A new law makes it illegal for tail docking to be carried out by non-professionals – and even then, only within certain circumstances – and the ISPCA said that this case showed the benefits of the new Animal Health and Welfare Act.

Found

The puppies were found after ISPCA Inspector Karen Lyons responded to a call made to the charity’s National Animal Cruelty Helpline (1890 515 515).

At a property in Co Roscommon she discovered a litter of four-week-old terrier puppies whose tails had been docked.

ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling explained:

The docking of puppies’ tails and the removal of dew claws by lay-persons was outlawed by the Animal Health and Welfare Act. These procedures can only be conducted by vets under specific conditions and Irish vets are not willing to perform such mutilations for purely cosmetic reasons.

Source: ISPCA photo library

The ISPCA said that inquiries established that the pups’ tails had been docked since the implementation of the new legislation. It was also confirmed that a veterinary surgeon had not been involved.

Inspector Lyons secured the surrender of the puppies into the care of the ISPCA and they were taken for veterinary treatment.

They are now recuperating at the ISPCA National Animal Centre along with their mother.

“I was delighted to have been able to help these little guys out” said Inspector Lyons.

It is great to see the new legislation already having a positive impact on the lives of animals.

Dowling said that “the mutilation of young pups for no good reason will no longer be tolerated”. He added that we need to “get away from the attitude that some breeds don’t look right with long tails”.

People must be aware that, if they illegally dock the tails of pups, we will hear about it and we will act on it.

A file is being prepared in relation to the matter.