Looking for vet in UK

[bubsxbabe]

hi, i have a rotty who has just given birth to 4 gorgeous puppies unlike some of you i prefer rotty's without tails... my vet does not dock tails.... can anyone tell me where i can get this done... around south east london or bromley kent areas please

[JanMe]

I think it is against the law to dock tails of dogs now in the UK, I think it came into play a few months back.

[bubsxbabe]

oh really.... i didnt know that.... someone told me that you can tie an elastic band around the tail and it just falls off ... but that sounds a bit strange to me !!!:eek:

[Jake2006]

You won't get a vet who would be prepared to dock a tail in the UK other than for therapeutic reasons. And if you did s/he could be prosecuted - not worth it.

why do you want the tail docked anyway?

[JanMe]

Please whatever you do don't tie an elastic band around their tails!!!! Docking should only be done by a qualified vet and only if completely neccessary for health reasons.

[Jake2006]

From the Royal College Guide to Professional Conduct
For the avoidance of any doubt, any instance of tail docking which is found to have been
undertaken for reasons which were not truly therapeutic or prophylactic will necessarily
constitute an unacceptable mutilation of the dog, which, if carried out by a veterinary surgeon
who knew or ought to have known of the lack of true justification, would almost certainly be
considered to be conduct disgraceful in a professional respect.

[Melamaphine]

Tail docking is most definitely illegal except under strict licence. There's not a chance you'll find a vet that would do it, putting an elastic band on is just plain cruel. They look far better with tails anyway, why ruin something so beautiful?!

[bubsxbabe]

hi thanks for all the replies... i did not say i was going to tie elastic bands around the tail... i said someone had told me thats what you do.... i thought that sounded strange and cruel.... looks like i'll be having 4 wagging tail around then.... thanks again for all your replies

[mermaid2708]

i am sorry but i am absolutly astounded that a uk dog lover/breeder was unaware of the docking law in this country which came into force over 12 months ago...and if as you say you asked your vet...and they said no, then they would have also told you the current uk law.

[happysaz133]

i am sorry but i am absolutly astounded that a uk dog lover/breeder was unaware of the docking law in this country which came into force over 12 months ago...and if as you say you asked your vet...and they said no, then they would have also told you the current uk law.

I too thought this when reading this thread. Shocking. To the poster, I am glad you have been educated now, and glad it seems like you will not be taking this into your own hands by the use of elastic bands. You could be in very serious trouble with the law facing fines and even a jail sentence if you do have these puppies docked.

[bubsxbabe]

im sorry i seemed to have upset so many people i just tried to find some info i knew nothing about the law on docking tails as ive never had reason to ask.... i didnt claim to be a breeder.... i stated this was the 1st time i had bred her... and it wasnt the vet i actually spoke to i phoned up and spoke to the receptionist... but to be honest i went to my vet last week with my dog to be checked over and he told me she wasnt pregnant... he said it was a phantom pregnancy !!!! and here i am 7 days later with puppies.... so i think i may be changing vets

[skunkstripe]

It looks like you have the information now. And at any rate you know why your vet will not dock tails.

[vinya12]

I love to see tails on dogs that use to have them docked. your pup's cant be show dogs as the dad is not KC , so they will be pets. and all pets need a waggy tail. :)

[Jake2006]

we all make mistakes and you did come to the right place, you got the legal advice and also opinions. We argue (intellectually) with each other on this form about tail docking as some of our US friends are pro docking - and most of us in the UK are against docking - so you were on a loser before you began. Anyway after seeing those precious little bundles I can't see you causing them any harm by putting a band on their tail - did you see the other thread about the puppy who may have to have her tail amputated - which I think is only one of her problems - as she was dumped in a carrier bag.

have a look at this its easy reading - her site is very useful too

http://www.emmathevet.co.uk/thoughts.asp?content=hate&id=9

[vinya12]

yes well done for asking advice . you did the right thing. its the people who dont ask that make the mistakes. your pups are gorgeous :)

[bubsxbabe]

i would just like to thank everyone for their advice and information it has certainly changed my mind and think differently and im so glad i asked for the advice my puppies will be left with waggy tails.... i also saw the thing about the rotty puppy found in a bag obviously the outcome of someone trying to dock the tail that went wrong how sad... the poor little puppy... so once again i just want to say im glad i got the advice before i may have made a wrong decission

[happysaz133]

i would just like to thank everyone for their advice and information it has certainly changed my mind and think differently and im so glad i asked for the advice my puppies will be left with waggy tails.... i also saw the thing about the rotty puppy found in a bag obviously the outcome of someone trying to dock the tail that went wrong how sad... the poor little puppy... so once again i just want to say im glad i got the advice before i may have made a wrong decission

That's what we are here for :) to help! Do you have any photos of your little babies? We'd LOVE to see them! :) And Mum too!

[bubsxbabe]

the new puppies

[bubsxbabe]

their soooo cute

[Jake2006]

Oh they are so chuchy! Have you got homes for them yet? Which one if Phantom?

How's mum coping is she feeding OK and looking after them. If you need any advice Sheplover is the one to contact -

looking forward to more pictures

[Melamaphine]

Wow, they're so beautiful. You're a very lucky lady indeed, have they all got homes lined up?

[bubsxbabe]

i have had 2 offers of homes already but will have to look into it... to check if i think their suitable.... on the feeding side mum is a little unsure when they are latching on she tends to move around a lot and lays on them... but all 4 pupies seem to fighting over 2 teats only.... i was wondering whether i should call a vet to see if im going to need to bottle feed them with a subtitute milk formula... maybe puppies and mum just need a little time to get used to it.... it is her 1st time and i think she's doing great