DOCKING the tails of working dogs by a third while they are puppies could significantly decrease their risk of injury, according to research.

A survey of more than 1000 owners of working dogs found more than half of undocked spaniels experienced a tail injury of some sort in the last year.

The study from the University of Glasgow was commissioned by the Scottish Government as it considers a change in the law.

Gamekeepers campaigned outside the Scottish Parliament earlier this year to end the ban on tail docking of working dogs.

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association has presented a 4158-signature petition to Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead, calling for the ban to be reversed for working dogs on the grounds of animal welfare.

The researchers at the University of Glasgow concluded docking at a young age would reduce the risk of injury.

A second study from the same group looked at records of working breed tail injuries from veterinary practices across Scotland. It suggests that to prevent one tail injury between 81 and 135 pointer, spaniel and hunt point retriever puppies would need to be docked.

Mr Lochhead is seeking the views of different organisations on the latest reports.

He said: "I must stress that I have as yet taken no firm stance on this; we need to gain a clearer understanding of the views of interested parties in Scotland before any decision is made. I have therefore invited key interested parties to consider the findings of this research."

Docking was outlawed in 2007, with penalties of a fine of up to £5000 and/or six months imprisonment. Exemptions are only made where a tail is injured or diseased.