Fears over tail docking

Scotland’s leading animal welfare charity has received dozens of reports from members of the public concerned about illegal tail docking of dogs.

Tail docking was banned in Scotland in 2007, although an amendment to the law in 2018 made an exemption for certain working dogs used in the “lawful shooting of animals”.

The Scottish SPCA said calls to its helpline about alleged “mutilations” resulted in 26 leading to investigation by the charity in the last two years, amid concerns unscrupulous breeders are using a loophole to carry out the painful procedures. Breeds include Doberman, spaniel and Staffordshire terrier.