SIR - In reply to the recent correspondence from M Billingham on the subject of tail docking for working dogs, the most important reason for tail-docking is the welfare of the dog.

After this, the decision is based on the breed of dog and the work it will undertake. Breeds such as the spaniel work in heavy undergrowth,including brambles. Annually, farmers dock millions of lambs because of animal welfare. Amazingly, this has not raised the storm of unfounded and emotive criticism we have witnessed over the docking by veterinary surgeons of a few thousand dogs.

JON BURGESS,

Malvern.