Menu
02/01/2013
Tail Docking Ban Comes Into Effect
The New Year has seen the introduction of a law banning the cosmetic docking of dogs’ tails in Northern Ireland.
Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill announced last year that the legislation would come into effect on 1 January 2013.
She described docking as a "hideous practice".
Tail docking is sometimes carried out by pedigree dog breeders, who cut the animals’ tails when they are young for aesthetic reasons.
The law has allowed for exceptions in the cases of some working dogs and where an animal’s life may be in danger. It also makes it illegal for dogs to be taken to another jurisdiction for tail docking.
Working dogs such a spaniels, terriers, pointers, retrievers and dogs used by the armed services are exempt, but only under the condition they are docked by a vet and within five days of birth.
Any person buying a dog with a docked tail in Northern Ireland will require a certificate stating the reason for the docking.
The offence can now carry a maximum of two years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
The move follows a ban on tail docking in England, Wales and Scotland which was introduced in 2006.
(IT/GK)
Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill announced last year that the legislation would come into effect on 1 January 2013.
She described docking as a "hideous practice".
Tail docking is sometimes carried out by pedigree dog breeders, who cut the animals’ tails when they are young for aesthetic reasons.
The law has allowed for exceptions in the cases of some working dogs and where an animal’s life may be in danger. It also makes it illegal for dogs to be taken to another jurisdiction for tail docking.
Working dogs such a spaniels, terriers, pointers, retrievers and dogs used by the armed services are exempt, but only under the condition they are docked by a vet and within five days of birth.
Any person buying a dog with a docked tail in Northern Ireland will require a certificate stating the reason for the docking.
The offence can now carry a maximum of two years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
The move follows a ban on tail docking in England, Wales and Scotland which was introduced in 2006.
(IT/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 November 2024
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
03 August 2009
Hero Army Dog Handlers Honoured
Murdered soldiers who worked with specialist 'sniffer' dogs during the Northern Ireland Troubles have been remembered. The 'Red Paw' and its work across Northern Ireland was the subject of a special memorial service held in England at the weekend. It was in honour of the six dog handlers and two sniffer dogs killed in Northern Ireland.
Hero Army Dog Handlers Honoured
Murdered soldiers who worked with specialist 'sniffer' dogs during the Northern Ireland Troubles have been remembered. The 'Red Paw' and its work across Northern Ireland was the subject of a special memorial service held in England at the weekend. It was in honour of the six dog handlers and two sniffer dogs killed in Northern Ireland.
05 August 2022
New Belfast Bikes Docking Station At Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre
A new Belfast Bikes docking station has been installed at Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre, with more stations to be installed at Olympia Leisure Centre, Kennedy Centre and the Waterworks/Antrim Road later this month.
New Belfast Bikes Docking Station At Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre
A new Belfast Bikes docking station has been installed at Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre, with more stations to be installed at Olympia Leisure Centre, Kennedy Centre and the Waterworks/Antrim Road later this month.
15 November 2024
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
28 November 2024
Japanese Cyber Security Firm Expands in Northern Ireland
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) is expanding its operations in Northern Ireland. The Japanese cyber security firm, which specialises in protecting critical infrastructure, governments, and businesses from cyber-attacks, first established a presence in Northern Ireland in 2018. This latest £1.
Japanese Cyber Security Firm Expands in Northern Ireland
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) is expanding its operations in Northern Ireland. The Japanese cyber security firm, which specialises in protecting critical infrastructure, governments, and businesses from cyber-attacks, first established a presence in Northern Ireland in 2018. This latest £1.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
