Tail docking
The BVNA agrees with the other veterinary bodies and indeed the RCVS guidance that tail docking should only be used for prophylactic purposes, and not cosmetic reasons. Veterinary nurses should be responsible for their practice and should raise their concerns with the veterinary surgeon if they are not comfortable assisting with any particular procedure. Although still working under the direction of the veterinary surgeon, with the advent of voluntary regulation veterinary nurses should not carry out procedures that they consider to be unethical, illegal or outside their competence. Guidance on tail docking and other regulatory matters can be sought from the RCVS: www.rcvs.org.uk.