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jaybee2003
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| Joined: | 31 Dec 1969 |
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| Posts: | 272 |
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Posted: 18 Sep 2007 03:38 am |
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I am ever so pleased to read of a new proposal to ban the docking of dog tails in New Zealand. I will be even more pleased if this proposal is adopted.
From TVOne News page: Bid pitched to end dog tail docking
" The controversial practice of docking dogs' tails will effectively be banned if new proposals from a ministerial committee are adopted.
Currently, removing a dog's tail is an owners right, but under a draft animal welfare code owners will not be able to do it unless its carried out by a vet. However, vets will only perform the removal if there is a medical reason, which effectively bans the practice.
"It will aid animal welfare by stopping the causing of pain, both acute and long term," says Veterinary Association spokesperson Wayne Ricketts.
The Vets' Association says the practice is almost always used for cosmetic reasons, and while breeders agree, they are reluctant to change their practice.
"It is the essence of the breed that they are docked," says Council of Docked Breeds spokesperson Lesley Chalmers.
But docking does not appeal to all owner of breeds that typically have their tails removed.
"You can tell a lot about his personality and his mood by his tail, and it is also a point of difference because there's not many rotties with their tails still attached," says rottweiler owner Tineke Jennings.
Labour MP Dianne Yates introduced a bill seeking a ban on docking a few years ago but the controversy it generated meant that it did not get beyond a parliamentary select committee and was withdrawn last month.
It will be up to Minister of Agriculture Jim Anderton to decide whether to accept or reject the Animal Welfare Committee's final recommendations due at the end of the year. "
A docked Rottweiler...
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jaybee2003
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| Joined: | 31 Dec 1969 |
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| Posts: | 272 |
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Posted: 18 Sep 2007 04:15 am |
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Why are dogs docked? Many people argue hygiene, safety, cosmetic justifications, ability to Show etc - but what the question should be is: Why do dogs have tails in the first place?
Many years ago while chosing my first Rottweiler puppy, I had two litters to select from. One litter was docked, the other litter was to be sold undocked, and with the understanding and promise that the dogs wouldn't be docked.
In deciding that a rottweiler was the breed for me, I had given no thought to whether it had a tail or not. I chose based on short coat (clean indoors), protectiveness (a single female living alone), temperament (loving, bonding, intelligent) and one that suited my lifestyle (active and outdoors).
So, I had to start thinking. Tail or no tail and why?.
The first difference between the two litters was apparent even days after they were born - developmental. The undocked puppies were more stable on their feet. Bouncing around, jumping, nowhere near as clumsy as the docked puppies. Much more agile. Why? Because they had a tail.
Watch a dog running - perhaps a labrador, a german shepherd, a collie....the tail is extended and held level. Watch closely seconds before they put the brakes on to stop - the tail whirls in fast circles - a propeller to slow them down. Watch when they turn, the tail moves to assist a turn. Climbing, running, jumping, changing direction - the tail has a role.
Ask anyone who had had a big toe removed about their experience re-learning to walk, to balance. The dogs tail is just as important. Sure, they adjust, and learn, but why should they need to, when it seems the only reason is because we as dog owners think they look better or it might make life easier for us.
Hygiene arguments are absolute bollocks. My rottie had a huge thick tail, and never once experienced hygiene problems, neither has our labrador who has a similar tail to a rottie. Within the argument of hygiene, if hygiene really was the reason, how is it then dogs with full fluffy tails like pomeranians, that surely carry a higher chance of being 'soiled', are never docked?
A dogs tail will also indicate his temperament and mood. When s/he is happy, the tail is held up straight and wags from side to side. If a dog is unhappy or frightened the tail is down low, often curled between the dog's legs.
For many breeds of dogs - to be able to see and interpret the tail is very important. Surprise susprise, the bulk of the breeds that are traditionally docked are breeds with temperaments or natural instincts such that one needs to be able to read and interpret for ones own safety - boxers, mastiffs, dobermans, rottweilers etc. Not only that, the dog should be able to use his tail to warn you too. The "cosmetic" argument which mostly relates to these breeds to my way of thinking really says I think my dog looks more ferocious/macho without a tail therefore I want the tail off.
Currently Showing and Breeding Standards in the UK and US allow the option - docked or undocked, Standards changed in the last decade - or it may even be longer. I would be so pleased to see NZ making the same changes.
An undocked rottweiler. I think he looks much friendlier than the docked rottie above.
(I am trying to scan photos of my own rottie to share, but my laptop is playing up, so I can't scan them yet. i'll keep trying! Meanwhile, these are pics I found online).
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jaybee2003
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| Joined: | 31 Dec 1969 |
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| Posts: | 272 |
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Posted: 18 Sep 2007 04:37 am |
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A distractor often brought into this argument is that of docking lambs tails, or meusing (Australia), de-horning cattle, docking dairy cattle tails (which I think is barbaric myself!).
Once you have seen a sheep dying a slow and painful death from being eaten alive by maggots, maggots that started from fly eggs under a tail - I am sure most would agree that docking sheep is in their best interests. Same goes for de-horning. And both can be done humanely.
Our little miniature fox terrior has a docked tail. I smile sadly to myself when I see her wagging her little tail stub like crazy when she comes to greet me. How nicer it would be if she had a tail to wag - and to chase. She's so tiny, her tail would have been so small. Why on earth was it removed?
A big tail though can be a hazard in the home. I will never forget the day one very happy labrador wandered over to say hello, wagging his tail madly, sending a full coffee cup off the coffee table, flying over my laptop!. But - that is no reason to think he should have been docked.
Picture this though: A long winters evening, the fire roaring, lazily chatting/watching the TV, turning to the dogs laid out in the warmth..."Are you alright there Korb?..."...one eye opens, looking at me, his tail thumps happily on the floor.....and he goes back to sleep.
It wouldn't be the same if he didn't have a tail.
(Photo: Best Fancy Dress Pet from our local schools Pet Day 2006)
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