Does cutting the dog’s tail have a reason or a simple aesthetic? Let’s see together the reasons, the consequences for the dog’s health and the legality of the practice.
Cutting the dog’s tail is a custom that even has memories in the era of Jesus Christ. In those years the reason that the dog’s tail was cut was that cutting off any white worms on the back of the body was also eliminated animal’s is Furthermore he was afraid that the animal contracted anger.
Cut the dog’s tail: the reasons
The reasons for cutting the tail of some dogs have changed with the passage of time. In the past, dog owners have started cutting the dog’s tail for utility, as well as cutting the ears of the dog, exclusively for practical reasons.
Today, unfortunately, in most cases it is for aesthetic reasons, below is a list of reasons why many still use to cut the dog’s tail:
- the tail is a vulnerable part for a fighting or guard dog, just like for hunting dogs or terriers;
- the dogs that aimed tended to bite each other queues;
- the wounds on a dog’s tail are long to heal and weakened a utility dog after an attack;
- cut the tail for medical reasons, for example if the dog has been bitten in the tail or if he has a tail injury that cannot be healed;
- the dog’s tail is cut first of all for aesthetic reasons. It is no longer a question of making the dog more capable of carrying out a task, but rather of making it respect a certain standard;
- in some countries, the standards of several purebred dogs also require a cut tail.
Is it legal to cut the dog’s tail?
Cutting the dog’s tail or ears has been an illegal practice since 2010, when Italy transposed the European Convention for the protection of pets. It is considered mistreatment of animals, as well as the removal of nails, teeth and vocal cords, unless these practices are conducted exclusively for therapeutic purposes in the interest of the animal.
Those who violate the prohibition of the law break the article 544 ter of the Criminal Code and risk very high penalties: in the most serious cases the fine of up to 30,000 euro to imprisonment of up to 18 months.
There are exceptions, specifically cutting is allowed if it has a curative purpose, to protect the health of the animal or prevent its reproduction, but always if the operation is performed by the veterinarian.
The cutting, especially of the tail, is also allowed when it is aimed at optimizing the sport hunting activity and therefore in reference to dog breeds such as: the Bracco, the Cocker Spaniel, the Spinone and the Griffone. However, those who own one of these dogs can proceed to cut the tail or ears only if the animal is actually used for hunting and not for company.
Why is it dangerous for the dog?
The tail must be cut within the first week of the dog’s life and must be certified by the veterinarian’s document, otherwise it is considered an illegal and therefore punishable practice.
Since the tail is cut through surgery and using anesthesia, logically there are some risks associated with it, which can also cause the death of the animal, but it must be said that they are also very rare but not impossible.
Regardless of anesthesia in dogs, there is a risk that the wound will become infected, with consequences that can be more or less serious, but the points during surgery may also be skipped, so it may be possible to have the animal sit down again to solve it.
What is the dog’s tail for?
The tail of the dog or any other animal is important because it is part of its body, so it is essential, especially for the dog, who needs the tail to maintain balance. In addition, it is a complement of his body that acts as a guide when he runs or makes any other movement.
The absence of this part of the body and not for natural causes, would create a lack of balance in the animal, originating from the absence of a part of its body. The tail is an extension of the spine, it is made up of labile vertebrae and a distal bone, these bones have an irregular shape and are connected to each other.
Dog tails vary from one breed to another. Our four-legged friend, when he moves his tail in some way conveys his feelings because it is believed that by moving the tail it expresses itself, either with their owners or with other beings of the same species.
With the tail, the dog can be happy, afraid, angry or manifest happiness in seeing his owner again. Cutting the dog’s tail is like taking away the possibility of expressing himself. It is good to remember that the dog is a living being, therefore it is necessary to consider the inconveniences that this practice entails for the well-being of the animal and the risks for its health.