tail docking

Removing animal appendage

Tail docking is the practice of surgically removing part or all of an animal's tail, typically performed on puppies or lambs within days of birth.

Dogs are docked for breed standards or supposed working advantages; lambs to prevent fecal buildup and fly strike.

The practice is controversial and banned in many countries as unnecessary mutilation: Several breeds traditionally have docked tails.

Also called simply docking.

Opposites
animal welfare practices

tail dockingundocked

Separated from mooring

bodily integrity · unaltered · uncropped · ear cropping

intervention type

tail dockingnon-intervention

Policy of staying uninvolved

letting nature take its course

Family

tail, dock, docked

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Rated PG