In many parts of the world, tail docking is now illegal for cosmetic purposes. In the United Kingdom, for example, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 prohibits tail docking unless it is necessary for medical or functional reasons, such as preventing injury or disease. Similar legislation exists in many other European countries, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the United States.
In the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) officially opposes cosmetic tail docking and considers it an unnecessary surgical procedure. The AVMA encourages veterinarians to educate pet owners about the welfare concerns associated with tail docking and to refrain from performing the procedure unless it is medically necessary.
However, it's important to note that there are still some countries and regions where tail docking is still practiced for cosmetic purposes or as part of traditional cultural practices. In these areas, the legality and prevalence of tail docking may vary.
Overall, the trend in most developed countries is towards stricter regulations on tail docking, with a focus on animal welfare and the belief that tail docking for cosmetic reasons is unnecessary and cruel.