Scottish Farmer Slams ‘Ridiculous’ Tail Docking Conviction

A dog owner has been given a £500 fine for illegally docking the tails of five puppies in his care in one of the first prosecutions of its kind in Scotland.

William Fotheringham, a farmer 37, was prosecuted after her he arranged for the tails to be removed a litter of Jack Russell Terrier puppies.

The SSPCA (Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) reported the incident and were pleased at Fotheringham’s conviction.

Procurator fiscal Helen Nisbet said: “The SSPCA received an anonymous report regarding the fact that animals were being advertised for sale so they visited the farm.

“They saw the puppies and found these had been docked in contravention of the legislation.”

Fotheringham did not deny the procedure to dock the tails had been carried out, telling magistrates that he had someone visit his home to dock the tails.

Sheriff Richard McFarlane said: “It is a practice which has gone on for a good while and the legislation has revisited the whole question.”

Fotheringham himself said:

“I did not do it for cosmetic reasons. It is done for welfare reasons.

“I use the dogs for ratting and foxes and if they are running about the tail is the first thing a rat or fox will take hold of.

“If I had known it was against the law I would not have done it. It seems pretty ridiculous. I was very surprised to be prosecuted.”

A spokesperson for the SSPCA described the fine as “appropriate” adding:

“Docking tails has nothing to do with welfare.

“In Georgian times a tax was introduced on working dogs with tails, and that is when docking started.

“Tails are very important for dogs as they use them to communicate with each other. We are glad to see it being highlighted with cases like this coming to court.”

Useful Links:

Tail Docking Debate Rages On
Kennel Club Appeal To MPs Over Tail Docking Ban
Crufts the KC and tail docking – Dog Chat

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Tags:  Animal Cruelty, Animal Welfare