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Scotland begins consultation on tail docking exemption
Springer spaniel
Views are being sought on a possible change to allow vets to dock the tails of working spaniels and hunt point retriever puppies by a up to a third of their length.

Change would allow vets to dock the tails of specific working breeds

A consultation on whether to introduce an exemption to Scotland’s ban on tail docking has begun.

Views are being sought on a possible change to allow vets to dock the tails of working spaniels and hunt point retriever puppies by a up to a third of their length.

Research commissioned by Glasgow University published in April 2014 suggested that docking the tails of some breeds of working dog while they are puppies could decrease their risk of injury as a working adult.

Tail docking is currently completely banned in Scotland. Elsewhere in the UK, there are exemptions to the bans, allowing certain breeds of working dogs to be docked.

Commenting on the consultation, rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead described Scotland as “a nation of dog-lovers with some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world”.

He added: “Protecting dogs from avoidable harm and suffering is the whole reason Scotland banned tail docking in the first place. But since then it has been argued that an exemption for specific breeds could help reduce the risk of injury to working dogs.

“This issue has clearly divided opinion which is why it is only right and proper that the Scottish Government formally consults on such an exemption and how it might work in practice.”

Mr Lochhead continued: “Specifically, we are seeking views about a very tightly-defined exemption for spaniels and hunt point Retrievers as well further potential restrictions such as whether docking should be limited to the top third of the tail, or whether the procedure should only be carried out by specially approved veterinary surgeons.”

The Scottish government urge anyone with an interest in the matter to respond before the consultation closes on 3 May, 2016. For more information: visit https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/animal-welfare/proposal-to-permit-tail-docking. 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.