Scottish Government tail docking consultation opens

The Scottish Government is asking to hear your views on permitting tail docking for working spaniels and Hunt Point Retrievers, which was subject to a total ban in 2007 without the working dogs exemption that exists elsewhere in the UK. The consultation runs until 3rd May and the Countryside Alliance urges anyone with knowledge of the issue to take part and help the Scottish Government come to an informed conclusion.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has said: 'I think it is right that the government hears the views of all those with an interest on how any proposed exemptions for specific breeds – likely to be spaniels and hunt point retrievers – could work in practice."

Scottish Ministers have stated in the past that if, in future, the ban compromised the overall welfare of working dogs then they would review the ban. For those that breed and keep working dogs it is entirely obvious that welfare has indeed been compromised. A study completed by the University of Glasgow and commissioned by the Scottish Government showed 50% of undocked working dogs experience a tail injury every year. It concludes that docking at a young age would reduce the risk of injury.

As well as this clear detrimental impact on welfare, the consultation also aims to explore further implications of the ban. The Scottish Government seeks to establish the financial impact of tail injuries in terms of vet's bills and the loss of working days, as well as the impact of Scottish shooters and gamekeepers choosing to buy working dogs outside of Scotland. This is a vital issue that needs to be properly addressed so the Scottish Government have all the tools to make the correct decision in terms of welfare for our working dogs, so if you have experience of this issue please follow the link to the consultation here.