[Prohibition to exhibit docked dogs--problems of execution]

In Germany it is illegal to exhibit dogs when parts of their body are amputated to meet certain distinctions of their race except there has been a medical reason for the operation. Experiences in practice with the inspection of dog exhibitions reveal that this exceptional rule is not effective. Many breeders and owners of dogs, especially of the race "Doberman", try to escape the prohibition to exhibit docked dogs with the help of dubious veterinarian certificates. Therefore it is proposed to eliminate this exception from section 10 of the regulation on the welfare of dogs.