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State
government docking ban in Australia
The
State Government of Western Australia has announced its intention
to legally ban the docking of dogs' tails unless performed by
a registered veterinarian for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens
said the practice of tail amputation, also known as tail docking,
was inhumane and in most instances unnecessary.
"Tail docking has been banned in many countries across
the world for several years," Mr Stephens said. "The
ACT already has a ban on tail docking and I anticipate that
other States will follow suit.
"It can be a cruel and painful process for dogs particularly
if performed by non-veterinarians and without any anaesthetic.
"I acknowledge that the RSPCA and the Australian Veterinary
Association have campaigned against the mutilation of animals
for cosmetic (non-veterinary) purposes and I share their concerns.
"It has also been revealed that tail-docking could lead
to physical complications. There is no valid reason to amputate
the tails of puppies, particularly when tails are an important
canine communication tool.
"The Government is committed to promoting responsible animal
care and ensuring that legislation reflects the highest possible
standards in the treatment and well being of animals.
“There will be instances where for therapeutic or prophylactic
reasons and individual dog's tail will need to be docked and
an example might be where a dog's tail has been injured beyond
repair," he said.
The Western Australian Veterinary Surgeons Board will be working
to determine circumstances by which tail docking could occur
under the new regulations.
"Tail docking for cosmetic purposes is no longer a practice
which is supported by the wider community and this Government
is prepared to lead and make the hard decisions," Mr Stephens
said.
The Minister called on all dog clubs and associations in the
state to support this move.
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