Warning for dog owners after tail docking case
DOG owners are being warned by the ISPCA to refrain from docking the tails of puppies without the help of a vet following a prosecution for such an offence at Wicklow District Court last week.
Jason Dunne of 38 Ballinalea, Ashford, was ordered to pay a €625 contribution to the ISPCA and €625 in state costs on Tuesday, September 13, after pleading guilty to four offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including causing the tails of puppies and the dew claw to be unlawfully removed, obstructing an authorised officer and failing to assist an authorised officer. If he comes up with the contributions before January 17, then the probation act will be applied as he has no previous.
ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling and Inspector Michael Keane visited the Ashford property in May 2015 after a website tipped them off over the puppies who appeared to have had their tails docked.
The court heard that Chief Inspector Dowling observed an adult female Jack Russell and sixweek-old puppies with docked tails. He then spoke to the owner by phone, who admitted that no veterinary surgeon had been involved in the tail docking process.
When Chief Inspector Dowling advised of his intention to take possession of the puppies, the owner became hostile. The Inspectors left the property, but returned shortly afterwards with Garda assistance.
Speaking after the court case, ISPCA Inspector Dowling said: ‘ the docking of puppies’ tails by laypersons has been an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare Act since March 2014.
‘People have to realise that the removal of tails for aesthetic reasons is no longer acceptable and that those who unlawfully perform or organise this painful procedure are liable to be prosecuted,’ Mr Dowling added.
Members of the public should report animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA by contacting the National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515 or they can also report in confidence any incidents via the online cruelty complaint form available at www.ispca.ie.