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Friday, June 18, 2010

Dog fancier takes tail docking protest to show ring

 

UPDATE - Nora Sadler reports that the judge disqualified her from competition today for showing her Weimaraner with a natural tail. Sadler says she protested, arguing that the "undocked" tail should result in a deduction of points not a dismissal from the class. She said she has sent a letter to the American Kennel Club asking that the judge be reprimanded and will return on Sunday to try to show her dog again, hoping to appear before a different judge. Sadler also says that several Weimaraner exhibitors told her they supported her efforts.

A Chadds Ford woman is taking her opposition to tail docking to the American Kennel Club show ring this weekend.

Nora Sadler plans to show her Weimaraner Whistler - his tail long and intact, not stubby or docked - at the Bryn Mawr Kennel Club. Sadler says she realizes she will be, well, docked a few points to showing Whistler with his full tail, but is hoping to draw attention to the fact the sporting dog clubs still proclaim the docked tail as the breed standard.

Sadler says in most European countries, including Germany where the Weimaraner breed originated, and England, the practice of docking tails and cropping ears is banned. She says she is among a growing number of people in this country who believe this practice is cruel and unneccessary.

"I've been told that puppies don't feel anything when they are 2-5 days old, yet a book written by a veterinarian says they cry and bleed," Sadler wrote in an email. "Not only do dogs use their tail for expression but also for balance. Of course they can compensate just like a human who has one's toes amputated.Those that favor docking say it's for the dog's safety. I've had four Weimaraners with tails who run through brush and woods and there has never been a problem with their tails. There are several other sporting breeds that do not get their tails docked such as the English Pointer and Setter, the Irish Setter, Labradors and Golden Retrievers."

The American Veterinary Medical Association opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes and encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards.

The Bryn Mawr Kennel Club show is being held at the Ludwigs Corner Horse Show Grounds on Rt. 100 north of Rt. 401. Sadler and Whistler will be showing at is 9:45 am on Saturday and 12:45 p.m. on Sunday.

 
Posted by Amy Worden @ 11:07 PM  Permalink | 4 comments
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:28 AM, 06/19/2010
    It is true that all the places including where alot of the hunting dogs originated from no longer dock the tails. it is banned totally and is considered cruelity. To me that is common sense that tail docking and ear cropping should not be done. the tail has feeling in it just as anything else so it really hurts to have that done. Most vets here do it when the dog is young and they do not even numb the poor dogs or anything. They are awake and feel every bit of the pain. to me this should be against the law and hopfully soon it will be.
    — the3walcks
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:28 AM, 06/19/2010
    It is true that all the places including where alot of the hunting dogs originated from no longer dock the tails. it is banned totally and is considered cruelity. To me that is common sense that tail docking and ear cropping should not be done. the tail has feeling in it just as anything else so it really hurts to have that done. Most vets here do it when the dog is young and they do not even numb the poor dogs or anything. They are awake and feel every bit of the pain. to me this should be against the law and hopfully soon it will be.
    — the3walcks
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:49 AM, 06/19/2010
    Thanks heavens someone in the world of dog fancy has some common sense. If you do not like the natural look of a dog (with a tail and real ears,) then don't choose that breed. If you do not know how to prevent a cat from scratching your furniture(de-clawing removes the equivalent of the first joint of a finger,) don't get a cat! And, yes, puppies and kittens who are mutilated this was cry and cry and cry because they are in pain. DUH.
    — jtoruska
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:38 PM, 06/20/2010
    I have docked dogs and the sight sickens me. Why mutilate these animal for either show, or fighting. I hope it's stopped
    — joycefoxfeld


4 comments
About Amy Worden
Amy Worden is a politics and government reporter for the Inquirer. In that capacity she has explored a range of animal issues from dog kennel law improvements and horse slaughter to the comeback of peregrine falcons and pigeon hunts. From hamsters to horses, animals have always been part of her life. To pass along a tip or contact Amy, click here.
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