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| Yes | 71% | 408 votes | Total: 573 votes | |
| No | 29% | 165 votes |
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Add to FavoritesEvery four years the Paralympics gifts us with many demonstrations of people overcoming physical disadvantages to achieve atheletic performances beyond the capability of most able-bodied people. But how many Paralympic gold-medalist amputees would not happily exchange their gold medal for their lost limb back? Any at all?
Our dogs' tails are also limbs.
The natural design of the canine tail, as seen on many of our domestic breeds as well as all the wild canine species, is a lengthy, tubular, slowly tapering appendage of muscle, blood vessels and nerves bound in cartilage. It has two main purposes: balance and communication. When the animal runs, particularly at speed, the tail acts as a rudder, providing the balancing to enable the leaping of obstacles and quick changes of direction. In canine communication, the tail is a major component; by its positioning and movement the animal communicates his or her emotions and attitudes in response to others and their current environment and situation.
That we have deprived so many of our domestic breeds through our generational breeding programs of fully functional tails is bad enough. Deliberately cutting the tails short on breeds where breeding hasn't reduced them sufficient to satisfy some ludicrous, aesthetic ideal is simply evil!
And that is all that docking is, the deliberate removal of a portion of the tail because the owner of the dog wishes it done. The surgical removal of a portion of the tail for medical reasons, such as an injury or infection, is not docking, it is a medical amputation. It is the only legitimate reason for deliberately removing any portion of a dog's tail.
In New Zealand, the docking of dog's tails or the cropping of their ears are considered illegal surgical procedures under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 unless done for sound medical reasons. Individual transgressors are liable to up to six months imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of $25,000. Corporate bodies, such as a veterinary practice, can receive fines of up to $125,000 if found guilty of doing so without valid medical justification.
Accidents do happen, both people and dogs can lose limbs, and both are capable of facing and overcoming these disabilities. I have met a number of three-legged dogs that still found great pleasure and joy in life, but that certainly doesn't mean it would be okay to go around "docking" one of our dogs' legs. That would, quite rightly, be considered appallingly cruel; there is no valid reason that the docking of tails should not be considered equally so.
Some dogs develop psychological issues, almost always because of how people raise them. An obsession with their own tails may be symptomatic in some such issues. Docking their tail will no more cure their mental health problem than giving sedatives to a psychotic human cures theirs.
It would be considered a cruel and unusual punishment if we threw off a person's balance by damaging their ear canal and their ability to communicate by removing their tongue, docking a dog's tail has exactly the same effect!
Learn more about this author, Perry McCarney.
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No
Everyone loves animals, and carries a certain compassion for them. We don't like to see harm inflicted on any animal, no matter what the circumstances. You can imagine how the thought of cutting off any part of a dog's body makes you think, "It's nothing but cruel and unusual." But we have all walked down the street and seen a dog that is missing its tail, and sometimes not thought twice about it.
Is this done for a reason?
There are many countries that have outlawed it. The government in one way or another has deemed it cruel. But the risks needed to be weighed against the benefits.
History
Thro ughout history dogs have had their tails docked for many reasons, most of which are beneficial to the dog itself, while there are those who simply dock a dog's tail for cosmetic reasons.
Farm dogs had their tails docked because they would get caught in the gates as they herded animals. Hunting dogs had their tails docked for the reason of getting things caught in the tail, such as foxtails and burrs, when they are fetching the prey, which in turn could cause pain or even infection.
Some breeds are known to have tail deformities, which in the end require the tail to be docked. Rather than waiting until a problem occurs, it is recommended that the tail be docked beforehand. This in turn prevents the dog from becoming ill or causing pain.
Other animals have had their tail docked for reasons of simple cleanliness. Longer haired dogs can sometimes get feces stuck in their tail, making for a gross mess to clean. While it may seem as simple as just cleaning it when it is seen, it might not be noticed and bacteria and disease can begin to grow.
Dog Registries
Some dog registries require that certain breeds of dogs have their tails or ears docked to conform. The American Kennel Society does not have rules regarding whether or not a specific breed needs to have their tail or ears docked in order to receive their papers. But when it comes to conforming in a show, a breed such as the Boxer is penalized if the ears and tails are not docked. This is because it is seen as an acceptable practice and is extremely common to the characteristics of a Boxer. It may not seem right, but for those who participate in these types of events, it is necessary.
Whatever the reason for the docking, there are many benefits to the animal and human counterpart. Whether it is for cleanliness purposes, looks or function; the docking of a dog's tail should not be seen as cruel, unusual or mutilation. For the health and comfort of the dogs, it is a necessary routine alteration that can provide a healthier life.
If you choose to use this practice, weigh the options beforehand so you can ensure that you are making an informed decision that not only looks good, but is a healthier choice for you and your animal.
Learn more about this author, Sarah E. Sanuth.
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