Tail Docking

[missshell]

I've just been reading the local paper and theres an advert for springer spaniels. It says they are docked. is this not illegal now?

[FestiveSpirit]

It is perfectly legal to dock dogs which are going to be working animals. In practical terms if the breeder has a shotgun licence then all the puppies can be legally docked - he/she just has to declare that they will all go to working homes.

Whether they do or not is another matter

[competitiondiva]

Not necessarily, under the AWA it makes allowances for puppies that are to be working dogs to be docked under the age of 5 days old. Working dogs include hunt, point, retrieve dogs hence inculding the springer. If it was done legally then a vet would have had to sign certificates for each puppy, that the owner/breeder had shown sufficient evidence (letter from game keeper etc) that they were to be working dogs. The owner then has up to 3 months to gain evidence of assessing/training the puppies to work. The puppies also have to be microchipped to identify them.

Docked puppies/dogs born since april 07 are not allowed to be shown at any show where the public pay entry except where they are doing working demonstrations. (cannot be show dogs)

And it is illegal for anyone other than a vet to dock the tails.

Hope that is clear enough!!!!

[merlinsquest]

[ QUOTE ]
Docked puppies/dogs born since april 07 are not allowed to be shown at any show where the public pay entry except where they are doing working demonstrations. (cannot be show dogs)

[/ QUOTE ]

This is the case, but the way they get round it for show dogs is that they have to do a simple retrieve and they then get on with the showing part of the class!!!

Clever

[kirstyhen]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Docked puppies/dogs born since april 07 are not allowed to be shown at any show where the public pay entry except where they are doing working demonstrations. (cannot be show dogs)

[/ QUOTE ]

This is the case, but the way they get round it for show dogs is that they have to do a simple retrieve and they then get on with the showing part of the class!!!

Clever

[/ QUOTE ]

Isn't that only in the Gamekeeper Ring at Crufts though?

TBH most docked gundog breeds crossover into the working side too, it is only really Spaniels that have a different working and showing type.

[missshell]

QR


Hmmm ok the ad says nothing about them being working dogs.

[Horseyscot]

As Splotchy said, although not legal at all in Scotland now (bl**dy ridiculous law if you ask me ) .

[FestiveSpirit]

As someone who is not anti-docking, couldnt agree more HorseyScot

[kirstyhen]

[ QUOTE ]
QR


Hmmm ok the ad says nothing about them being working dogs.

[/ QUOTE ]

But you would dock them so as not to exclude the people who want working dogs.

After Otto I would never have another Springer with a long tail, whether I planned to work it or not.

[competitiondiva]

Only way to really know if it was done legally is to find out if the puppies are out of working parents whether the puppies were docked by a vet, and ask if they are microchipped. If the answer is yes to all then legal, if not then could be dubious in which case trading standards may be interested!