Tail docking: the law by country

Non-vets may not perform surgical procedures; a veterinary practitioner may dock a dog's tail only for a therapeutic purpose.

Animal Welfare Act 1992 (ACT), ss 19, 19A(1)(a)Checked Nov 4, 2026

Only a veterinary practitioner, and only in the interests of the dog's welfare. No section number on the department's page. A Bill of May 2026 would reorganise s 12; we could not confirm it passed.

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW), tail docking offence, per the NSW Department of Primary IndustriesIn force since Jun 1, 2004Checked Nov 4, 2026

Written for any animal. A veterinarian only, believing on reasonable grounds it is a reasonable and necessary therapeutic measure. Up to 300 penalty units or 3 years. The national Sheep Standards are not adopted in the NT.

Animal Protection Act 2018 (NT), s 24(7)(a), (8)In force since Nov 1, 2022Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be sold

A veterinary surgeon only, who reasonably considers it in the dog's welfare. Supplying a docked dog needs a vet's certificate, except for an abandoned dog surrendered to a pound or shelter.

Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Qld), ss 24, 29Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be sold

A veterinary surgeon only, who reasonably considers it in the animal's welfare. Supplying a docked horse needs a vet's certificate.

Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Qld), ss 27, 29Checked Nov 4, 2026

A veterinary surgeon only, satisfied it is required for therapeutic purposes. The Animal Welfare Act 2025 (SA), not in operation on 2026-11-04, will repeal these regulations when it starts.

Animal Welfare Regulations 2012 (SA), r 6(1)(a)(ii), (2)(b)Checked Nov 4, 2026

Ill treatment unless a veterinary surgeon has certified in writing that it is necessary for the control of disease. The Animal Welfare Act 2025 (SA), not in operation on 2026-11-04, will repeal these regulations when it starts.

Animal Welfare Regulations 2012 (SA), r 6(1)(a)(iv)Checked Nov 4, 2026

A veterinary surgeon only, using anaesthesia, for therapeutic purposes (treating a disease or medical condition). Causing or permitting docking is caught too. The date is this instrument's; earlier regulations held a similar rule.

Animal Welfare (General) Regulations (No. 2) 2023 (Tas), r 6; Animal Welfare Act 1993, s 8(2)(k)In force since Jul 12, 2023Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

Dogs and horses. A veterinary practitioner only, for a therapeutic effect. An owner must not allow it, or show or exhibit the animal, unless it was done before the ban or lawfully in another jurisdiction on an animal never resident in Victoria.

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (Vic), s 3(1) prohibited procedure (c), ss 9(1)(l), 11AIn force since Dec 12, 2007Checked Nov 4, 2026

A veterinarian only, and only where clinically indicated to cure or alleviate a disease or injury of the dog. Read on the compilation as at 2022-06-18, the newest we could reach; check for a later one.

Animal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003 (WA), r 14Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown
• May not be sold
• May not be imported

Exceptions only where indispensable for the intended use or for protecting the animal or others, or to prevent reproduction, as set by regulation under s.24; painful procedures need anaesthesia and aftercare. Non-farm animals born after 1 January 2008 with such procedures may not be imported, acquired, brokered, passed on (s.8(3)) or exhibited (s.8b(2)); taking one abroad for it is prohibited.

Tierschutzgesetz (TSchG), s.7(1), s.8(3), s.8b(2)Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown
• May not be sold

Banned since 2001; allowed for veterinary reasons, disease control, integration into a business, or limiting reproduction. Animals with the procedure, even done where it is legal, may not be sold or enter shows, unless done before the ban. Agency page dated 5 May 2020.

Law of 14 August 1986 on animal protection and welfare and the royal decree listing permitted interventions, as stated by Bruxelles EnvironnementChecked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

Removing sensitive body parts of a vertebrate is banned, except veterinary necessity, compulsory disease control, or use and reproduction control on the Flemish Government's list (not opened). No one may enter or admit an animal with a banned procedure to a show, inspection or competition.

