Is tail docking necessary? For centuries, pet owners have resorted to a practice known as tail docking.
This involves cutting off part or all of a dog’s tail and has been used for reasons such as preventing injury, maintaining cleanliness and aesthetics.
But is this really necessary?
Tail docking is an incredibly contentious issue among many dog owners.
While some people view it as an acceptable form of animal management and think that it serves a functional purpose, others are opposed to the practice based on moral grounds – they feel that cutting off pieces of an animal’s body is wrong.
Looking deeper into the debate around tail docking reveals potential benefits and dangers associated with the practice.
In this article, we’ll examine whether or not it is necessary in modern society and discuss how relevant individuals can make an informed decision.
Is Tail Docking Necessary to Do?
Tail docking is a surgical procedure that removes the tail of an animal, often for cosmetic reasons.
But is it necessary? Most people feel strongly about this issue, but there are pros and cons to consider.
If you’re contemplating having your pet’s tail docked, here is all the information you need to help you decide whether it is necessary or not.
What Is Tail Docking?
Tail docking is a controversial procedure in which all or part of an animal’s tail (usually dogs) is surgically removed.
This practice has been around for centuries, initially used to prevent or reduce injuries caused by other pets, wildlife, viruses and parasites.
Nowadays, it’s primarily seen as a cosmetic surgery with many dog owners opting to have their pet’s tail amputated due to societal preference or pressure from breed standards which stipulate certain tail lengths on certain breeds.
Pros of Tail Docking
The primary argument in favour of tail docking is that keeping the tail short can help avoid ailments throughout the animal’s life such as chronic pain, unnecessary exposure to parasites and potential trauma caused by another animal’s bites when growing up.
Additionally, some believe that docking helps maintain a tidy look if trimmed regularly and avoids dirt getting caught in between the fur and exposing it grooming sessions – essentially making life easier for both owner and pet alike.
Cons of Tail Docking
On the flipside however, medical studies suggest there are significant risks associated with removing an animal’s tail including potential risk of infection as well as nerve damage resulting from improper removal that could affect motor movement and sensation in their lower limbs.
Furthermore, these operations usually require anesthesia which introduces yet more risks particularly during older age into an otherwise healthy pet whose only fault was having an aesthetically pleasing yet socially unacceptable “long”tail! Finally while manageable with regular vaccination programmes these risks still exist when compared against leaving them be before any external intervention takes place at all
Is Tail Docking Necessary?
Ultimately, whether or not tail docking is considered ‘necessary’ will depend on individual circumstances and what both pet owners and veterinarians believe is best for that specific pet’s needs and long-term quality of life interests.
If you are considering having your pet’s tails docked there are several factors you should consider such as potential risks involved including pain; cost; legal implications; regulations regarding advertising (if you plan to sell puppies) and ethical concerns about surgical practices on animals solely for cosmetic purposes – all before making any decisions either way.
Conclusion
Overall the verdict on this issue varies between major animal welfare organizations who tend to stand opposed from one another – generally those in favor advocate for well regulated measures with relaxation exemption policies (i.e depending how long does its fur gets) whilst those against view any kind of intervention (for cosmetic purposes) as cruel and counterintuitive given our human-pet relationship should always be cherished rather than tampered with!
At the end of day veto power must remain firmly within each responsible owners hands when deciding what they feel is best for their beloved four legged friends – afterall only they will ever truly understand 🙂
Leave a Reply