Manitoba veterinary organization bans cosmetic tail docking of dogs

Alexandra Holyk has details on the controversial cosmetic procedure for newborn puppies that’s no longer being performed in Manitoba.

The Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) has banned cosmetic tail docking for dogs.

The organization approved the new by-law at its annual general meeting on Friday, banning members from performing the procedure, which involves removing part or all of a dog’s tail.

The MVMA said the by-law was proposed by one of its members and involved a multi-year consultation process. It added the change “reflects a broader movement across Canada, with Manitoba now joining seven other provinces that have implemented similar bans on cosmetic tail docking.”

In a statement, the non-profit Animal Justice, which lobbies for stronger animal protection laws, said it applauds the MVMA’s move to ban tail docking.

The organization said the procedure is painful and puts dogs at risk of complications.

“The MVMA should be applauded for this strong and progressive decision to prioritize the health and well-being of dogs,” said Kaitlyn Mitchell, Winnipeg-based lawyer and director of legal advocacy with Animal Justice, in the statement.

“Dogs’ bodies should not be mutilated for human aesthetic preferences. We urge the province to follow the MVMA’s lead and ban all cosmetic mutilations of animals.”

Before the ban was approved, the Canadian Kennel Club encouraged dog breed clubs to update their breed standards to exclude tail docking.

In a statement to CTV News, the club said its breed standards do not require dogs’ tails to be docked for competition.

“We support our members to work with their licensed veterinarians to determine what is best for the health of their dogs,” the statement reads.

“In turn, we also support veterinarians having scope of practice and discretion to determine what is best for the health of their patients.”

The club said this may include tail docking for preventative or therapeutic reasons.