John Hutchinson , a researcher at the University of London's Royal Veterinary College, has used this paradigm to reckon the top speeds of ostriches and elephants.

FORBES: What's The Human Speed Limit?

"Bigger animals need more robust supportive tissues in order to support their weight, " says John Hutchinson, lecturer and researcher at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London.

FORBES: King Kong Vs. T. Rex

An independent group led by Professor Chris Wathes of the Royal Veterinary College will assess whether the new trials kill enough badgers (more than 70%) and whether they are killed humanely.

BBC: Badger cull will reduce cattle TB infections slightly

Dominic Wells of the Royal Veterinary College agreed.

BBC: Activists' pressure 'slowing animal imports'

Meanwhile, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has called on the government to commit to a full public inquiry into the handling of the epidemic.

BBC: Farm leaders admit disease mistakes

Following the government move, the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in November 1992, ruled docking to be unethical, "unless for therapeutic or acceptable prophylactic reasons".

BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | Concern over puppy dogs' tails