Tail docking in horses: a review of the issues.

This research article discusses tail docking procedures in horses, focusing especially on Belgian draft horses, and argues against the practice of tail docking due to its lack of benefits for the horses and potential harm to their welfare. The study was conducted in the context of a legal and ethological evaluation, after a proposed bill seeking legal exemption for the tail docking of Belgian draft horses was presented in Belgium.

Legal Aspects

• The study reviews European laws relating to the procedure of tail docking in horses. In 2001, a Royal Order in Belgium banned the practice of tail docking across several veterinary species including horses.
• In 2004, a counter bill was put forth which sought exemption for Belgian draught horses from this ban, under the claim of tradition. This triggered an ethical and biological evaluation from the Animal Welfare Council of Belgium.

Zootechnic Aspects

• The study also investigates the domestic uses of Belgian draught horses. One of the main arguments for docking their tails is tradition.
• The researchers use an ethological approach, evaluating the behaviour, welfare, and natural living conditions of the horses, to understand whether tail docking offers any positives from the horse’s perspective.

Biological Aspects

• The paper further brings to focus the possible connection between tail docking and induced pain in horses, its implications on their overall welfare when faced with insect harassment and hygiene issues, and also in their expression and communication during mating and social behaviours.
• The research reveals that tail docking in horses, Belgian draught horses included, offers no actual benefits for the animals. The supposed advantages are primarily for human convenience and can be reconsidered considering the practices in other countries that do not practice such docking.

Conclusion

• Given all evidences and evaluation, the research concludes that there is no practical or ethical need for routine tail docking in any breed of horses, other than for certain veterinary reasons.
• The study posits that the interests, traditions, or convenience of humans should not supersede the welfare and natural behaviours of the horses.