The Kennel Club would like to clarify the current legal position relating to removal of dewclaws: It has recently been brought to my attention that some vets are of the view that the removal of dogs’ dewclaws has become illegal under the Animal Welfare Act.
While it is illegal under the mutilations clause of the Act to carry out a prohibited procedure that involves interference with the sensitive tissues or bone structure of a protected animal other than for the purpose of its medical treatment, permitted procedures are listed in the Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) Regulations 2007.