KUSA Statement to Members regarding the S.A. Veterinary Council (SAVC) stance on tail docking

1. KUSA has taken note of communications by way of written documents and newsletters from the various parties involved in all aspects of tail docking and, drawing from the available information and without detracting from the various communications, provides the following information for its members.

2. The Veterinary Act established the SAVC and empowered it to make rules regulating the veterinary profession and, in terms of Section 30(3) of the Veterinary Act, any rule made by the SAVC will not be of any force and effect until such time as the Minister has approved the rule and it has been published in the government gazette by the Registrar (of the SAVC).

3. A thorough search of the government gazettes since the 2nd June, 2006 resolution taken by the SAVC to declare tail docking an unethical procedure for veterinarians has revealed no Ministerial notice confirming the approval of this resolution and the KUSA's legal advice confirms that Ministerial approval is required in terms of Section 30 of the Veterinary and Para-veterinary Professionals Act, 1982.

4. KUSA's point of view is that humane veterinary procedures must remain available to all dog owners at all times for any treatment the owner or breeder deems necessary and the KUSA supports the right of choice for the individual, be it breeder, dog owner or practicing veterinarian.