Yes

by Ada Anti-Docking Alliance

Created on: July 29, 2010

Docking (amputation) and cropping (cosmetic surgical  tampering) are injuries and it  should never be forgotten that these procedures in themselves are causing an injury to a pup.   “Docking"/amputation done in the first few days can be life threatening and painful see http://anti-dockingalliance.co.uk/page_14.htm   Veterinary (and medical) research informs that a pup's nervous system is fully developed when born,  the nerve pathways appear fully open and it isn't until later that they develop the inhibitory pathways.   Thus, neonates are HYPERsensitive to pain, rather than hyposensitive in comparison to an adult animal.  Neonates have been shown to produce hormonal, physiological and behavioural stress responses in response to pain that are similar to those produced by adults, however they occur at LOWER (more intense) thresholds. When opponents claim a procedure is painless, it is essential for them to prove the point by peer reviewed scientific reference not by opinion.  Opinions provide others with mis-information.  Of course tail injury (particularly in a "docked" breed), is an event likely to be reported by opponents  -  no-one is likely to use their time writing about non-events.  Some breeds carry von Willibrand's disease (a bleeding disorder) which could mean that an entire litter could die as a result of docking.  Infections and gangrene can happen when not done in a sterile environment.  Later in life dogs can suffer from neuromas, constant nerve pain (phantom limb syndrome).  Puppy buyers are often unaware of these harmful effects and the breeders are unlikely to be reporting them!

The idea of breed standards should be to breed to a standard (which includes health and welfare issues) and not to lop off bits of the dog to conform to an image set by some people who influence and finance their national Kennel Clubs through registering their litters.  Not all breeds are docked and therefore points about injury to adult  “working”dogs are irrelevant.   None of the Hound group are docked and they hunt all terrain and only some of the Gundog group are being docked.

As previously stated, docking a tail or cropping ears are in themselves inflicting an injury, an injury which may never occur in a dog's lifespan.   “Working/gundogs” dogs sustain more leg injuries than tail injuries according to a recent Veterinary study and who suggests removing a leg in case of injury.  Broken tails can be mended by skilful attention from a Vet (tongue depressors make good splints).  A very recent Veterinary peer reviewed study shows that 500 dogs would need to be docked to avoid one tail injury and "working" dogs are more likely to be injured at home where possibly they spend time in small kennels/cages or in doors.

The upper surface of the dog tail has scent glands (which some regard as possibly inactive due to evolution).  However, the hair of the tail is often coarser and brownish in colour over the glands and gets sparser with age and secretions take place.  It is possible that a wagging tail is emitting “pheromones”  from these glands to the VERY sensitive noses of other dogs.  Docking in many breeds takes place above these glands and it could be therefore that any scent emissions that would be given off by a dog with a full tail are lacking in the docked tail..  Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1247380/The-tell-tail-clue-happy-dog-wag-left.html#ixzz0eBmlzXZS

From observation of pups it seems that during growth spurts the tail is first  to activate often making the tail look disproportionate.

Why, oh why when the subject of animal welfare is mentioned, it is assumed that it involves "Animal Rights " activists.  It is so often sarcastically thrown into the discussion by those seeking to acquit themselves on welfare issues.  If  a dog itself were given the choice of having its tail cut off or not,  I think it unlikely that it would opt for the procedure!  In the same way that most of their owners would not choose for one of their fingers to be suddenly chopped off!   Breeders should be addressing their tail standards now as a docking ban will surely come.  As more people are competing internationally and in many countries cannot show docked dogs in non-docking countries, it is likely to have a knock on effect

Cropping and docking are mutilation and most are being done on the pretext of prophylaxis whereas they are in fact being done as cosmetic procedures.  Owning an animal does not entitle one to abuse it.  Abusers of animals are also known to be abusers of children and people.  Genuine research bears this out - this is not just hearsay.  

The AKC I would predict  is unlikely to go further than to stipulate that both docked and undocked dogs can be shown.  As most judges are the breeders little therefore would change their perception of what should be in the line up.  It also moves nothing forward for those people wanting to purchase "quality" genetically sound, healthy, undocked dogs as pets or for show.   

Is docking  a dog's tail cruel - in my opinion, definitely YES

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