Tail docking of dogs

In this section you can find out more about the British Veterinary Association's position on tail docking of dogs

Background

The docking of dogs' tails has been banned in

England, Wales and Northern Ireland except for certain working dogs or when the procedure is needed for medical purposes under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 or the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 and the relevant docking of working dogs' tails regulations.
Scotland, without any exemption for working dogs, under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

What the BVA has done

The BVA and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) have been campaigning against the non-therapeutic docking of puppies’ tails since the sixties because they believe that it is not in the animal’s best interests.

The BVA has also issued

tail docking guidance (through the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation).
advice on client confidentiality should members be presented with a docked litter or puppy
a BVA policy statement on tail docking

Vets Against Docking

Vets Against Docking (VAD) has been set up to give vets a chance to publicly and individually have their say. They have set up a listing of veterinary surgeons, supporting a complete ban on all non- therapeutic docking of dogs' tails. If you would like to be added to the list please visit the site and register your interest