March 2015 Coleraine The first prosecution has taken place in Northern Ireland for tail docking.
Edith Burton, 36, of Coleraine was on Friday ordered to do 160 hours of community service and pay £216 in costs
following her conviction. She was also banned from owning, keeping, or participating in keeping of certain dog breeds,
including Jack Russell Terrier types, and Springers or Boxers. She pleaded guilty on March 6 to causing unnecessary
suffering to Boxer puppies in August 2013, and to docking the tails of a previous litter of Boxer-type
puppies in June 2013. Sentencing was put off until Friday while the court awaited a pre-sentence report.
Judge McNally had she pleaded not guilty and then been found guilty by the court she would have been handed
a jail sentence of at least two months. She was prosecuted under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011
following investigation by Animal Welfare Officers. Coleraine Borough Council said that anyone with concerns
about tail docking should contact their Local Authority’s Welfare Service.

31/10/2014 - A trial date has been set for a restaurateur Ediz Hastulc of Cyprus Restaurant next to Fairways Golf Range,
Chingford, accused of causing unnecessary suffering to his pet dogs.  He failed to appear at Thames
Magistrates Court on October 20.  He faces one count of failing to prevent the causing of unnecessary
suffering to an animal after his two Rottweiler dogs were injured through the illegal practice known as 'docking'. He denied
tying a band around the tails of the dogs in April.  The RSPCA said that, one of the dogs had lost its tail and
the other was about to lose its tail. Both dogs are now in foster care pending the outcome of the case. Anyone
found guilty of unlawful docking could face up to six months in jail and a fine of £20,000. Hastulc has been released
on unconditional bail to re-appear at Thames Magistrates Court for trial on January 5.

4/14 - Scotland. Gamekeepers' petition to Scottish Government to amend the ban on tail docking for working dogs.
Glasgow University research study has shown that to prevent one tail injury between 81 and 135 Pointer, Spaniel and
Hunt Point Retriever puppies would need to be docked. 4000 Gamekeepers and supporters have signed petition to end docking
ban on working dogs.

10/8/2012 Dog dumped in Northfleet with crudely amputated tail
h ttp://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/news/2012/august/9/dog_tail.aspx

8/7/11 Scotland - Man cut off dog's tail (Rottweiler) Ian Turner, from Lanarkshire, has been banned from keeping animals
for five years. At Lanark Sheriff Court, Turner admitted between a date unknown and September 2 last year he failed to provide
veterinary treatment to his Rottweiler dog Tyson after the partial removal of his tail. The 27-year-old, from Carnwath near Lanark,
was also sentenced to 180 hours of community service. Turner had allowed someone to dock his dog's tail by trapping it in a door.
It caused the dog a great deal of pain and suffering with an open wound that did not receive veterinary treatment

† Clare Cozens LLB, 2010. It is with such great sadness that I am reporting the very sudden death of one of our
most supportive members who gave so freely and so much of her time to help with ADA's submission during the
passage of the Animal Welfare Bill through Parliament. Clare will be remembered by so many people for whom she
very willingly and generously gave time and expertise to help. She had a multitude of diverse interests in her life
which made it all the more incredible that she managed to find the time to fit so much in.
This was a culinary example of just one of Clare's many other talents. A valuable life taken all too soon.

Our sincere condolences have been sent to her husband and family at this extremely sad time.

JUNE 2010 Study helps clarify tail injuries in dogs Royal Veterinary College Press release issued 25 June 2010
Tail docking is a very emotive subject the world over. A new study will explain the scientific understanding of tail injuries
and tail docking in dogs.
The paper by the Royal Veterinary College ( RVC ) and the University of Bristol seeks to quantify the risk of tail injury, to evaluate
the extent to which docking reduces this risk and to identify other major risk factors of tail injury in a large sample of dogs attending
veterinary practices in Great Britain.
Under recent animal welfare legislation tail docking for dogs has been banned outright for non- therapeutic reasons in England, Scotland
and Wales, although in England and Wales exemptions are allowed for working dogs.
Dr David Brodbelt, Lecturer in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC, explained:
“The practice has always generated strong opinions for and against, many of which are without scientific foundation.”
Key findings from the report include:
Tail injuries requiring veterinary treatment were rare (prevalence of tail injuries was 0.23 per cent, one in 435 dogs).
English Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Greyhounds, Lurchers and Whippets were at significantly higher risk when
compared with Labradors and other Retrievers.
The study, also found that, as expected, dogs with docked tails are significantly less likely to receive an injury.
Essentially, approximately 500 dogs (unadjusted for breed) would need to be docked in order to prevent one tail injury.
Professor Sheila Crispin, co-investigator, from the University of Bristol's Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, commented:
“While it is obvious that injury to the tail is impossible if the tail has been removed, the dog may have also lost an important means
of balance and communication.”
The paper, which appears in the 26 June issue of Veterinary Record, is the latest example of effective collaboration between the
RVC's Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Group and the University of Bristol's Department of Clinical Veterinary Science.
It was funded by the Welsh Assembly with some support from the Scottish Government and Defra.

