PETS
From page 39
neglects, infuriates, tortures or
that are customarily docked
Since the removal of the tail of a dog maims or cruelly beats, kicks,
are left with intact tails, they
goads or terrifies any ani-
are not more likely to get tail or puppy results in permanent loss of
mal…. shall, subject to the
injuries than dogs of other
provisions of this Act and any
(ie , damage to) a body part, the
breeds.
procedure of removing a healthy tail is other law, be guilty of an
If a procedure that causes
offence and liable on
considered a form of maiming.
pain has no immediate or
conviction to a fine….” Since
future benefit for the animal
the removal of the tail of a
and may lead to complica-
tail docking of puppies for
unnecessary mutilation of
dog or puppy results in
tions, surely it is unnecessary
cosmetic purposes by
animals for cosmetic,
permanent loss of (ie, damage
and should not be per-
veterinarians. Any veterinarian sporting, entertainment or
to) a body part, the procedure
formed?
who docks a tail, "unless for
convenience purposes -
of removing a healthy tail is
Tail docking is a procedure
justifiable medical reasons”,
including but not limited to
considered a form of maim-
that is carried out because
will be liable for prosecution
tail-docking, ear-cropping,
ing.
people believe that that is
under the Animal Protection
de-barking, de-clawing and
According to the Kennel
how that dog should "look”,
Act (APA) No 71 of 1962.
myotomy (cutting of muscle). Union of South Africa (Kusa),
so it merely satisfies a breed
Veterinarians found guilty
The NSPCA takes the
none of their breed standards
standard or a human notion
under this act will automati-
identical standpoint relating to say that a dog's tail must be
of what that type of dog
cally be investigated for
the various surgical mutila-
cropped, but they rather say
should look like.
unprofessional conduct by the tions of other species.
"tail customarily docked” or
SAVC under the Veterinary & It has long been the opinion
Some owners say that a dog
"tail traditionally docked”.
Para-Veterinary Professions
with a long tail causes
of the NSPCA that tail
Dog owners may show their
Act, 1982.
problems by knocking down
docking (as well as any other
dogs with or without cropped
ornaments in the house