[Analysis of veterinary certificates on tail docking in dogs]

Despite the fact that docking of dogs has been banned in Germany for years, many animals are still docked, mainly owing to overcome traditional thinking. This is possible by some exceptions made by the law: the import of dogs that have been docked abroad, and medical indications for docking. In order to substantiate the necessity of such medical indications, the patient material of the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary School Hanover was analysed and compared with a number of veterinary certificates for docked dogs that were to be shown at exhibitions, stating a medical indication. It shows that the latter predominantly cover dogs belonging to breeds that are traditionally docked, the Doberman in the first line. Contrasted with this, dogs from our own patient material showed an even breed distribution, with no Doberman at all within a five year period. Moreover, the fact that certain breeds were predominantly docked by the same veterinarian as well as the medical reasons stated were suspicious. Consequently, doubts should be raised in cases of accumulations of tail amputations in dogs belonging to a traditionally docked breed, when the reasons given are the same in several animals, and when the same veterinarian performs the operation in several dogs belonging to the same breeder. Because of the scientifically proven pain that is caused to the animal both at the time of the procedure and later, as well as the possibility of long lasting chronic health impairment owing to docking, it is necessary to consequently fight this malpractice. In order to prove the stated medical indication in individual cases, either a radiograph or photography must be submitted.