Tail docking of horses

Authors: Gumbrell RC
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 34, Issue 6, pp 98, Jun 1986
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Horse, Livestock
Subject Terms: Animal welfare, Surgery
Article class: Correspondence

---

Abstract: I have been asked to comment on the docking of horses` tails by lay people. This is further to the letter to the editor by Glyn Patchett regarding tail docking of horses in a recent issue of this Journal. The Animals Protection Act 1960 states: “3. Offences of cruelty Every person commits an offence, and shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to a fine not exceeding [$1000] or to both, who-”; and the 1971 amendments state: (m) Docks, or causes or procures to be docked, the tail of any horse, unless the docking is performed by or under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon or veterinary practitioner; or (ma) Performs, or causes or procures to be performed, on the tail of any horse the operation known as knicking;. . .”. Thus any person who docks the tail of a horse without veterinary supervision, by whatever means, is contravening this Act…

---