11/1/2010 COUPLE BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS FOR 3 YEARS after pleading guilty to docking
the tail of their four-month-old rottweiler puppy http://www.expressandstar.com/2010/02/11/pair-fined-over-dog-tail-docking-ordeal/ .
Fined £280 each £250 each for boarding costs £150 each legal costs and £15 each victim surcharge

FEB 09 Dog breeder loses appeal over Puppy Tail Docking - http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/4127314.
Dog_breeder_loses_appeal_over_puppies__tail_docking/ Sims was reported as having bred Boxers and Rottweilers
for two years and sold puppies for £450 each. He said: “I spoke to other breeders who said they were still docking tails.
He lost his appeal against conviction on five charges of causing unnecessary suffering but was cleared of failing to keep the
dogs in an appropriate environment. He was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £5,000 towards
the RSPCA's costs. Recorder John Hardy QC said: “This court accepts that you are an animal lover who took on too much
with too many dogs at one time. “You were not cruel or sadistic towards the dogs and these offences were as a result of
failing to take action. “The legislation regarding docking is to prevent unnecessary suffering. By definition unnecessary
suffering is caused if docking is performed illegally. “We accept Mr Sims evidence that he was unaware of the full rigour
of the law and that he believed he was not causing unnecessary suffering. “The RSPCA acted entirely correctly and
responsibly in taking the action that they did.” Afterwards his wife was reported to have said she was happy it was
all over and she didn't hold what happened against the RSPCA.

Extracts of Public Petitions Committee minutes from Tuesday:

PE1230 Petition by Dr Colin Shedden, on behalf of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the Scottish Countryside
Alliance, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association and the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association, calling on the
Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to amend the Prohibited Procedures on Protected Animals (Exemptions)
(Scotland) Regulations 2007 to allow prophylactic tail docking of working dogs under tightly specified circumstances.

The Committee agreed to link consideration of this petition with current petition PE1196 on the same issue. …….

PE1196 Petition by Michael Brander calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to amend the Animal Health
and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 as a matter of urgency to allow for the tails of working dogs to be docked.
PE1230 Petition by Dr Colin Shedden, on behalf of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the Scottish Countryside
Alliance, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association and the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association, calling on the Scottish
Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to amend the Prohibited Procedures on Protected Animals (Exemptions) (Scotland)
Regulations 2007 to allow prophylactic tail docking of working dogs under tightly specified circumstances.

The Committee agreed to suspend further consideration of both petitions until the study by University of Bristol and the
Royal Veterinary College to document the risks of tail injuries in dogs in the UK, evaluate whether docking of tails
reduces the risk of tail injury and identify other major risk factors for tail injury has concluded and reported. The Scottish
Government will then submit a further response on any bearing this study will have on its policy in this area and whether
it will take the action requested by the petitioner.

Docking the tail in the first place is an injury to the dog.

9th DECEMBER 2008 Tail-docking shame of street dog-breeder Publication: Western Daily Press
http://www.allbusiness.com/legal/trial-procedure-magistrates/12880545-1.html
Dold (63) of Seeley Crescent, Street, Somerset, an experienced dog breeder, docked - by banding - two litters of Dobermanns
which subsequently led to pups requring Veterinary treatment. All dogs were removed into the care of the RSPCA but later three older dogs
were returned. Dold was given 75 days of community service and ordered to pay £2,000 towards prosecution costs. The younger puppies
and their mother were passed into the permanent care of the RSPCA. At a previous hearing, Dold was ordered to pay £8,500 towards
the RSPCA's costs of kennelling the pups.

