Dog tail docking ban in force
The ban was introduced under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, and came into force on January 1. It is now illegal for owners and breeders alike to dock their dog's tail, or allow someone else to dock the tail, unless it is performed as part of medical treatment, or in an emergency to save the dog's life.
It is also illegal to take the dog from Northern Ireland for the purpose of docking, unless advised to do so for medical reasons by a veterinary surgeon. The maximum penalty for anyone convicted will be two year's imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Puppies from certain working dogs will be exempt from the ban if evidence is provided that they are likely to be worked in connection with law enforcement, activities of Her Majesty's Armed Forces, emergency rescue, lawful pest control or the lawful shooting of animals. The Welfare of Animals (Docking of Working Dogs' Tails and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2012 set out these exemptions, and also comes into force this month.
Evidence must be presented to the vet confirming that the puppy meets the conditions to qualify as a potential future working dog, and docking must be carried out by a veterinary surgeon within five days of birth. The dogs must also be microchipped before eight weeks of age at the same veterinary practice that carried out the docking.
Agricultural Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "These new regulations set out the strict conditions which must be met to allow certain breeds of dogs, of no more than five days of age, to have their tails docked by a veterinary surgeon. The controls will also ensure that this exemption is not abused and prevent the cosmetic docking of dogs by the back door."
Docking was banned in England from 6 April 2007, and in Wales from 28 March 2007, with exemptions for medical treatment and certain working dogs. A complete ban took place in Scotland from 30 April 2007.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
