Tail docking: a professional dilemma for veterinary nurses

Abstract

Different groups hold strong opinions on tail docking in certain breeds. These range from veterinary organisations and welfare groups, who typically want the practice banned, to breeders and associations, who typically oppose any banning of the procedure. For veterinary nurses in practice faced with assisting with the tail docking procedure, numerous ethical and moral dilemmas present themselves and must be navigated. This article deals with a tail-docking scenario that can present in veterinary practice and looks at the legal, professional and ethical issues that arise and potential recommendations that could be implemented in the future.