After an unprecedented voter response from the registrants of the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia (CVBC), in Canada, 91.5% of those who voted cast their ballots in favor of banning the cosmetic tail docking of dogs, horses, and cattle, and cosmetic tail alteration in horses.

The decision brings British Columbia in line with the majority of provinces across Canada and supports the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s position on the practices.

“Veterinarians in British Columbia have advanced animal welfare in the province through this vote,” said College president Dr. Brendan Matthews. “British Columbia now joins the four Atlantic provinces, and Quebec, on banning these cosmetic procedures.”

No scientific evidence supports a welfare or medical benefit for tail docking or alteration, but evidence does show a detrimental effect on behavior and animal communication, as well as the risk for infection and phantom pain