Gamekeepers stage docking ban protest

CAMPAIGNERS fighting a total ban on the docking of dogs' tails were mounting a last-ditch protest today as MSPs debated new animal welfare laws.

The Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Bill - which outlaws the tail docking - was set to pass its final parliamentary hurdle today.

Members of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) are fighting the outright ban and were staging a demonstration outside Holyrood, demanding the Scottish Executive exclude working dogs.

SGA chairman Alex Hogg said working dogs were prone to injuring their tails in heavy undergrowth, causing them more suffering than docking.

He said: "We could have the ridiculous situation where working dogs in Scotland are condemned to lives of extreme pain and suffering as well as potentially extensive surgery."

But a total ban is being backed by Green MSPs and animal campaigners, including The Duchess of Hamilton.

Advocates for Animals director Ross Minett said most people and vets in Scotland supported an outright ban.