England & Wales
In England, a ban on docking came into force on 6th April 2007, with exemptions for listed working breeds (Spaniels, Terriers, HPR) AND their crosses.

In Wales, a ban on docking came into force on 28th March 2007, with exemptions for listed working breeds (Spaniels, Terriers, HPR) but NOT crosses.

Any dog - originating either inside or outside of England or Wales – docked for medical reasons after these dates is not permitted to be shown at events where the public pays an entrance fee.

If your dog is considered as a working breed, you will need to consider the following in order to have its tail docked:

• Puppies must be docked within five days of birth by a vet. If the puppies are to be re-homed, they must also be microchipped by the same vet.
• You will need to produce evidence to prove that your dog is likely to become a working dog. This will either be in the form of a shotgun licence or letter from land occupier or gamekeeper.
• The vet will need to download a certificate of docking from the DEFRA website. Although exempted breeds can be docked by law, some vets choose not carry out the procedure. 

Scotland
A total ban on docking came into force on 30th April 2007, with NO exemptions. It is illegal to take a puppy outside of Scotland to get its tail docked. However, if a dog’s tail has been amputated for medical reasons, the dog can continue to be shown. This applies to dogs originating both inside and outside of Scotland.

Northern Ireland
The Welfare of Animals Act 2011 introduced a ban on the docking of dogs tails, with an exemption for certified working dogs. Contact the Kennel Club for more information.

The Kennel Club’s Position
The Kennel Club believes that there should be consistency in docking legislation across the UK. Different regulations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland cause confusion and put breeders/owners at risk of unknowingly breaking the law. The Kennel Club:

• Opposes a total ban on docking.
• Supports exemptions for working breeds and working breed types. The Kennel Club is currently lobbying the Scottish Parliament to introduce this amendment to their docking legislation.
• Opposes the showing ban in England and Wales, as this unfairly penalises responsible working dog breeders and owners who have had their dog’s tail docked for genuine/medical reasons.

Useful links
List of traditionally docked breeds
Q&A for competitors
Q&A for breeders
Q&A for judges and show organisers

Date page created:

Categories:

Field Trials, Gundog Group, Judging, KC Dog and Dog Law, Working Group, Working Trials 

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