Rules for Docking Working Dogs’ Tails

The docking of dogs’ tails has been banned in Wales since 27th March 2007.

There are exemptions from the ban for certain types of working dog.

If you are the new owner or keeper of a working dog which has had its tail docked you will need to make sure that this has had been done in accordance with the new regulations.

How do I know my dog’s tail has been legally docked?

The exemption allows certain types of working dog to have their tails docked by a vet. This must be done when the dog is not more than 5 days old. If your dog has had its tail docked by a vet, the breeder or seller of the dog will have been given a certificate which they should pass on to you.

The docked dog will also have to be microchipped before it is 3 months of age. If you get the dog before it is 3 months old, we would encourage you to make sure that it is microchipped before taking ownership and that the certificate has been completed in all parts. Veterinary surgeons are the only person who are allowed to decide that a dog may have its tail docked.

What kinds of dogs can be docked?

The dog will have to be of a certain type in order to be docked.

They are:

• Spaniels: English Springer Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel
• Terriers: Jack Russell Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Norfolk Terrier
• Hunt Point Retriever Braque Italian, Brittany, German Long Haired pointer, German wirehaired pointer, Hungarian Vizsla, Hungarian wirehaired Vizsla, Italian Spinone, Spanish Water Dog, Weinmaraner, Korthals Griffon, Slovakian rough haired pointer, Large Munsterlander, Small munsterlander

Can I still show dogs that have been docked?

Dogs docked after 27th March 2007 will not be able to be shown at events where the public have paid an entrance fee. However, this ban does not apply where the dog is shown for the purposes of demonstrating its working ability.

If you believe your dog has had its tail illegally docked or have any information about the illegal docking of dogs tails, please contact the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Trading Standards department.

More details are available on Welsh Government's Animal Welfare Section.