(The following letter, written by Tom Rogers, was sent out in opposition to the proposed legislation in New York banning tail docking.

Please feel free to copy and modify the letter, so you can mail off your opposition to such a ban which may be included in similar proposed bills across the country.)

The Honorable William Magee
Chairman Agricultural Committee
New York State Assembly
LOB 828
Albany, NY 12248

Dear Chairman Magee:

I am writing today on behalf of the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club and our 12 affiliated regional specialty clubs stretching from Hawaii to New York in opposition to A.7218, a bill to ban tail docking

. Members of the USKBTC attend AKC canine events in New York weekly spending tens of thousands of dollars in the state on an annual basis. The elimination of tail docked dogs from such events would have a considerable financial impact on New York and its businesses.

Tail docking is a standard, accepted practice for more than 50 AKC recognized breeds that are active in the field when puppies are generally less than 5 days old and the tail bones and nervous systems are not fully formed. This procedure prevents painful and serious injury later in life when the dogs perform the functions for which they were bred. Any inference that these procedures are unnecessary is a severe mischaracterization indicating a lack of knowledge of the historic functions of pure bred dogs. Please visit the USKBTC website at www.uskbtc.com for additional information regarding tail docking.

The criminalization of tail docking in A7218 penalizes responsible dog owners for taking appropriate, safe action to avoid painful injuries to the dogs they love and care for.

I respectfully urge you to oppose A. 7218 when it comes before you in the Assembly Agriculture Committee.

Sincerely,
Thomas W. Rogers
President-United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club
4334 E. Aliso Canyon
Phoenix, Az. 85044

Last Updated: 04/23/2009, 5:45 pm