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| Sunday, 18 April 2004 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Is tail docking in dogs necessary ? Dr. A. Nandakumar, Veterinary Surgeon Tail Docking is a very emotive subject in the dog world. Supporters of tail docking say that there are several reasons why tails should be docked. Most important reasons include avoiding tail damage, maintaining breed standards etc.
Those who oppose say that tail docking is done purely for cosmetic reasons. Whatever the argument may be since majority of dogs are kept as pets and as not working dogs there has been increasing protest from people of all walks of life. Have any Countries banned tail docking? Yes, there are countries, which have banned tail docking for a number of years. Norway was one of the first in 1987, then Sweden and Switzerland since 1988 Cyprus, Greece and Luxembourg have also introduced the ban. Tail docking was banned in Finland since 1996 and Germany since May 1998 (hunting dogs were exempted due to political pressure) In England at last it was adopted in 1993. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has declared that docking of tails, other than for therapeutic or prophylactic reasons was unethical.
In 1996 the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons declared that such docking is capable of amounting to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect and describe such docking as un acceptable mutilation. In Australia the Australian capital Territory has banned tail docking. It is hoped that others states will following this example. Do you think long tailed Boxers, Rotweiller and Spaniels will look stupid ? Certainly Not! Once people get used to seeing dogs with their normal tails, they cannot understand why the tails of these breeds were ever amputated in the first place. If you try and imagine if the reverse happens and breeds such as Labrador retriever or German shepherds were docked. They too would look strange and you would wonder why the procedure was done. Do Vets enjoy amputating puppies tails ? No not at all. Majority of veterinarians do not encourage this procedure. Many veterinarians refuse to amputate tails because it is totally unnecessary and can lead to complications, such as haemorrhage, infection and even death.
Some veterinary Surgeons continue to perform tail amputation reluctantly in order to keep the procedure under professional supervision, please the client and to minimize the suffering caused to the pups. I know many breeders who dock tails reluctantly or else the pups may not sell, as buyers would reject looking for breed characters. What can we do to prevent tail docking ? * Do not buy puppies without tails. * Kennel Associations should make a decision on tail docking & promote the dog shows with tail intact for breeds such as Rotweillers, Boxers, terriers and Spaniels. * Kennel clubs play a huge role in perpetrating the custom and undocked dogs from not entering the ring to participate. * Public demand also could make the process quick by making tailed dogs popular. * Legislation should be brought through legal means to stop tail docking. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is an international Veterinary organization with a commitment to the welfare of animals. WASMA has 55,000 members from 50 countries condemns the tail docking procedure. I hope and pray that more veterinarians will be sensitive to this need and put humane compassion above monetary needs. Animal cruelty in any shape or form cannot be accepted. ########## Know your breeds During the 1930's a military kennel named the Red Star started work on a native breed that would be part of the national security force. The Red Star Kennel worked on selective interbreeding using Rotweiler, Giant Schnauzer, Airedale and Newfoundland mixes. It was important to have a large breed not only reliable but trainable in many different situations. The dog would also have to be able to endure the harsh Russian winters. By 1956 it finally reached the point where the Black Russian Terrier bred true. In 1981 The Russian Ministry of Agriculture recognized the breed and it was internationally accepted by the FCI in 1984. The Black Russian Terrier (BRT) is a robust, large and powerful dog. The dog has large bone and well developed muscles. The breed was developed in Russia and used as guard dogs for protection. They must be balanced, have a good temperament and be reliable. The dogs have great courage and strength. They are capable of endurance. Dogs must have a large frame and heavy bone. Bitches are definitely to appear feminine but never lacking in substance Did you know? The Boxer is a working dog developed in Germany from several other breeds, including the Bulldog and Great Dane. It is called a Boxer because it strikes out with its front paws when it fights. The first AKC registration of a Boxer was in 1904, and the first championship was finished in 1915. So you want to own a Boxer? The Boxer is an alert, self-assured, and fearless dog. The Boxer is a playful and fun-loving dog who is often called the "Peter Pan" of the dog world as they seem to maintain that youthful exuberance. The Boxer's coat is short and only requires a quick weekly brushing. Breed Standard General Appearance The ideal Boxer is a medium-sized, square built dog of good substance with short back, strong limbs, and short, tight-fitting coat. His well developed muscles are clean, hard and appear smooth under taut skin. His movements denote energy. The gait is firm, yet elastic, the stride free and ground-covering, the carriage proud. Developed to serve as guard, working and companion dog, he combines strength and agility with elegance and style. His expression is alert and temperament steadfast and tractable. The chiseled head imparts to the Boxer a unique individual stamp. It must be in correct proportion to the body. The broad, blunt muzzle is the distinctive feature, and great value is placed upon its being of proper form and balance with the skull. In judging the Boxer, first consideration is given to general appearance to which attractive color and arresting style contribute. Next is overall balance with special attention devoted to the head, after which the individual body components are examined for their correct construction, and efficiency of gait is evaluated. Did you know? The Doberman Pinscher was developed in Germany by Louis Dobermann in the 1890's. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America was founded in February 1921. "Always Faithful," a life-size Doberman in bronze, is located in Guam at the war dog cemetery at the U.S. naval base in Orote Point as a permanent monument. So you want to own a Doberman Pinscher? Dobermans are easy to teach and quick to learn. If you do not have time to properly train your Doberman you should consider a different breed. The Doberman Pinscher is an energetic, elegant, fearless, loyal, and obedient dog who will make a devoted companion. Breed Standard General Appearance The appearance is that of a dog of medium size, with a body that is square. Compactly built, muscular and powerful, for great endurance and speed. Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient. |
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