Any UK/England Boxer owners on this forum?

[jmpet26]

We are moving to England in 2014. We know that it's a lengthy process to take Gibby with us, and fairly expensive, but I thought I had all of my ducks in a row until someone that is over there now, informed me that unless I could produce evidence that Gibby's tail was docked legally (by a vet), they would not allow me to bring him into the country or they would fine me if I somehow did get him into the country.

I don't have any documentation on Gibby's tail. It was docked when I got him.

Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone that had experience with owning boxers over there had any insight.

I wish I had gotten Gibby before his tail was docked, but I didn't. I'm praying that my friend is just misunderstanding the law and this won't prevent us from taking him.

[Liz & Ricki]

Hi there.

Which part of the uk are you moving to? We are in the uk.

I have to say, I've never heard this and I think your friend has misunderstood.

Although its illegal here now unless you can prove a valid reason, there are thousands of dogs with docked tails.

My Ricki is docked - that's the way I got him - and I have no documentation at all.



Liz

[Breezygirl]

It sounds odd to me.. however it's not something I have ever come across. Did Gibby come from a breeder?? If so would they get you proof?

[jmpet26]

Originally Posted by Liz & Ricki

Hi there.

Which part of the uk are you moving to? We are in the uk.

I have to say, I've never heard this and I think your friend has misunderstood.

Although its illegal here now unless you can prove a valid reason, there are thousands of dogs with docked tails.

My Ricki is docked - that's the way I got him - and I have no documentation at all.



Liz

Thank you! I was almost certain that she must have misunderstood what someone told her but she had this LONG list of things that she thought would make me rethink bringing Gibby along. She meant well, she really did. She just didn't want us to run into any trouble.

My husband is being stationed at RAF Lakenheath.

[jmpet26]

Originally Posted by Breezygirl

It sounds odd to me.. however it's not something I have ever come across. Did Gibby come from a breeder?? If so would they get you proof?

I did purchase Gibby from a reputable breeder but when the lady became ill, her sister took over the responsibility of finding good homes for the puppies of the litter her dogs last produced. She (the breeder) could no longer take on the responsibilities so she was having her sister find homes for the puppies and was having the parents fixed.

So, whereas she normally would have gotten papers on him and all of that good stuff, the most I ever got was certification from the vet that his parents were healthy, he was healthy and then I signed the paper agreeing that I was purchasing Gibby as a companion animal, would not be breeding him and that I would have him neutered. (I don't know if that's standard but I never planned on breeding him or anything so I had no problem signing it.)

Nothing I have from the vet mentions his tail.

Unfortunately, I'm not in contact with either the sister or the breeder anymore. I saw the sister on Facebook now and then for a while, and sent pictures of Gibby to his "grandma," as she called herself, but eventually I no longer heard from the sister anymore.

I did swap numbers with the new family of one of Gibby's siblings, though. Although, I DOUBT her documentation for the puppies had anything more than mine.

[jmpet26]

I'm so stupid...I have the papers from the vet regarding his health. I could CALL them and ask if they have anything regarding his tail.

I'm not sure how I would identify him to them, though...

[Breezygirl]

Well Im sure they would be able to look it up for you. You could offer the papers you do have as proof! Im sure that they would help you! Its not like proof for tail is something somebody needs everyday. I think that they would be able to help you (if needed)

[Liz & Ricki]

Ive had a quick look on the internet re the animal welfare act and the changes that came in to place re docking in the uk.

Theres loads and loads of info and documentation you need to get a tail docked (and i mean loads!) but it doesnt say anything about needing it to get into the country.

Lakenheath isnt near me (about 2 hours drive) but its in a beautiful part of the country!

Loads of fantastic places for Gibby to go wandering in!

[jmpet26]

Originally Posted by Liz & Ricki

Ive had a quick look on the internet re the animal welfare act and the changes that came in to place re docking in the uk.

Theres loads and loads of info and documentation you need to get a tail docked (and i mean loads!) but it doesnt say anything about needing it to get into the country.

Lakenheath isnt near me (about 2 hours drive) but its in a beautiful part of the country!

Loads of fantastic places for Gibby to go wandering in!

Thank you for your help! We are very excited about moving over there. I think Gibby and my kids are going to love it!

[Liz & Ricki]

You're welcome. I'm sure you'll love it.

Liz