Pat O'Neill (Fine Gael)

The regional game councils or people involved in hunting, shooting or hunting by hounds seek reassurance, as Senator Mooney has pointed out, that the law cannot be misinterpreted by either a veterinary surgeon or, if it goes to a court of law, that their sports and hobbies will be taken into account in this regard. It is in the best interests of certain hunting dogs that their tail is docked due to the fact that it may be a welfare issue.

What is the position on show dogs of certain breeds that have their tails docked? One sees dogs on television at Crufts, for example, that have their tails docked. Could one say it is a welfare issue for a show dog to have its tail docked? I would welcome a comment from the Minister on the matter.