Ban Tail Docking on Dogs in Ireland

A vet is the only person who should remove dewclaws or tail dock a dog. The general public should not be allowed do this.

Tail docking is inhumane, unnecessary and despicable. Please outlaw it NOW.

Behind the times - we're not into 'looks' at the cost of cruelty these days

tail docking is unnecessary and cruel. Dogs have a tail for a reason-leave it alone.

People disfiguring themselves for vanity sake is bad enough, leave the animals out of it.

Please stop this unnecessary cruelty to helpless animals

I can't believe that in 2013 I have to sign a petition to disallow this act of sheer BARBARISM. I'm so angry that it's even being contemplated. ANIMALS FEEL PAIN. What kind of country IS THIS?

Done! Can't believe instead of moving forward, the protection law is moving backward! Poor animals!!

I think any Animal mutilation is a disgrace, this ban l hope will be extended to cats too even though I don't have a cat l do have a dog. The sentences handed out to those who are abusing Animals should be more severe even the daft people who dress up Animals.

We did it in the UK and we can do it here, working at a vets we decided that the owners should be present and also hold the poor little buggers, that made them think, then our practice would only doc for medical reasons, we won in our area but its the kennel club you have to attack. Good luck with that one.

#301: -

The only way round that is for all vets to give a cert for docking reasons and no animals allowed to be shown without one, then of course you have to handle the show people!!!!!

#38: Fintan - Re: Actual text of the Act

Sorry but no, when we stopped docking many of our clients with gun dogs continued to work the dogs and in 19 yrs I never saw or heard of tail damage in our area apart from a great dane who damaged its tail from wagging it to hard and smashing it on the table.

Please put an end to this horrible act and make a difference thank you.

This is a disgrace . It's all cosmetic and has no benefit for the dogs .

Why if Vets can't perform this procedure should members of the public, with no knowledge, be allowed to do it!! Just another ridulous ruling brought about people who seem to know nothing about animal welfare

archaic practice which has been banned in the UK for very good reasons. Why turn the clock back and revert to this cruel practice again? Dogs are BORN with tails for a reason. To remove it removes part of their communication methods and their is no valid reason why having no tail is better for the dog

There is neither reason nor excuse for this practice being legal - What is wrong with the Irish authorities? It is either a neglectful oversight on their part or willing stupididity!

Completely barbaric & unnecessary. When I was a child (1960's) local Vet convinced us to dock our Cocker Spaniel's tail. He mucked it up and cut too high. All I remember as a child was our dog bleeding all over the kitchen floor. Traumatic for both dog and a young child.

Dogs need their tails to communicate and its barbaric to cut them off just because the humans think it nicer.

This is an unacceptable piece of legislation. Veterinary staff are the only ones who should be able to perform this type of surgery (for medical, not cosmetic reasons only)- and they would use anaesthetics and pain relief! If this legislation goes through, it cements Ireland's position on the bottom rung of the animal welfare ladder.

Why allow this outdated and painful procedure to continue?How can it be legal for non -vets to do this procedure but not qualified Vets? It just doesn't make sense and neither does your legislation!

End this barbaric practise now!

This is insane to even consider! Tail docking is animal cruelty

#2: -

This is just unbelievable.  I would not vote for any politician that allows this barbaric practice to continue

bban docking