
Most tail docking is done for aesthetic reasons because it is regarded as a “breed standard.” However, there are a number of additional causes for tail docking, such as preventing:
Many breeds have their tails docked when they’re newborns, including:
Many of these are due to a genetic mutation, C189G, which results in a naturally short tail when bred; did you know that there are several breeds in which puppies are born without tails, making them naturally docked breeds? These breeds include:
What Is The Tail Docking Procedure?
When a puppy is just a few days old, its tail is typically docked. Many veterinarians forego anesthesia even though the procedure hurts. Because puppies are still not fully alert, the argument goes, they won’t remember it. However, it’s hard to imagine using this justification for humans. Therefore, doesn’t it seem strange to accept it for animals?
There are two ways to dock a tail. The initial, more typical technique entails cutting the tail with scissors or a scalpel. The breeder or veterinarian must make cuts through the spinal column, nerve endings, and muscle tissue. The second technique involves using a rubber ligature to restrict the blood flow to the tail until it falls off, usually within a few days.
Sutures are not typically used with this procedure by veterinary surgeons, but they might be for larger dogs or if the dog is bleeding excessively.
Tail-docking is a practice that causes many problems for dogs. In fact, many countries have banned tail docking altogether. Here in the U. S. Compared to dogs, horses and cattle have tail docking laws in more states.
Only Maryland and Pennsylvania have restrictions on dog tail docking, but it is still not completely outlawed in those states. The law in Maryland specifies that only veterinarians may dock a dog’s tail under anesthesia and only when necessary. In Pennsylvania, however, it is against the law to dock a dog’s tail if it is more than five days old.
Although dog tail docking is unregulated in the U. S. many veterinarians, including Banfield Pet Hospital locations, decline to carry out the procedure. Additional issues with the practice of docking dogs’ tails are listed below.
Dogs communicate their emotions with others through wagging their tails. Therefore, a dog who has had their tail docked may not be able to express their anger to other dogs, which could result in unneeded additional aggression. Furthermore, a dog with a docked tail might not be able to wag his tail excitedly and have his humans fully comprehend what he’s trying to say.
Dog tail docking (and dog ear cropping) are strongly opposed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) because of the risks involved, which include
Naturally shortened (bobbed) tails are something that dogs are born with. Each dog’s bobbed tail may be different lengths.
When a dog’s tail is docked, all or part of it is removed. Due to the fact that their tails are still “soft” at this age, it is usually done on puppies.
Why is tail docking sometimes necessary?
There are different reasons for tail docking.
On puppies younger than five days old, tail docking may occasionally be done to prevent damage later in life when they are working. Because the puppy’s nervous system is not yet fully developed, anesthesia is not required for this procedure, which is known as prophylactic (protective) tail docking. Once it is placed back with the litter, the puppy will experience only brief discomfort before falling asleep or receiving food from its mother once more. (Read our advice on checking up on a pedigree. ).
In some situations, a dog’s tail may need to be docked because of an injury, a tumor, or another condition. Therapeutic tail docking, which is performed during a general anesthetic, is what it is called.
Tail docking is strictly prohibited in the UK, and puppies older than five days must receive pain medication. Veterinarian Neil McIntosh: “I have seen young puppies have their tails docked, and I have seen the terrible effects of trauma to adult dogs whose tails required amputation under general anesthesia. ”.
A survey in Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology published in 2008 stated: “There was a highly significant association between tail injuries and undocked Springer and Cocker Spaniels. (Full citation and paper here.)
FAQ
Is it cruel to dock a dog’s tail?
Puppy and other species suffering from cosmetic tail docking, especially when performed without anesthesia,
What dog breeds get their tails docked?
Doberman pinschers, rottweilers, different spaniels, Yorkshire terriers, German shorthaired pointers, poodles, schnauzers, viszlas, Irish terriers, airedale terriers, and other breeds of dogs are some that you might see with docked tails.
Is tail docking illegal in US?
Ear cropping illegal. Since 2013, only a veterinarian may perform tail docking on certain working dog breeds. Cropping ears is banned. Docking tails is acceptable as long as a veterinarian does it.
Why do dogs tails get docked?
A: Some breeds may have their tails docked because their non-working members are thought to face risks similar to those of working dogs, but more often than not, it’s done to adhere to a particular breed standard or appearance. According to survey results, it is unnecessary to preventatively dock the tails of pet dogs.