Dog who had tail amputated from wagging it too hard banned from competing at Crufts

The three year old Dalmatian Vizsla cross named Gwen suffered from ‘happy tail syndrome’, which caused wounds and dislocations.

The wounds got so severe that vets advised owner Sophie Scott-Thomas to opt for a legal medical amputation.

Ever since Gwen has been “happy” and “loving” and Sophie had been delighted when the pair got selected to represent Wales at Crufts 2025.

She was devastated when hours later, she was informed that Gwen was disqualified due to Defra (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) regulations prohibiting docked dogs from competing in fee-paying events.

Docking, as defined by UK law, typically refers to the removal of a puppy’s tail without anaesthetic and not for medical purposes, which is illegal in the UK. This, of course, was not the case for Gwen, whose tail was legally amputated.

Outraged Sophie, a qualified nurse from Merthyr Tydfil, has since launched a petition imploring Defra to allow dogs who have been ‘docked’ for medical reasons to participate in shows.

“I feel genuinely sad,” she said, “We’ve come so far together.

“There should be an exception for dogs that have been medically docked.

“Gwen is not just a dog; she is my teammate and my inspiration.

“Competitive obedience showcases the incredible bond between handler and dog, yet Defra’s rule disregards this, forcing handlers like me to fight for the recognition we deserve.”

Gwen’s procedure took place when she was two, and included anaesthetic, an element often missing in illegal docking cases.

In 2023, she had to have her tail amputated due to what is known as “happy tail syndrome.”

“It’s when they wag their tail so vigorously it knocks things and causes injuries,” Sophie explained.

The decision for amputation came after Gwen suffered two breaks and a dislocation.

By the time of the procedure, Sophie said Gwen’s tail had developed so much muscle from wagging that it was akin to a “limb amputation”.

Sophie had been training Gwen in obedience since she was a puppy and was thrilled when they were selected for the Welsh Crufts team in obedience in November 2024. However, their joy was short-lived when they were informed that Gwen could not participate because of her docked tail.

Under section six of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it is illegal to show a dog with a docked tail at an event where the public pays an admission fee. This rule applies regardless of why the tail was removed, with the only exception being certified working dogs shown solely to demonstrate their working ability.

Sophie expressed her disappointment, saying: “It feels like we’re being penalised for doing something in her best interests.

“I now feel as though all the time, effort, and energy we’ve invested has been wasted.

“This rule is unfair, outdated, and deeply discouraging for dog owners and handlers like me who have worked tirelessly to pursue their passion for competitive obedience.”

You can support Sophie’s cause by signing her petition – 

A Defra spokesperson said: “We are proud to have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world. “It is a criminal offence in England and Wales to dock a dog’s tail unless an exemption applies, and those found breaking the law may be prosecuted,” the spokesperson explained.

The ban on showing dogs with docked tails aims to discourage tail docking for aesthetic reasons. A representative from The Kennel Club acknowledged the situation, stating: “We are aware of this situation, but in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006, a dog with a medically docked tail cannot be shown at events in England and Wales where the public pay admission fees.

“A limited exemption applies to certified working dogs, with docked tails, demonstrating their working ability. Sadly there is no provision within the legislation for a dog which has had its tailed docked on medical grounds to be shown at an event where the public pay admission fees, unless it is a certified working dog as defined within the regulations.”