PART IIIPROTECTION OF ANIMALS

18Docking and nicking of horses.

1

Subject to subsection (2), the docking or nicking of horses is prohibited.

2

Where any veterinary surgeon, after examining a horse certifies in writing that in his opinion the docking or nicking of the horse is necessary for the health of the horse because of disease or injury to the tail, the operation may be performed.

3

Subject to subsection (4), any person who—

a

performs, causes or procures or, being the owner, permits the docking or nicking of a horse otherwise than in accordance with subsection (2); or

b

has in his possession or under his control any docked or nicked horse and is unable to prove that the docking or nicking was performed in accordance with subsection (2);

shall be guilty of an offence of cruelty within the meaning of this Part.

4

A person shall not be liable to be punished more than once in respect of the docking or, as the case may be, of the nicking of any particular horse.

5

In this section—

  • “docking” means the deliberate removal of any bone or any part of a bone from the tail of a horse;

  • “nicking” means the deliberate severing of any tendon or muscle in the tail of a horse.