Tail Docking Ban Comes Into Effect

The New Year has seen the introduction of a law banning the cosmetic docking of dogs’ tails in Northern Ireland.

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill announced last year that the legislation would come into effect on 1 January 2013.

She described docking as a "hideous practice".

Tail docking is sometimes carried out by pedigree dog breeders, who cut the animals’ tails when they are young for aesthetic reasons.

The law has allowed for exceptions in the cases of some working dogs and where an animal’s life may be in danger. It also makes it illegal for dogs to be taken to another jurisdiction for tail docking.

Working dogs such a spaniels, terriers, pointers, retrievers and dogs used by the armed services are exempt, but only under the condition they are docked by a vet and within five days of birth.

Any person buying a dog with a docked tail in Northern Ireland will require a certificate stating the reason for the docking.

The offence can now carry a maximum of two years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

The move follows a ban on tail docking in England, Wales and Scotland which was introduced in 2006.

(IT/GK)