Docking (dog)

[2] Tail docking is done in modern times either for prophylactic, therapeutic, cosmetic purposes, and/or to prevent injury.

Robert Wansborough found in a 1996 paper[6] that docking tails puts dogs at a disadvantage in several ways.

[8] Canine pathologist and sports-medicine expert Prof. Chris Zink believes the extra stress imposed on the joints can have long-term health consequences.

The reasoning postulated by Tom Reimchen, UVic Biologist and supervisor of the study, was that dogs who grew up without being able to efficiently transmit social cues would grow up to be more anti-social and thus more aggressive.

[10] Robinson, however, is not a veterinarian or researcher but the owner of American Sentinel K9, which derives income from dogs who have been docked.

Critics point out that kennel clubs with breed standards that do not make allowance for uncropped or undocked dogs put pressure on owners and breeders to continue the practice.

[17] Today, many countries ban cropping and docking because they consider the practices unnecessary, painful, cruel or mutilation.

In Europe, the cropping of ears is prohibited in all countries that have ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals.

Tail docking is also illegal, except for a few working breeds; this exemption applies only when carried out by a registered veterinary surgeon.

"[18] In 1995, a veterinary surgeon was brought before the RCVS disciplinary council for "disgraceful professional conduct" for carrying out cosmetic docking.

The surgeon claimed that the docking was performed to prevent future injuries, and the case was dismissed for lack of evidence otherwise.