Vlaamse Codex Dierenwelzijn (decree of 17 May 2024), arts 42 and 44In force since Jan 1, 2025Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

Art. D.36 bans the intervention, subject to its exceptions. Art. D.38: a horse or dog with an amputated tail or ears may not be entered or admitted to shows or competitions, except animals operated on before the decree. The Court judgment was opened, not the Code itself.

Code wallon du Bien-être des animaux (decree of 4 October 2018), arts D.36 and D.38, as read in Constitutional Court judgment 119/2021In force since Jan 1, 2019Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

Art. D.36 bans the intervention, subject to its exceptions. Art. D.38: a horse or dog with an amputated tail or ears may not be entered or admitted to shows or competitions, except animals operated on before the decree. The Court judgment was opened, not the Code itself.

Code wallon du Bien-être des animaux (decree of 4 October 2018), arts D.36 and D.38, as read in Constitutional Court judgment 119/2021In force since Jan 1, 2019Checked Nov 4, 2026

Tail docking to change the animal's appearance. Listed as cruelty to animals. Text read is a municipal copy consolidated to State Gazette no. 53 of 2014; later amendments not checked.

Animal Protection Act (Zakon za zashtita na zhivotnite), art. 7(2)(19)In force since Jan 31, 2008Checked Nov 4, 2026

National Farm Animal Care Council Code of Practice: an industry code, not a statute. NFACC says Code requirements are not explicitly binding in most provinces but can be evidence of distress. Referred to in provincial law: adopted in NL (NLR 36/12; NLR 35/12 s.15 makes a practice a code prohibits a prohibited one), prescribed in SK (Reg 1 s.3-4), named as a defence in NB (Reg 2000-4 s.4(2), Sch A) and BC (B.C. Reg. 34/2019, as generally accepted practice), accepted in NS (Act s.28(b)). Docking for cosmetic purposes must not be performed.

NFACC Code of Practice: Equines (2013), s.6.6 (industry code, not a statute)Checked Nov 4, 2026

Professional rule, not a statute: binds CVBC registrants (veterinarians) only, not other people. Dogs, horses and cattle; only to treat an injury or disease.

College of Veterinarians of BC Bylaws, Part 4, s.231(3) (professional rule; s.231 revised 2023-11-13)Checked Nov 4, 2026

Professional rule, not a statute: binds MVMA members only, not other people. Bars cosmetic docking of dogs.

Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association General By-Law No. 1, 4-6-14-B (professional rule)Checked Nov 4, 2026

Allowed if a code adopted in the Animal Protection Standards Regulations permits it for that animal, or if a veterinarian removes the tail after an injury or for other medical necessity.

Animal Protection Regulations, NLR 35/12, s.8Checked Nov 4, 2026

A veterinarian may remove the tail after an injury or for other medical necessity.

Animal Health and Protection Act, SNL 2010 c. A-9.1, s.25; NLR 35/12 s.6Checked Nov 4, 2026

Allowed when a veterinarian operates to treat an injury or disease or for other medical reasons necessary or beneficial to the animal's health (s.28(a)), and for agricultural practices in line with the NFACC codes or other prescribed codes (s.28(b)). Applies to any person, not only veterinarians.

Animal Protection Act, S.N.S. 2018, c. 21, ss.27-28Checked Nov 4, 2026

Allowed when a veterinarian operates to treat an injury or for other medical reasons beneficial to the animal's health (s.6(3)). Reasonable and generally accepted agricultural practices are outside the Act (s.7). The vets' own PEIVMA Bylaws s.25.2.7 also call this cosmetic surgery unprofessional conduct.

Animal Welfare Act, R.S.P.E.I. 1988, c. A-11.2, s.6Checked Nov 4, 2026

Prohibited unless a veterinary surgeon recommends it for therapeutic reasons. Binds owners and custodians, and persons in veterinary medicine for this section (s.2). Covers domestic companion animals: cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, companion pigs. The section sits in the companion-animal chapter; horses are not covered by it.

