Protection of Animals Kept For Farming Purposes Act 1984 (Bovine Animals) (Prohibition on Tail Docking) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 263 of 2003). Country/Territory Ireland Document type Regulation Date 2003 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Livestock Keyword Animal welfare Cattle Geographical area Atlantic Ocean Islands, Europe, Europe and Central Asia, European Union Countries, North Atlantic, North-East Atlantic, Northern Europe Abstract These Regulations prohibit removal or mutilation of the tail or part of the tail of a bovine animals except in limited circumstances. The Rule shall not apply to the removal of the tail of a bovine animal: (a) under and in accordance with a licence granted under section 8 of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876, or (b) after administration of an anaesthetic, by a registered veterinary surgeon where, in his or her opinion, it is necessary for the proper treatment of disease or injury in a single animal. Full text English Website www.agriculture.gov.ie