Thread: Review of the Animal Welfare Act regarding Tail Docking

Originally Posted by kawhia

worse case over here only the working kennels will follow the uk example, and for that to happen we need to get the spaniels onto different registers within the nzkc.

The registry doesn't matter.

If enacted it will be a law that applies regardless of how the dog is registered or even if it isn't registered at all.

The NZKC opposes the ban.

currently the law only allows the docking of nzkc registered dogs............ how long before that is tested in a court of law.

if the law changes to only allow docking on working grounds, much like the uk, then any spaniel with 'CH' in the pedigree needs to be seperated as such.
the uk vets require written proof the dog is going to be worked before docking and provide paperwork for registration of pups, our own nzkc have already started down this route with the new rules for docking.
with the move to accreditted breeding schemes the breed averages for health testing spaniels also means a new registry is needed, as they are not the same breed.

Originally Posted by kawhia

currently the law only allows the docking of nzkc registered dogs.

That is not true.

http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files...of-welfare.pdf

pg 31

i can't open it, but is it current ?

Yes. Published in 2010

The current minimum standard of the code of welfare in regards to tail docking

Minimum Standard No. 17 – Tail Docking
(a) Tails may only be shortened or removed by using a tail band—
(i) in puppies that are less than four days old in which the eyes have not started
to open; and
(ii) by a person who possesses the appropriate knowledge, training and
competency necessary to do so effectively, and who is acting under a
documented quality assurance scheme that assures compliance with this
minimum standard; and
(iii) the remaining length of the tail must be sufficient to avoid compromising
health and welfare when the dog is mature.
(b) Tails that need to be shortened or removed to manage existing injury or disease,
must only be shortened or removed by a veterinarian using appropriate pain relief.

documented quality assurance scheme

that would be the nzkc and the council of docked breeds now that the vets have refused to do it.
read the kennel gazette to see the conditions and new rules for registering docked pups.
rules came into affect jan 1st 2012.

Yes but the accredited dockers can still dock dogs that are not registered with the NZKC

Originally Posted by Tussock

Funny how you never hear anything about circumcising babies.

Or removing dew claws

Originally Posted by RCGSP

Yes but the accredited dockers can still dock dogs that are not registered with the NZKC

but do you think the nzkc would actually endorse it ??
you may find that is no longer the case.
i had to write to them to get put on the list.

Endorse what? It's not up to them

and who do the council of docked breeds answer too ??????

They only oversee the accreditation of dockers, not what dogs are able to be docked. That is determined by the law.

breed standards dictate what breeds are docked, they act within those standards.
if you were to dock a litter of labradors would the spca have a case against you ?

No

You would be hard pressed to find an accredited docker willing to dock lab pups though