The Welfare of Animals (Docking of Working Dogs’ Tails and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

Under section 6 of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, certain working dogs may be exempted by regulation from the prohibition of the removal of the whole or any part of a dog’s tail, otherwise than for the purpose of medical treatment.

Regulation 3 sets out the requirements to be observed before a veterinary surgeon may certify that the dog is a working dog. Regulation 3(1)(a) and the Schedule specify the breeds of dog that are capable of being certified, and regulation 3(1)(c) and (2) describes the further evidence (concerning the likelihood that the dog will be used for certain work) that is required to be shown to a veterinary surgeon in order to obtain such a certificate. Regulation 4 prescribes the way in which a dog whose tail is docked is to be identified by microchipping. Regulation 5 provides for inspection of records. Regulations 6 and 7 make miscellaneous amendments to the Welfare of Animals (Permitted Procedures by Lay Persons) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012 No.153) and the Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012 No.156).

The Schedule prescribes the form in which the certificate is to be given.

A regulatory impact assessment has been prepared for these Regulations and placed in the library of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Copies can be obtained from Animal Health and Welfare Policy Division, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland or from the Department’s website (www.dardni.gov.uk).