Originally Posted by Jenny Olley

This is true, for every opinion, someone is bound to have a strong opposing opinion, that is actually the fun and the point of this form (I thought), but maybe I am wrong.

Originally Posted by Nina Cole

Sorry, I thought that I should copy over my remarks from the previous thread. So here goes.

I was both saddened and dismayed to read the poll on tail docking, since it appears that some people still believe that this barbaric practice should remain.

I know that I have been accused of pushing my opinion in the past, but this is NOT opinion, it is fact, now backed up by law.

Banding, is when a ligature is placed over the end of the puppies tail, which comes away after 3 days, or removing with scissors. This procedure is performed without anesthetic since it is too harmful to puppies. Since scientific evidence states that a puppies nervous system is fully developed, it therefore will experience severe pain and distress. In severe cases infection can lead to death.

Pro dockers state that tails would be removed to maintain breed standard or to avoid tail damage. Perhaps a pro docker could explain why Retrievers and Setters (both working dogs), who are bred to hunt throughout all kinds of terrain, are allowed to keep their tails? What of breed standard. Is is right that we should make the decision to dock a tail because we feel it is more pleasing to our eyes!

Tails are a VITAL form of communication. Used to denote moods such as excitement, fear etc. Docking was also associated with numerous heath problems such as incontinence in bitches where muscles that help control urination are weakened.

This is NOT opinion, this is fact, hence it is now illegal. I cannot understand how anyone who purports to love animals can condone this form of cruelty.

Originally Posted by tashi

this is one of the 'nicer' photos of an undocked spaniel after a day in the field
Attachment 3255

The one that I used to groom used to be a damn sight worse that this and ended up dead because of it - is that not cruelty.

Originally Posted by sskmick

I haven't read all the posts but I don't agree with tail docking.

A dog uses its tail for balance.

I have heard arguments in the past regarding working dogs can get their tails caught. Lets take a look at some of the original working breeds: -

Rottweilers Guarding/Security the type of work is similar to the Akita.

Dobermann, Guarding/Security the type of work is similar to the GSD.

Spaniels, Gundogs the type of work is similar to Golden Retrievers.

JRT, ratting/small mammal hunting type of work is similar to Dachshunds.

I love to see a happy waggy tail.

Where is your argument? I've already ducked


Sue

Originally Posted by Jenny Olley

Sue, if you read through the posts and look at the pics, I think you will see where the pro-dockers arguements are coming from. I don't work in the field with gundogs, so I don't think I have a right to an opinion, neither do I own any breeds that would have been docked.

Originally Posted by garryd

thats what i was saying above jenny if your gonna come on and have a strong opinion ,then be prepaired for the same in return! With a strong opinion you cant be to sensitive can ya!

Originally Posted by Jenny Olley

This is true, for every opinion, someone is bound to have a strong opposing opinion, that is actually the fun and the point of this form (I thought), but maybe I am wrong.

Originally Posted by tashi

Firstly retrievers and setters have a different job of work in the field spaniels work by flushing through the undergrowth!!!!

Originally Posted by tashi

The one that I used to groom used to be a damn sight worse that this and ended up dead because of it - is that not cruelty.

Originally Posted by Jenny Olley

Sue, if you read through the posts and look at the pics, I think you will see where the pro-dockers arguements are coming from. I don't work in the field with gundogs, so I don't think I have a right to an opinion, neither do I own any breeds that would have been docked.