Regulation respecting the welfare and safety of domestic companion animals and equines, CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, s.16In force since Feb 10, 2024Checked Nov 4, 2026

The enacted NN 102/17 text could not be opened: read from the Government's final bill of 2017, so wording may differ. Exceptions: veterinary health reasons, reproduction control and similar with anaesthesia and analgesia; zootechnical purposes, including for hunting dogs under kennel standards.

Zakon o zaštiti životinja (NN 102/17), art. 9 of the Government's final billChecked Nov 4, 2026

Surgery to change appearance or for other non-therapeutic purposes is banned, in particular these; except where a vet deems it necessary for veterinary reasons or for the benefit of a specific animal and documents it in writing, or to prevent reproduction. Does not displace the pig, laying hen and broiler regulations.

Animal Protection and Welfare Law 46(I)/1994, s.5, para (ζ)Checked Nov 4, 2026

Excepted from the anaesthesia rule for puppies under 8 days when done by a person qualified under the veterinary law; the s.3 definition of cropping covers ears only. Text read on a legal publisher's copy of Act 246/1992 Sb. (last amended 1 April 2025), not the official collection.

Act 246/1992 Sb., s.7(3)(c)Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

Veterinary grounds, or puppies at most 4 days old of pedigree parents of five breeds: German Wirehaired Pointer, German Shorthaired Pointer, Weimaraner, Vizsla, Brittany. By a vet, anaesthetic and prolonged pain relief. Docked dogs may not be exhibited, except those s.10 dogs. Earlier orders held the same rule.

Bekendtgørelse nr. 607 af 26. maj 2025 om dyrevelfærdsmæssige mindstekrav til hold af hunde, ss.8, 9, 10, 13In force since Jul 1, 2025Checked Nov 4, 2026

Banned since 1 January 2001, only on medical indication; the person performing it is fined. The agency page cites no section numbers; the statute itself could not be opened (Riigi Teataja needs a script-enabled browser), so check the current wording.

Animal Protection Act (Loomakaitseseadus), as stated by the Agriculture and Food Board (PTA)In force since Jan 1, 2001Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

Always prohibited. The Food Authority's FAQ page adds that docked dogs may not enter any show, competition or test, official or not; the question put to it concerns dogs imported from abroad too.

Animal Welfare Act 693/2023 and the Government Decree on procedures, as stated by the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto)In force since Jan 1, 2024Checked Nov 4, 2026

Tail docking is expressly excepted from the ban on non-curative surgery on companion animals.

Code rural et de la pêche maritime, art. R214-21In force since Jan 1, 2010Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

Veterinary indication, or dogs to be used for hunting where indispensable and no veterinary objection; by a vet or, as the Act allows, another qualified person. Unlawfully docked dogs may not be shown (HundeV s.10). TierSchG s.12(2) only authorises a future import rule.

Tierschutzgesetz, s.6(1); Tierschutz-Hundeverordnung, s.10Checked Nov 4, 2026

Amputating body parts is banned, except on veterinary indication or the other s.6(1) cases.

Tierschutzgesetz, s.6(1)Checked Nov 4, 2026

Read as non-therapeutic mutilation (akrotiriasmos), which the article bans as torture; neutering and any veterinary act with a therapeutic aim are not mutilation. The article does not name this procedure.

Law 4830/2021, art. 24(1)(b)Checked Nov 4, 2026

Docking to change a dog's appearance may be done up to 7 days of age.

Government Decree 41/2010 on keeping and trading pets, s.16(5)Checked Nov 4, 2026

By a vet (S.I. 304/2017 removed vet nurses), on a pointer, spaniel or terrier or combination, not yet 8 days old, with the dam or proof of her death, on evidence of use in lawful pest control, hunting or shooting; declaration and microchip.

Prohibition on Tail Docking and Dew Claw Removal (Dogs) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 128/2014), as amended by S.I. 304/2017In force since Mar 6, 2014Checked Nov 4, 2026

Ministry note, as quoted in a letter from the kennel body ENCI: a vet may dock preventively dogs used in certain working or sporting-hunting activities, under anaesthesia, within the first week of life, with a certificate of the reasons. The statute text itself could not be opened; Normattiva confirmed the in-force date only.

