Tail docking is now banned in all states of Australia. The legislation came into effect at different times for different states, but by the beginning of 2003/4, it was banned in all states. It may still be carried out by a veterinary surgeon for “therapeutic and prophylactic reasons”, but few vets are prepared to do it.
Breeders are totally banned from docking.
Personally nothing better then a well carried tail on a dog..
The cosmetic tail docking of dogs is now in effect, this means let me say it AGAIN that dog’s tails should no longer be docked by anyone other than a vet for reasons that are in the best interests of the animal concerned, i.e.only when a tail has been damaged through injury or disease.
Fines are up to $15,000 for anyone caught docking dogs tail.
| State |
Yes/No | name of relevant act/special conditions and requirements |
| ACT | No | Animal Welfare Act 1992 – Section 19A |
| NSW | No | Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 – Section 12 |
| NT | No | Animal Welfare Act 2007 – Section 9 |
| QLD | No | Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 – Section 24 |
| SA | No | Animal Welfare Regulations 2000 – Regulation 6 |
| TAS | No | Animal Welfare Regulations 2008 – Regulation 5 |
| VIC | No | Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tail Docking of Dogs) Regulations 2004 – Regulation 7A |
| WA | No | Animal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003 – Regulation 14 |
