What is tail docking on an English bulldog?

In English bulldogs and all other dogs, tail docking is the practice of intentionally removing part of the tail through surgery. Tail docking is a controversial procedure. While some in the United States still perform the procedure, as of 2014, docking is banned in the United Kingdom and Australia.

The American Veterinary Medical Association considers the procedure an unnecessary risk and opposes it, while the American Kennel Club calls tail docking important to the image and presentation of several dog breeds, including Doberman pinschers, schnauzers and German shorthaired pointers. Docking usually occurs within a few days of birth, generally performed by a breeder or veterinarian.