The Scottish Government announced its plans to change existing legislation to permit the docking of the tails of spaniel and hunt point retriever (HPR) puppies where a vet believes they are likely to be used as a working dog and risk serious tail injury in later life.
The docking will have to be carried out by an approved vet. No date has yet been set for the legislation to change.
Colin Shedden, BASC Scotland director, said: “Following ten years of campaigning we are delighted that this important welfare issue for working HPR and Spaniel breeds in Scotland is finally being addressed. This is a simple, minor procedure soon after birth that will help to prevent a lifetime of misery and serious veterinary interventions. Working gundogs are an essential part of shooting sports and their welfare is a paramount concern to their owners and handlers.
“BASC members in Scotland were an integral part of this process through their tireless campaigning, documenting of evidence and providing about 80 per cent of the responses for the Glasgow University research studies.”
Mike Hardy, a member of BASC Council, said: “Having seen working spaniels damaging their tails in a working environment, I am delighted that the Scottish Government has taken such a pragmatic and evidence-based decision on this important issue. Gun dog breeders in Scotland will benefit enormously from this decision.”