BASC: MSP launches petition to allow docking for working dogs again

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Ted Brocklebank has launched a petition calling for the Scottish Parliament to allow tail docking of working dogs in Scotland.

Launching the petition at the British Association for Shooting and Conservation’s (BASC) Country Fair at Port of Menteith, Stirlingshire Mr Brocklebank said: “It is perverse that a pregnant bitch can be taken south of the border to have her pups and that those pups can have their tails shortened before being brought back to Scotland.”

He continued: “Alex Salmond voted for the working dog exemption from a total ban on tail docking in England. Let’s hope that the First Minister will bring this matter back before the Scottish Parliament and that common sense prevails.”

James Scott, BASC Scotland’s press and policy officer, said: “The petition has already received over 1,000 signatures. We are very pleased that Mr Brocklebank, who has always spoken passionately on behalf of working dogs in Scotland, has added his support, and that of the Conservative Group at Holyrood, to our campaign.”

The petition is being jointly organised by Scotland’s leading rural organisations: BASC Scotland, the Scottish Countryside Alliance, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association and the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association.

Paper copies of the petition will be available to sign at all major country shows and game fairs or the petition can be signed electronically at www.taildocking.org.uk.

ENDS

Photos of Ted Brocklebank MSP launching the petition are available, for more information please contact James Scott at BASC Scotland on 01350 723226.