by Linda D. Witouski

Created on: July 24, 2010

Tail docking, done between 3-7 days of age, depending on the breed, is not a cruel practice.  A simple procedure that is best left to professionals, many vets have chosen to discontinue tail docking in their practice simply because it is an "art" and those who choose to not offer it to clients, obviously, aren't experienced in the finer aspects of the heritage of particular breeds of dogs. They are also concerned about legal ramifications particularly if they are inexperienced with the 'art'.  The same can be said for ear cropping. 

It's interesting to note that the general public, as well as vets, are in favor of spaying & neutering but never take into consideration that those procedures are more controversial than simple tail docking. Opponents of docking use terms such as cruelty, disfigurement & mutilation to describe the procedure without considering that those terms actually concern the loss or diminished use of a particular body part.  Unlike castration or a hysterectomy, docked tails do not cause loss of a bodily function, nor is that function diminished.  Dogs are still able to communicate and perform every function normally. 

Tail docking only becomes an amputation when done beyond the 3-7 day old window which responsible & professional dog breeders are well aware of.  Responsible breeders are extremely careful to only dock those tails of healthy puppies and any puppy that is not "fat & sassy", wouldn't be done.  There is a science to docking tails, just as there is a science to professional breeding practices and those professionals have the right to continue to preserve their chosen breeds' heritage without interference from those who feel otherwise.  Granted, there are those unscrupulous breeders who are not concerned with the health & welfare of their animal, however, the deeds of a few shouldn't create a 'one size fits all'. 

In summary, tail docking is far less painful than most are mistakenly led to believe.  Once docked, the puppy goes directly back to nursing as if nothing had happened. Circumcision of male infants, which has no actual health benefits, is far more painful. Should the opportunities arise, I'd suggest that those who feel tail docking is cruel to participate in both procedures. After having seen both first hand, you will undoubtedly have a different view of tail docking.

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