A LIST MSP has slammed local SNP and Tory MSPs for voting to lift the ban on tail docking puppies.

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth criticised the seven members of the Scottish Parliament’s Environment Committee that voted in favour of the “outdated, unnecessary and painful practice”.

The Conservative’s Finlay Carson and the SNP’s Emma Harper, representing South Scotland, voted to put the proposals to the full parliament. Only Labour, including South Scotland MSP Claudia Beamish, and the Greens voted against the proposals.

Mr Smyth said: “It is a disgrace that SNP and Tory MSPs have voted together to reintroduce the outdated, unnecessary and painful practice of tail shortening puppies.

“This involves the cutting through or the crushing of skin, muscles, up to seven pairs of nerves, bone and cartilage in puppies under five days old – without any anaesthetic whatsoever.

“No wonder the lifting of the ban is opposed by the British Veterinary Association and every single animal welfare charity.

“It is utterly barbaric and that’s why the last Labour government in Scotland banned this cruel procedure.”

The Scottish Government banned tail docking in 2007 as part of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act, becoming the only part of the UK with a blanket ban.

The proposed changes would allow tail docking limited to the last third of the tail.

Mr Smyth added: “It is particularly shocking that MSPs who claim to support animal welfare say one thing in public but simply do as their party bosses tell them in parliament, even if that means voting for what is animal cruelty.

“Tail docking new born puppies has no place in decent society and by voting to reintroduce the Tories and SNP have shown they have no interest animal welfare in Scotland.

“I would urge the public to lobby their MSPs over this matter before the full legislation comes to the Scottish Parliament.

“I will certainly be doing all I can to fight to protect dogs from this brutal backwards move.”

Last night, the Scottish Government approved the plans.