Impact of Ban On Tail Docking in Australia

[Elaine]

We hear that as of October 2009 it will be illegal to dock tails in Australia.

“ … what she did tell me was that the Doberman is dying in Australia - from October 2009 no dog born can have its tail docked therefore breeders aren’t breeding anymore because no one wants a Doberman with a tail.

… it’s difficult to have kids here let alone dogs and now they bring in the docking laws, so if you want [a docked dog] [you must] export your bitch let her have pups in New Zealand dock them and bring them back - Yea!!! $$$$$”

More and more it seems like India will be the only place left on earth that allows docked and cropped Dobermans. :rolleyes:

[Lou's mom]

“ … it’s difficult to have kids here let alone dogs and now they bring in the docking laws...”

Yes, but can you still dock your kids??

Sorry Andy, couldn't resist... :D

[Elaine]

Yes, but can you still dock your kids??

Sorry Andy, couldn't resist... :D

Docking, possibly... depending on what you're actually referring to (some think of it as more of a sinp/tuck) :p But since Australians are subjects of the British Crown, there is absolutely no cropping. :(

[jkf]

I just got back from England. I went to the Windsor show. I have to say that no docking or cropping is kind of nice. It really shows the dogs for what they really are. The only breed I could not wrap my head around no docking was the Old English Sheepdog. With the rise in their topline the tail just looks so out of balance. But most other dogs it really was ok. I thought I would have more problems with it but I didn't. We should do it also in my opinion. But then saying that, I don't own a breed that crops or docks.:p
Julie Froning
Wagsalot bearded Collies

[katdobemom]

All
On the rescue end of things with cropping and docking, it so much easier to place a cropped and docked dobe. Folks absolutely want the "look".
Natural ears are one thing but a natural tail for folks considering adoption is a whole other story.
In rescue we don't necessarily always see the cream of the crop with breed standard at all,:) but even if the dobe is cropped and flopped, most will consider that over the natural look in a second.

[Minka]

I've had uncropped dobes and they look good (specially when they have heavy ears) - A doberman without a tail is a horrible sight - you have tails that curl up , tails that are straight
Docking is not banned as yet in Western Australia and breeders seem to be using loopholes to get around it where they can, but theres a definite decline in enthusiasm

[Minka]

The motivation behind adopting a rescue animal is to gove a potetially traumatised animal a good home and a decent life.
Now if your intentions are as stated above , I don't see how a dogs looks even enter the decision making process.
one simply picks the dog that needs the home the most

[katdobemom]

The motivation behind adopting a rescue animal is to gove a potetially traumatised animal a good home and a decent life.
Now if your intentions are as stated above , I don't see how a dogs looks even enter the decision making process.
one simply picks the dog that needs the home the most



Minka
I have personally adopted 4 dobes thru rescue, and our last foster died within 24 hrs due to pyometra because a shelter missed all the signs. We would have adopted her as well.
Even in rescue adopters have preferences.
I personally prefer cropped and docked altho our very first female was natural ears. Its a personal preference, and just like me, others have preferences as well.
Our process in rescue is a about conducting home checks, doing several reference checks, and vet checks. We won't disqualify a good home because they prefer cropped ears or a docked tail.
Do you particpate in rescue? If so, would/does your rescue disqulaify a home for someone who has "preferences"?

[Minka]

I have three strays at home(correction my folks have three strays at home ).
Now to the best of my knowledge - I am unaware of any doberman rescue group in India.
I am however aware of several people who try and place dogs in homes .