11th SEPTEMBER 2008 - a docked Cocker Spaniel puppy was presented in a Veterinary clinic. He was purchased
in Dunstable from a Mr Whelan, a "licensed breeder" who registers with the Kennel Club. The dog's owner said
they didn't want a docked dog, didn't realise he had been docked and was under the impression that the Cocker
had been born in Dunstable. The legislation in Ireland still allows docking and it is said thatthe dog had been born
there and transported for sale to England . He may even have been born on a puppy farm. Mr Whelan is of the
opinion that all working dogs should be docked even if going to pet homes. He has many breeding bitches of
different breeds . Mr Whelan has claimed to be an "accredited" breeder - as it is a generic term he can use it
without recourse from the UK Kennel Club on whose list he is not accredited.

August 2008 - If you have a Four Paws pimple ball with a hole through it, DO NOT ALLOW your dog to play with it
as they are exceedingly dangerous and are being recalled by the distributors. The balls should have two holes in them
so that a dog's tongue cannot get sucked in and stuck but some have been faulty with only one hole.

August 2008 - If you have a moment you might like to do this if you have access to the coast from where you live:-
In Parliament, Ian Cawsey MP has tabled an EDM (Early Day Motion) which calls for a Marine Bill to allow
dogs and their owners greater access to the coastline.  Please write to your MP and ask then to sign EDM 1627
The KC has issued it submission on the draft Marine Bill to EFRA Selcect Committee which is currently considering it. 
Since dogs bring about health benefits, reduce our carbon footprint (as long as you are not forced to drive them to a
good and safe walking environment!)and must be exercised to stay healthy, the Marine Bill should increase coastal
access for dog walkers amongst other land users
(but on a lead for safety near cliff edges!!)
"Write to your MP" is a site on the web from which you could do this. Just put in your post code and it should come up
with the correct person

11th July 2008 - HEARTWORM (parasite) has been confirmed in Scotland in a Weimaraner that has not
been out of Glasgow. Symptoms: Coughing, breathing difficulties and unexplained bleeding problems should be treated immediately
as the disease is progressive and fatal.if not treated

A.D.A. needs you to act on any puppy advertisement you see which advertises docked puppies.  Please read below
first and also send a copy to A.D.A. of  any complaint you make to a Local Authority so we can assess the number of
instances where the law appears to be being flouted.
If anyone can give me the contact point of their Local Authority I would be grateful as am endeavouring to build up
index at this link
Local Authorities

Regulations for tail docking were debated in both England and Wales as a part of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and
these Regulations came into force on 28th March in Wales and 6th April in England.  Under the Regulations,
in England and Wales:

• The cosmetic docking of dogs is banned .  Therapeutic docking (treatment of illness/injury etc.) is permitted on all dogs
• There is an exemption for 'working dogs' as defined by the English and Welsh regulations to include those used by the police,
  armed forces, search and rescue, and working gun dogs and dogs used for pest control purposes . The breeds covered
  by this exemption can be found below for England and Wales.
• Only a vet can dock an exempted puppy's tail, he must see the dam of the puppy and he must carry out the procedure before the
  puppy is five days old (although the vet's decision to dock is entirely discretionary).
• If the vet decides to dock the puppy he must certify that he has seen specific written evidence that the dog is "genuinely
  likely to work" in one of the permitted areas and the puppy has to be microchipped.
• The owner must also make a declaration that the dog is likely to work (a false declaration is an offence).
• Dogs born after April 2007 A person commits an offence if he shows a dog at an event to which members of the public
  are admitted on payment of a fee (England and Wales),
• The owner of the dog should have in their possession the legal docking certificate.
  NB 8) A person commits an offence if—
  (a) he owns a subsection (3) dog , and
  (b) fails to take reasonable steps to secure that , before the dog is 3 months old, it is identified as a subsection (3) dog
  in accordance with regulations made by the appropriate national authority .
  Explanatory note:-
  31. Subsection (8) requires a person who owns a dog which was legitimately docked by a Vet to ensure that the dog
  is identified as having been legally docked. The owner will commit an offence if he does not take reasonable steps to
  ensure that his docked dog is so identified
  Subsection (13)(b) allows the appropriate national authority to make regulations about the method of identification
  required, e.g. micro-chipping .
  
