From: "Ian Morrison" To: Subject: spca hails dogtail bill's progress.... Date sent: Sun, 8 Aug 2004 18:39:03 +1200

8 August 2004

SPCA Hails Dogtail Bill's Progress

The Royal New Zealand SPCA has hailed the news that Parliament is to discuss banning the docking of dogs' tails.

Labour MP Dianne Yates' Private Member's Bill, the Animal Welfare (Restriction of Docking of Dogs' Tails) Bill, was drawn in the ballot last week.

The bill aims to ban tail-docking other than in cases where it is necessary for the dog's welfare, because the tail has been damaged by disease or injury.

"We are delighted that MPs will have the opportunity to discuss this issue, and we urge them to send the bill to Select Committee. We believe that New Zealanders will demand an end to the cruel and silly practice of docking tails for cosmetic purposes," says the Royal New Zealand SPCA's Acting Chief Executive, Jenny Prattley.

"Other than in exceptional medical circumstances, a dog derives no benefit from having its tail docked. Moreover, docking can lead to infections, nerve damage, incontinence and other health problems. People who think tail-docking is acceptable should ask themselves how they would feel if one of their limbs was lopped-off for no good reason!

"This legislation will bring New Zealand into line with Australia and with a number of European counties where cosmetic docking is already banned. It really would be unfortunate if the bill was rejected and New Zealand became known as one of the last bastions of this absurd and pointless form of animal cruelty," she says.

ENDS

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