Tail docking, ear cropping, etc.

Spyglass Sally · 08-21-2009, 05:59 AM

There was some discussion on another thread about tail docking so I thought I'd post this as an FYI. According to the September issue of Whole Dog Journal:

In July, the nation’s largest chain of animal hospitals, with more than 730 locations and 2,000 veterinarians, announced that it will no longer perform ear cropping, tail docking, or devocalization on dogs.

Banfield, The Pet Hospital, based in Portland, Oregon, has determined that it’s in the best interests of its clients’ animal companions to stop offering these cosmetic surgeries. In doing so, Banfield is conforming with this position statement passed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in November 2008:

“The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes. The AVMA encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards.”

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association also opposes cosmetic surgeries. Ear cropping and tail docking are banned in Australia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Scotland, and parts of Austria.

The American Kennel Club, on the other hand, remains a loud voice of opposition to anti-cropping and anti-docking policies and legislation. The AKC position statement says, “The American Kennel Club recognizes that ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal, as described in certain breed standards, are acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health.”

The AKC further states, “Any inference that these procedures are ‘cosmetic’ and unnecessary is a severe mischaracterization that connotes a lack of respect and knowledge of history and the function of purebred dogs.”

The Banfield announcement was released just in time to support the efforts of animal advocates working to ban devocalization of dogs in the state of Massachusetts, House Bill 344. That bill was scheduled to be heard in the state legislature in early August.

KeeperBoy · 08-21-2009, 06:08 AM

I really hope America is moving in the same direction other countries have.

Personally, I don't agree with docking and cropping. I don't see any validity in the arguments for the procedures. Anything having to do with the history of the breed I have a hard time with because it is just that, history. Plenty of bad things could be deemed historical but that doesn't mean they should continue.

AussieGirl · 08-21-2009, 06:20 AM

I think they will follow suit at some stage. It seems that the Kennel Clubs in each country are the ones to put up the biggest fight against the bans, over here it still states in the Boxer standard that a docked tail is preferable - even though it has been ban since 2004, so now there are alot of breeders exploring the Bobtail Boxer (I've been meaning to start a post on the Bobtails I might do so in the next few days) alot of breeders also gave up showing and breeding with the ban - I tried to look up the breeder of Ruby's sire and they aren't around anymore and ones that friends have refered me to aren't either.
Just an FYI devocalisation was ban over here quite some time before docking, so if it goes through over there I think the rest will eventually follow.
I had a disagreement with an American breeder about the ban of tail docking and ear cropping happening in the US so your info has brought a smile to my face - thanks

bruinsBoxers · 08-21-2009, 07:45 AM

I hope that cropping and docking is always allowed . To me it is part of our freedom of choice . And we should be able to make those choices for ourselves . I will not say I feel either way is better than the other but we each should be able to have our choices in the matter .It is just one small piece of a bigger picture .

Banfield has never even done cropping in any of their clinics so their decision will not impact any of the vets or people who choose to crop . As far as docking I don't think they offered this procedure either .

I truly believe that our choices on how we care for our dogs ( cats etc.. ) is slowly being taken away from the AR extremists ( PETA and H$U$ ). There is so much legislation going on right now and always across the coutry it is scary . And all of it is trying to take away our right to own certain types of breeds and how many we can have to how we let them live . Some legislation is trying to make crating illegal and even keeping a dog behind your property fence illegal .
First it is ears & tails then it is no more short muzzles , no more long backs , etc... it will never stop until there are no more pets at all . And I am not kidding . It is a very slippery slope .

brindlebox · 08-21-2009, 08:13 AM

I believe that tails should be allowed to be docked, I have heard of too many horror stories of boxers that have to get it done when they are older and this is now an amputation cause there tails break soo easily. As for the ears I don't really care I like natural ears cause I don't have the time to make an ear stand. I think it should be your choice if you want the ears done.

KeeperBoy · 08-21-2009, 08:19 AM

I just don't see how it is humane to cut off a good part of a dog's ear for your own pleasure, or choice or whatever you want to call it. I just read an article about an owner shaving off her dog's teeth so it's bite doesn't hurt as badly. Where is the line drawn? Isn't it our responsibility as humans to care for these animals, not cause undue pain and suffering.

The tail docking I see some grey area in. I am against it, but I can see the other side too... I cannot see the other side of an argument for cropping a dog's ears. Does it have health benefits? If done at a certain age is it painless?

If Keepers could talk I can't see him signing up to have his ears cut off.

JoeV · 08-21-2009, 08:35 AM

I think this is a good well-rounded article on the subject. The author makes some great points.
http://www.helium.com/items/1185246-...g-ear-cropping

daisy'smom · 08-21-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeV

I think this is a good well-rounded article on the subject. The author makes some great points.
http://www.helium.com/items/1185246-...g-ear-cropping

That article makes some very good points.

KeeperBoy · 08-21-2009, 09:05 AM

Is there a vast network of underground cropping going on in other countries? Are the laws in Europe/Australia hard to enforce?

If it was against the law to crop I would bet my bank account a lot of pople would stop cropping and docking. Eventually perceptions will change, they have overseas.

JoeV · 08-21-2009, 09:09 AM

I don't know about here in America, but from what I understand, other countries, mainly 2nd world, have "doctors or surgeons" and perform lots of things both on humans and animals.