There is little discomfort when a puppy's tail is quickly removed.
Tying a string around the tail - cuts off the blood supply causing the tail to eventually die - and then eventually "fall off" (we hope!). I would think that this might take some time - and cause a great deal of discomfort, numbness, tingling, possible infection, and possibly many other problems. Certainly wouldn't be my method of choice.
Otherwise, everyone's right - A lot of Yorkies as well as many other breeds have their tails docked shortly after birth. This was done in the past (decades ago) when these dogs were "working dogs." Removing the tails helped them doing their work more efficiently and helped keep them from injurying their tails. It was done for a good reason and for the welfare of the dog at that time.
Today, these same breeds are pets and not "workers." For this reason, docking is no longer necessary and is done today only for appearances. Because it's no longer necessary, the practice is often no longer done, and as some of you mentioned, it isn't even allowed in some countries. This is a good and humane change.
Carol Jean |