Released to press on 20 June 2017
OneKind urges MSPs not to back reintroduction of tail-docking
A leading animal welfare charity is urging MSPs not to vote in favour of reintroducing tail-docking for working dogs in Scotland.
Last week, MSPs in the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform (ECCLR) Committee backed the plans to reintroduce tail-docking by seven votes to three with SNP and Conservative MSPs voting in favour and Green and Scottish Labour MSPs against.
The proposals will now go to a full vote in the chamber tomorrow (Wednesday 21st June).
Libby Anderson, Policy Advisor to OneKind, reacted:
"Reintroducing tail-docking would be a backwards step for animal welfare in Scotland. We urge all MSPs to listen to the Scottish public, to veterinary organisations and to animal welfare charities, all of whom overwhelmingly oppose this proposal. Please vote for animal welfare tomorrow and reject these proposals."
The timing of the vote was only made public on the afternoon of Tuesday 20th June. Libby commented:
"We are surprised and disappointed that the vote has been scheduled with only 24 hours warning. This is a controversial proposal that would result in a weakening of animal welfare law in Scotland. OneKind and the Scottish public would have appreciated a full debate and sufficient time for constituents to make their views known to their elected representatives."
The ban on tail-docking of all dogs in Scotland was first introduced in Scotland in 2007. The proposed amendments to the ban would mean the tails of Spaniel and Hunt Point Retriever puppies can be docked by a maximum of one third in length for puppies that are not more than five days old, when they have sufficient evidence that the dogs will be used for working purposes in the future.
Notes to the editor:
1. OneKind is a Scottish animal protection charity working to end cruelty to Scotland's animals.
2. OneKind's report on the Scottish Government proposal to reintroduce tail-docking.
3. For further information see the following blogs: Five misleading arguments being used to justify weakening Scotland's tail-docking ban, should you be allowed to mutilate your dog for your hobby?
For further information or photographs please contact Sarah Moyes on 0131 661 9734sarah.moyes@onekind.org
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