  Anyone seeing an advertisement which does not meet the above criteria should immediately report it with as much evidence
  as possible to the Local Authority in which the breeder lives (search the web for Local Authorities and then
  go to Animal welfare on these sites. They can also be reported to the RSPCA 
  RSPCA cruelty and advice line tel. 0870 55 55 999. or use this link
  http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RSPCA/RSPCARedirect&pg=MyRSPCA
  This link can help trace telephone numbers in adverts:-
  http://www.ukphoneinfo.com/cgi-bin-Phones/nng?GNG=01299266532&Submit=Submit
  
  The Local Authority, the RSPCA and any private individual can bring a case to Court.  If a case is proven expenses can be
  re-claimed.
  REGULATIONS:-
  ENGLAND -  The  regulations for truly WORKING dog exemptions as from 6th April 2007
  (although some may be found not to be suitable for work later) are
      TERRIERS and their crossbreeds
      SPANIELS and their crossbreeds 
      H(unt)P(oint)R(etriever)s . 
  This does not apply to dogs bred as pets .
  There seems to be a consensus that these regulations must be reviewed between 2 and 5 years.
  also see these relevant DEFRA links:-
  http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/20071120.htm
  http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/act/index.htm
  http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/act/docking.htm

WALES -   The list of truly working dog breeds exempted and as amended in the Welsh Plenary as from 28th March 2007
(although some may be found not to be suitable for work later) is now as follows:
     SPANIELS: of only the following breeds will be eligible  English Springer Spaniel;  Welsh Springer Spaniel; Cocker
Spaniel, but not combinations of breeds and 
    TERRIERS of only the following breeds will be eligible Jack Russell Terrier, Cairn Terrier  (normally undocked!)
           Lakeland  Terrier, Norfolk Terrier - but not combinations of breeds.
    HUNT POINT RETRIEVE breeds remain as originally drafted. Bracco Italiano; Brittany;
German Long-haired  Pointer; German Wire-haired Pointer; Hungarian Vizsla; Hungarian Wire-Haried Vizsla;
Italian Spinone; Spanish Water Dog; Weimaraner; Korthals Griffon; Slovakian Rough-Haired Pointer;
Large Munsterlander; Small Munsterlander.
This does not apply to dogs bred as pets.
Also see this link:-
http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/ahw/animal_welfare/Companiondomesticanimalwelfare/
taildockingregulations/?lang=en

Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare needs, may be banned from owning animals,
fined up to £20,000 and/or sent to prison.
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/draft/20075778.htm

SCOTLAND - The Animal Welfare Act bans certain "mutilations" which includes dog tail docking except
for therapeutic reasons as from 30th April, 2007. 
Scottish Executive:- 'If dogs are to be taken from Scotland for the purpose of having the tails of their
puppies docked, to be then brought back to Scotland for sale, it is likely that the courts would consider
this to be a journey in connection with an economic activity. As a consequence the provision of Council
Regulation (EC) no 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport would apply. The significance
of this Regulation is that the animals must be "fit to travel" and Chapter 1 of Annex 1 of the Regulation
states that pregnant female for whom 90% or more of the expected gestation period has already passed and
females who have given birth in the previous week are not considered fit for transport. Thus if a dog were to
be taken from Scotland to give birth, she would need to make the journey at least 6 days before the expected
date of the birth and could not be transported back for 7 days following the birth.'END
A review of the legislation may be done later.  We approve of this legislation.    Scotland has not banned the showing
of docked dogs.  
The penalty for docking a dog's tail will be a fine of up to£5,000 and/or six months imprisonment. see this link for
the complete Act:-
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/acts2006/20060011.htm

N. IRELAND - Still ongoing consultation as at June 2007 but law currently remains as it was pre 2006 i.e only
Veterinary Surgeons can dock. .

KENNEL CLUB ADVICE ON DOCKING AS FROM 14/3/07 - http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk:80/item/999
11/07 The Kennel Clubs have said that they will not take part in 'e nforcing the legislation which bans dogs from
certain shows considering that this is a matter for the appropriate authorities .  As a result of the regulation change,
owners of legally docked dogs, docked on or after 6th April 2007 who wish to exhibit at Kennel Club licensed shows
are required to apply for permission to show their dogs.  It should be noted that such dogs are only eligible to be
exhibited in England and Wales at shows which do not charge the public for admission but may be exhibited at all
licensed shows in Scotland and Northern Ireland . '

16/2/07  DOCKING REGULATION exemptions FOR ENGLAND (draft) http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/draft/20075778.htm

Wales's ban comes into force 31st March 2007; England's docking ban comes into force on 6th April; Scotland on 30th April 2007.  