Law 201/2010 ratifying the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, art. 10(1)(a), 10(2)(a); Ministry of Health note of 21 March 2011In force since Dec 4, 2010Checked Nov 4, 2026

Except breeds recognised by the FCI whose standard provides for docking; by a vet with a certificate, within the first week of life.

Regione Piemonte, L.R. 27/2009, implementing art. 10 of the European ConventionChecked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown
• May not be sold

Surgery to change a pet's appearance or for other non-therapeutic aims is banned unless a practising vet prescribes it. A practising vet may dock wire and smooth fox terriers, Russian hunting spaniels, German wirehaired and shorthaired pointers, German hunt terriers and Welsh terriers. Art. 4.1 bars such pets from competitions, markets, auctions and public exhibitions, except with a vet's record of need, permitted-breed docking, or origin in a country where it is lawful.

Animal Protection Law (Dzīvnieku aizsardzības likums), arts 4.1, 18 and 18.1In force since Jul 6, 2010Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

A VMVT notice reprinted in the press; the statute could not be opened. Since 1 November 2024 animals with banned veterinary procedures may not be shown at events; illegal docking of a pet counts as cruelty.

Law on Animal Welfare and Protection (No. VIII-500), as stated by the State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT)Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be sold

An animal may be amputated only on veterinary indications or imperative zootechnical grounds, set by Grand-Ducal regulation (not opened). Keeping and selling animals amputated in breach is banned; animals amputated before the Act may be kept until death.

Loi du 27 juin 2018 sur la protection des animaux, art. 11Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown
• May not be sold

Surgery to modify appearance that removes or damages a body part, other than for a curative purpose, is illegal unless regulations prescribe otherwise. Such animals may not enter shows or competitions, be kept in stock, sold or bought. Art. 9 as amended by Act XXXV of 2014. Version of 3 December 2024, marked as not the latest; regulations under art. 9 not opened.

Animal Welfare Act, Cap. 439, arts 9 and 10Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown
• May not be sold

Banned except on a vet's finding of medical necessity, recorded in a vet's statement. Cropped dogs may not enter shows, inspections or competitions, even if cropped abroad; organisers may not admit dogs cropped after 1 December 2016; trade in cropped animals is not allowed. A draft decree of December 2025 widens the rule, target 1 January 2027; not checked as adopted.

Wet dieren, arts 2.8, 2.15, 2.16; Besluit diergeneeskundigen, ch. 2Checked Nov 4, 2026

Defence only for a veterinarian, or a veterinary student directly supervised throughout, docking for therapeutic purposes with pain relief given at the time. Owners and persons in charge must not allow docking. Fine up to NZ$3,000 (body corporate NZ$15,000).

Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018, r 51In force since Oct 1, 2018Checked Nov 4, 2026

Covers all equids. Defence only for a veterinarian, or a veterinary student directly supervised throughout, docking for therapeutic purposes with pain relief given at the time. Fine up to NZ$3,000 (body corporate NZ$15,000).

Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018, r 51AIn force since May 9, 2021Checked Nov 4, 2026

Docking dogs' tails is named as cruelty unless done to save the animal's health or life. Confirmed by the Agriculture Ministry's reply of 24 October 2024.

Ustawa o ochronie zwierząt (21 August 1997), art. 6(2)(1), as amended by Dz.U. 2011 poz. 1373Checked Nov 4, 2026

Docking of canids must be done by a vet. Read in the original 2001 text; later amendments (2003, 2012 and on) could not be opened, so check the current wording.

Decreto-Lei 276/2001, art. 17Checked Nov 4, 2026

Non-therapeutic surgery to change an animal's appearance is banned, and is an offence punishable by 6 months to 3 years or a fine (added by amendment in force 19 May 2022).

