The Gundog's Tale

Throughout the ages man and dog have worked together, each developing habits and customs which, over the years, have optimised the job and benefited the relationship. So it was that the custom to 'dock' some working dog's tails within 2 days of birth developed. The dogs were mostly those whose work necessitated running through dense woodlands, hedgerows and pastures where brambles, thorn and briar prevailed. In such undergrowth long tails were prone to scratching and tearing at best, catching fast and/or lacerating at worst. Far kinder to have only the shortest of tails, which was unlikely to get caught, than to suffer the inevitable pain with its accompanying risk of infection or, at worst, amputation.

Man and his short-tailed dogs worked and lived harmoniously for many years.

Until the 21st century when people in positions of power, and ignorant (one has to assume) of the facts, decided that docking was 'cruel' and made the practice illegal. All dogs must now sport a 'natural' tail. Exceptions can be made where it can be satisfactorily 'proven' that the pup will definitely be used for work in the field. It is virtually impossible to prove this within 2 days of birth, thus rendering such exception clauses useless.

The Bestest Gundog in all the World is the latest victim of this piece of misguided lunacy. Without fail, every day he 'works' the end of his tail becomes torn and bloodied within minutes. And, because the long tail whips from side to side, his flanks also become bloodied. The repeated scratching and tearing over the first month of his working life have resulted in an extremely sore tail. To the point where, though he works joyfully, between 'drives' he cringes and whines with a sore bloody tail.

In an effort to alleviate the problem the vet shaved the end of the tail. No more long hair to snag in the undergrowth. Good for airing and healing the wounds; bad for increasing exposure to more scratching and bleeding than previously. The result? More pain and soreness. And he was traumatised for several days by the 'missing bit'; after all, that's his main tool of communication. He had to be literally dragged out of the house on his lead to ensure he 'did what he had to do'!

The only remedy now is to 'rest' him until the end of the tail heals.

Then we have to find a way of protecting it from further damage.

If that proves impossible there are probably only two options: (a) retire him or (b) dock his tail at the end of the season.

So instead of the 'law' protecting the animal it has made his life a misery or a mockery. But do the do-gooders or those in positions-of-power care?