Tail docking
Tail docking is the removal of a dog’s tail in part or whole for cosmetic reasons or to prevent possible injury. While there are exemptions for listed working breeds and crossbreeds of dog, the practice is illegal in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, a dog with a docked tail cannot be shown at events in England and Wales where the public pay admission, unless they are demonstrating working ability.
Ear cropping
Ear cropping is illegal in the UK and an unnecessary, barbaric practice that involves cutting puppies’ ears at a very young age to change their appearance. There is a growing demand for the ‘look’ of cropped ears on dogs in the UK, with some influential figures seemingly promoting, normalising, and glamorising a certain ‘look’, without any concern for a dog’s welfare. Similarly, some of these dogs are imported into the UK from overseas, where ear cropping is not outlawed, which can encourage a market for puppies that have been subjected to this cruel and unnecessary practice.
The law currently permits the importation of dogs who have undergone the procedure in countries where it remains legal.
The Kennel Club has always been against ear cropping and banned dogs with cropped ears from our events over 100 years ago, so we are deeply concerned that this barbaric practice is becoming more widespread. We continue to work to support efforts to reduce the supply and demand for dogs with cropped ears in the UK, educate owners about the health and welfare implications for these dogs, and support restrictions on the importing of dogs with cropped ears.
How you can get involved
- Write to your local MP to raise dog-related welfare issues to the Government
- If you suspect that someone is illegally carrying out ear cropping or tail docking procedures in the UK, we recommend that you contact the relevant Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in your nation to report and discuss your concerns:
RSPCA – England and Wales
SSPCA – Scotland
USPCA – Northern Ireland
Contact The Kennel Club for further information.