The English Regulations we were led to believe were to go through a "Consultation" process. What a waste of everyone's time!  Where, when
and how?! This is certainly not evident as the draft regulations appear to be unchanged from their original format.   The regulations are
weak and practically unenforceable being mainly left to Local Authorities who can opt out and who will have no extra funding. 
Private prosecutions can be made at the expense of the individual (refundable we are told if case is won!)  Ethical Vets will have the
uneviable task of having to deal with clients trying to bluff them into docking a litter(s).  
From recent discussion it is obvious that there are breeders in Gundogs who will go to any lengths to get litters docked.

No good reasons have been given for still incorporating crossbreeds to the already large list of exemptions and  no central register is to
be kept in order for a paper trail audit.  No DNA testing to be done and there will be weeks apart from the docking procedure and microchipping. 
Evidence as to the dog's likelihood to work can be presented to a Vet from just about anybody. Dogs that weren't docked can now be docked.   
This part of the Act is a total  whitewash and failure to deal with animal welfare which the government likes to proudly boast it does.  We hope
that the Statutory Instruments'
Committee will see just how wrong and difficult these regulations will be to enforce and will send them back for unbiased revisions.  How can
we be sure that those involved with these regulations did not have a vested interest themselves? 
Scotland much to its credit, has got it RIGHT with a total ban with scientific review.   WELL DONE SCOTLAND.

At last the RCVS has acted but the case (RCVS complaints procedure) had to be brought by the breeder herself who apparently claimed that
a puppy died as a result and others got infected stumps.

Since this is the first docking disciplinary action case since 1995 when Marshall Dale was found not guilty on the evidence provided (defence
costs provided by CDB funds in excess of £25,000)  perhaps now they will investigate some of the other Vets who are making a good income
from CDB docking referrals.  However until the RCVS change the complaints procedure which only permits the aggrieved client to lodge a
complaint they are unlikely to be seen proceeding against those Vets on the CDB list.

We are hopeful they will consider changing this when the Veterinary Surgeons' Act comes under review.

AUSTRALIA - 4/3/05 Liza Bacchiella of Forrest Beach, Queensland was fined $1000 for docking the tails of 5 Rottweiler puppies between May
and June 2004. A New South Wales man was jailed for 6 months for tail docking but the circumstances were more severe. Vet Dr. Anita Kocsis said
docking was an unethical and cruel practice of cutting the end of the puppy's spine with no anaesthetics; it is like having a finger chopped off.
It is painful to the puppies as they become distressed and whimper
. http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,12447817%255E14787,00.html

If you think you have found a puppy farm, get as much information as you such as name of owner, the address, tel numbers etc. If you see local adverts linked to
them, note how many breeds they offer.  Vans coming and going from the premises on a regular basis should have a note of their registration number and time of day seen. 
All details can be given to the Local Authority (keep copies), RSPCA and WAG= Ken McKie Tel 01357 529402 http://www.wag-ayrshire.org.uk/  The Local
Authority will be able to tell you if the establishment is licensed.  Ask them when the farm was last inspected and what were the finding and whether there have
been previous complaints.  Push you Local Authority as this is the only way action will be taken and make them more likely to enforce the law. If it has
been your misfortune to have bought a puppy and the puppy is ill or has died contact your local Trading Standards' Office. They should help you get
your money back but there is one drawback if your puppy is still alive and they give a refund you will have to give the puppy back .  Do not get involved with
the puppy farmer directly as they may go to any lengths to protect their lucrative business.  Don't remove pups or trespass as unfortunately the law will
then regard you as the one contravening the law!

3/03 HOUSE OF LORDS BILL 3^RD PARTY LIABILITY.  Owners are now liable for injuries to 3^rd parties caused by their dogs.    IMPORTANT .  Have you got 3^rd
Party Liability Insurance?  Did you know that in March  2003  dog owners are liable for any damage caused by their pets regardless of whether they had been negligent
or not.  Check your policy out and if you haven’t got one then consider whether you can run the risk of your extremely well-behaved dog tripping someone up on the
flexi-lead… Lifting his leg on someone’s trousers … getting out through the fence into the road and causing an accident …..