§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's policy towards the proposed Council of Europe convention banning the docking of dogs' tails; and what consultations he has undertaken on the issue with representatives of breeders and owners in the United Kingdom.
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§ Mr. MellorThe Government welcome the continuing work in the Council of Europe on issues of animal welfare in general and are maintaining a close interest in the preparation of a draft convention for the protection of pet animals. We are currently in correspondence with the Kennel Club and the Joint Advisory Committee on Pets in Society about various provisions in the draft convention, notably the article which would prohibit tail-docking and certain other surgical procedures unless a veterinary surgeon considers it to be in the interest of the welfare of the animal. We are also taking into account a number of representations about tail-docking received from owners and breeders.