Question about docked tails

Family, Education, Health and Pets
1
Hello!

Kind of a strange question but my mother, who lives in the states, has two stumpy tailed cattle dog mixes. She's updating her Will and would like to leave them in my care were something to happen to her.

But they are adopted and she isn't 100% sure they are naturally stumpy tailed or if they were docked.

They are her life and she's in a bit of a panic now, thinking they won't be able to come into Switzerland. So I thought I'd ask in here if anyone has any information or experience with proving a dog has a naturally short tail? Or if I would be allowed to bring them in (hopefully never have to) as it would be a 'special' circumstance?

Thank you!

2
If you speak German, you can find a lot of answers here. Under point 5 there is also an email address you can send your questions to.

3
If you are already resident in Switzerland you may not import a (surgically) docked tailed dog.

The one time exception, for a family moving to Switzerland with their family dog traveling at the same time they do, does not apply if you are already resident here.

A natural shortened tail or natural lack of tail is allowed... but if questioned the burden of proof is on you. Be aware if this is a breed where docking was common more scrutiny might ensue.

Now... is there any 'compassionate' leeway?

You will have to contact the Veterinäramt in your canton with the details of the situation and ask for their ruling.

My experience via our rescue work has been no exceptions granted, even for a dog who was the victim of a horrific attack that resulted in the loss of his tail, a breed that has never held docking as a conformation standard - which is what the law is trying to combat in the first place.

But as with everything in Switzerland, YMMV. Put your case together as sympathetically as you can, and see what the Veterinäramt has to say.

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I do know of one person who when faced with a similar dilemma deregistered and left Switzerland to move back to the US to take on a family member's dog, then moved again to Switzerland a year or so later, taking advantage of the usual family dog exception. This, however, was many years ago.

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IMO and IME, it might be prudent for your mother to come up with a Plan B, as difficult as it might be for her. How to provide for our beloved pets after we are gone is a worry many of us face, so I sincerely empathise.

All the best....

ETA:

In post 33 of this thread, Patxi wrote about importing a dog with a congenitally short tail:

https://www.englishforum.ch/pet-corn...la-c-te-2.html

4
thank you!

5
Thank you so much! I've passed this whole comment on to my mom. I think we will start to consider a plan b that is stateside, as heartbreaking for it is for her to think of them being with anyone but family.

Would you suggest that I already contact the Veterinäramt? Or would that been frowned upon?

6
Contract the Verterinäramt about what?

From how I understood it, your mother is alive and kicking and I don't know how young these dogs are but it could well be your mother survives them. Plus, by the time the situation may arise, so many things may have changed.

I think a plan B is a good idea for updating the will. And then go on to "relax, it may never happen"?

7

Has she asked her vet if they can tell if the tails are natural or not? I’ve no idea if it’s possible, but it never hurts to ask.

8
Just a little side story. My dog came tail-less from the factory. One day, while leaving the post office, an older lady had to comment, that it is cruelty to the animal what I've done to the dog.

9
I've had to contact the vet Amt several times, I always found them very nice and supportive in answering questions. Based on the experience I had, I wouldn't worry about looking bad at all.