Law 205/2004 on animal protection (republished), art. 6(2)(i) and art. 25(1)(a)Checked Nov 4, 2026

Not cruelty if done in line with recognised breed standards up to 14 days of age. Version of 1 January 2022; a 2025 amendment (307/2025) exists and was not checked.

Act 39/2007 Z.z. on veterinary care, s.22(2)(c)Checked Nov 4, 2026

Unless a vet's expert opinion finds it in the animal's interest and a vet does it. Consolidated text of 2013; later amendments up to ZZZiv-G of 2025 were not checked.

Zakon o zaščiti živali (ZZZiv-UPB2, Uradni list 38/2013), art. 20Checked Nov 4, 2026

All mutilation and permanent body modification is banned, except therapeutic need or limiting reproduction, and ear-marking community cats. Art. 1.3 excludes hunting dogs, packs and hunting auxiliaries from this Act.

Ley 7/2023 de protección de los derechos y el bienestar de los animales, art. 27(b)In force since Sep 29, 2023Checked Nov 4, 2026

Mutilation, including to keep breed or aesthetic traits, is banned; except medical-surgical reasons, sterilisation, functional need or future benefit to the animal, prescribed and done by a vet.

Ley 4/2017 de protección y bienestar de los animales de compañía en Galicia, art. 9(h)Checked Nov 4, 2026

Mutilation for aesthetic reasons is banned; a vet may intervene for therapeutic need or functional requirement, painlessly under general anaesthesia.

Ley 6/2017 de protección y defensa de los animales de compañía de la Región de Murcia, arts 5(f) and 18Checked Nov 4, 2026

The Board of Agriculture states that docking tails is banned in Sweden. Operative procedures are banned unless justified by veterinary medical reasons; the Board of Agriculture may make exceptions.

Djurskyddslag (2018:1192), ch. 4 s.2Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

Medical treatment, or a certified working dog not more than 5 days old: a vet certifies likely work in law enforcement, the armed forces, emergency rescue, lawful pest control or lawful shooting; hunt point retrieve, spaniel or terrier types and combinations; microchip identification. Showing at a paid-admission event is an offence, unless shown only to demonstrate working ability. Import: the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 (c. 30) requires future regulations to prohibit bringing in mutilated dogs and cats; the enacted text shows only a power, commenced by regulations, and no commencement was confirmed.

Animal Welfare Act 2006, s.6; Docking of Working Dogs' Tails (England) Regulations 2007 (SI 2007/1120)In force since Apr 6, 2007Checked Nov 4, 2026

No tail procedure is listed for horses in Schedules 1 or 7; medical treatment is outside the offence.

Animal Welfare Act 2006, s.5; Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) Regulations 2007 (SI 2007/1100)In force since Apr 6, 2007Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

Medical treatment by a vet; immediate danger to life where a vet is not practicable; or a certified working dog not more than 5 days old, whose dam is of a Schedule 1 breed, likely used in law enforcement, lawful pest control or lawful shooting; identified before 8 weeks. Showing at a fee-paying event is an offence unless a certified dog shows working ability. Taking a dog out of NI for docking is an offence.

Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, s.6; S.R. 2012/387In force since Jan 1, 2013Checked Nov 4, 2026

Since 28 June 2017: spaniel or hunt point retrieve types of any breed or mix, 5 days old or younger, by a vet only, at most the end third of the tail, on evidence of likely work in lawful shooting, with a signed certificate and microchip details. Medical treatment is outside the offence. Import: the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 (c. 30) requires future regulations to prohibit bringing in mutilated dogs and cats; the enacted text shows only a power, commenced by regulations, and no commencement was confirmed.

Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, s.20; SSI 2010/387, Sch. 9 as amended by SSI 2017/226In force since Apr 30, 2007Checked Nov 4, 2026

Schedule 6 (equine animals) lists no tail docking; medical treatment is outside the offence.

Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, s.20; Prohibited Procedures on Protected Animals (Exemptions) (Scotland) Regulations 2010 (SSI 2010/387)In force since Apr 30, 2007Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

Medical treatment, or a certified working dog not more than 5 days old. Narrower than England: named spaniels (English Springer, Welsh Springer, Cocker), terriers (Jack Russell, Cairn, Lakeland, Norfolk) and listed hunt point retrievers; combination breeds do not qualify. Work: law enforcement, armed forces, emergency rescue, lawful pest control or shooting. Showing at a paid-admission event is an offence (s.6(9)). The regulations give both 28 and 29 March 2007 as the commencement date.

Animal Welfare Act 2006, s.6; Docking of Working Dogs' Tails (Wales) Regulations 2007 (WSI 2007/1028)In force since Mar 27, 2007Checked Nov 4, 2026

Schedule 7 lists no tail procedure; medical treatment is outside the offence.

Animal Welfare Act 2006, s.5; Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (Wales) Regulations 2007 (WSI 2007/1029)In force since Mar 27, 2007Checked Nov 4, 2026

AVMA: no federal restrictions on tail docking exist in the United States, and the vast majority of states have no prohibitions. State rules are in the state rows.

No federal restriction, as stated by the American Veterinary Medical AssociationChecked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be sold
• May not be imported

A misdemeanor to cut the solid part of a horse's tail, to import any docked horse, or to drive, work, race or deal in an unregistered docked horse, except as s.597r provides for imported stock. The section also covers cattle.

Cal. Penal Code s.597nChecked Nov 4, 2026

A registered veterinarian may operate when necessary for the horse's health or to effect the natural carriage of its tail. Up to $300, one year, or both.

Conn. Gen. Stat. s.53-251Checked Nov 4, 2026

Class A misdemeanor to cut the solid part of the tail, unless proved to be a benefit to the horse.

720 ILCS 5/48-5 (Horse mutilation)Checked Nov 4, 2026

Only a licensed veterinarian, using anesthesia when appropriate. Misdemeanor.

Md. Code, Criminal Law s.10-624Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

Up to one year or $100 to $300. Section 79B bars showing such a horse at a horse show in the state unless the owner swears it was cut where that was legal. An unhealed wound is prima facie evidence.

Mass. G.L. c.272 ss.79A, 79BChecked Nov 4, 2026

Allowed when a veterinary surgeon's certificate is first obtained that cutting the tail bone is necessary for the horse's health or safety. Misdemeanor, up to one year or $1,000.

MCL 750.60Checked Nov 4, 2026

Misdemeanor to cut the bony part of the tail, or knowingly permit it on one's premises. An unhealed wound is prima facie evidence. No exemption in the text.

Minn. Stat. s.343.25Checked Nov 4, 2026

A licensed veterinarian may do it only with written permission from the state veterinarian. Misdemeanor.

N.H. RSA 644:8-bChecked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

Misdemeanor to cut or operate on the tail to dock it or alter its carriage. Showing such a horse is a misdemeanor unless an affidavit says the cutting predates June 1, 1964 or was done where it was not then prohibited.

N.Y. Agriculture and Markets Law s.368Checked Nov 4, 2026

Owners and keepers may not cut or amputate the tail to shorten it, unless needed because of accident, malformation or disease or as a preventive measure against injury, by a licensed veterinarian. Official code site could not be opened from here; text read at FindLaw, shown as current to 2026-01-01.

Ohio Rev. Code s.959.14Checked Nov 4, 2026

An offense on a dog over five days old. A licensed veterinarian may dock at 12 weeks or older under general anesthesia, or between five days and 12 weeks if medically necessary. Whoever procures it must keep a record until the wound heals.

18 Pa.C.S. s.5542(c)Checked Nov 4, 2026

Misdemeanor on a dog seven days old or older, or that has opened its eyes, whichever is sooner, unless done by a licensed veterinarian using accepted surgical protocols.

RCW 16.52.095Checked Nov 4, 2026

Misdemeanor to cut the solid part of the tail in docking or any other operation to shorten it or change its carriage. No exemption in the text.

RCW 16.52.090Checked Nov 4, 2026