A bill to ban the docking of dogs' tails passed its first reading with a strong majority in Parliament last night and has been sent to a select committee for public submissions.

The Animal Welfare (Restriction on Docking of Dogs' Tails) Bill was drafted by Labour MP Dianne Yates. It is not a Government bill.

It was introduced in August this year and debated for the first time last night.

Ms Yates said her bill was strongly supported by veterinarians and the SPCA.

It would have no effect on dog shows, because there were no penalties for dogs with tails.

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