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Tail docking: a professional dilemma for veterinary nurses
Abstract
Different groups hold strong opinions on tail docking in certain breeds. These range from veterinary organisations and welfare groups, who typically want the practice banned, to breeders and associations, who typically oppose any banning of the procedure. For veterinary nurses in practice faced with assisting with the tail docking procedure, numerous ethical and moral dilemmas present themselves and must be navigated. This article deals with a tail-docking scenario that can present in veterinary practice and looks at the legal, professional and ethical issues that arise and potential recommendations that could be implemented in the future.
Five, 3-day old Springer Spaniel puppies presented to a small animal practice based in England for tail docking. The dam was also present but was not with the puppies while the procedure was conducted. The owner was a known breeder to the practice and usually sold their puppies on for working. All relevant paperwork was in order and the procedure was carried out by the senior vet. Two registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) were present and responsible for assisting the veterinary surgeon by restraining each puppy in turn for the docking procedure and for monitoring the remaining puppies during and following the procedure.
One of the RVNs felt uncomfortable witnessing and being part of the docking procedure and was concerned that by participating, they may be in breach of the declaration made on registration to their profession and at risk of violating their Code of Professional Conduct.
This article reviews the associated legislation and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) professional guidance on tail docking, discusses the rationale for and against puppy tail docking and provides an explanation of this RVN's moral dilemma when being asked to assist in tail docking of puppies, offering some suggestions for the future.
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