[luvlee]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

From the veterinary point of view, therefore, there is absolutely no reason why the banning of the docking of dogs tails should be beneficial to them. In actual fact, it would be detrimental to their well-being if docking was abolished. Tail docking protects the dog as it is done to avoid problems with tail injuries and subsequent painful treatment that would often occur.
It is called Prevention!!

Excellent article Nancy!!!! PREVENTION AS OPOSED TO CORRECTION....CRISIS AVOIDANCE AS OPPOSED TO CRISIS MANAGEMENT!~

Yeah, but doesn't the docking itself introduce the initial insult to the body? Aside from the pain caused (and its potential sensational and traumatic repricussions) to an otherwise healthy life form, what about infection (ie, staff) that can occur when we purposefully traumatize and expose a body part? What about neurological deficits (that the dogs can't complain about) that result from a snip too close to nerve endings?

I had a minor hernia operation over 15 years ago, and I still suffer a loss of sensation on my leg. How does anyone know the extent of damage caused by docking??

I understand "prevention" for the working animal. Like I previously mentioned, during the Industrial Revolution when Yorkies had to fit themselves into tight spaces with surrounding machinery that could catch a tail, it seems logical to remove part of the tail to prevent entanglement and a horrific death. But, come on, no Yorkie does that work anymore! The purpose for docking has ended. Whatever the learned articles say, human action/interference is the sole cause of the initial cut/damage/pain/suffering, etc.

So, IMHO, the purposeful injury and maming of another living thing should also cease. But I'm also the type who doesn't kill a spider or bug despite the heebie jeebies I get every time I catch and release the insect. I hope - one day - the Yorkie human community will accept the great gift of the Yorkshire Terrier just as God created them!