Current laws in NSW (and most of Australia) now prohibit the docking of tails of any dog. Please do not ask any breeders to dock the tail of any puppy, as they would be committing an offence if they did so. For further information please visit this link: http://www.ricecrc.org/reader/aw-companion/tail-docking-guide.htm

Traditionally, tail docking was performed when the puppies were newly born within days. This was prior to their neur logical development and caused no harm or distress to the puppies. If a tail was docked at any older age, this is no longer refered to as “docking”, but an amputation.

All forms of docking and amputation are now prohibited by law in NSW for routine, prophylactic or cosmetic reasons, and no ethical breeder or vet will perform this surgery. If the animals welfare is at stake – ie: dog or puppy has irreparable tail damage, then vets are permitted to perform an amputation, however this must be well documented.

Please respect the laws of this state, and don’t promote or request the illegal docking of tails.