25 February 2005

Poll Finds Clear Majority For Tail-Docking Ban

A substantial majority of the public supports the proposed ban on the docking of dogs' tails, according to a new survey.

The Colmar Brunton survey of 500 people aged 15 or more found that 68% agreed that tail docking should be banned, whilst 18% disagreed and 13% had no opinion. The poll, conducted during the second week of February 2005, had a margin of error of 4.4%

The poll result comes ahead of the February 28th deadline for submissions on a Private Members Bill, introduced to Parliament by Labour MP Dianne Yates. The bill calls for a ban on tail docking except in individual cases where it is necessary for the dog's welfare because the tail has been damaged by disease or injury.

"The findings of this poll are consistent with a vast amount of anecdotal evidence suggesting that New Zealanders want an end to the cruel and unnecessary mutilation of dogs' tails," says the Royal New Zealand SPCA's National Chief Executive, Robyn McDonald.

"There's a well-known saying that dogs are our best friends. Most New Zealanders clearly don't see it as acceptable to cut part or all of a limb off some of our best friends, subjecting them to the risk of infection, nerve damage or incontinence, just to fit in with some rather outdated fashion.

"It is to be hoped that caring, responsible New Zealanders will have made their views known, by sending in submissions on the bill ahead of Monday's deadline. Breeder associations will be lobbying hard to prevent a ban on tail docking. Parliament needs to know that only a minority of people are opposed to a ban," she adds.

The address for submissions on the tail docking bill is:
The Clerk of Committee
Government Administration Select Committee
Bowen House
Parliament Buildings
Wellington

For more information on making a submission, please go to:
www.clerk.parliament.govt.nz/Programme/Committees/Submissions/gadocking

ENDS

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