This practice has persisted to the present day, with most ear cropping performed on specific dog breeds for cosmetic reasons rather than bullfighting or defense against wolves. In Pennsylvania, docking may not be performed by. background:#ffffff !important; This surgery can result in significant post-operative pain for the pet as well as psychological trauma for the doggo. Patterson-Kane doesnt support the procedure herself. Alaska and Louisiana allow tail docking, but only if it is sanitary, minimizes the dogs pain and distress, and is done quickly. #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel-title > a.collapsed:hover:after{ Not one will give you a straight answer regarding the legality of tail docking, ear cropping, declawing and other surgical procedures deemed medically unnecessary by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Ear cropping is a cosmetic procedure whereby the ear flaps are vertically incised to allow them to stand upright. PTSD, infection, social phobia, and intense fear are all possibilities for the dog. Both the pet parents and other canines, including the dog whose ears were cropped, face long-term and short-term problems as a result of the removal of such an important part of the body. 2. And because their ear is still soft, ear cropping on it is normally done when the dog is still a puppy. Dogs of war have been predominantly shifted to the shepherd family, including malinois, GSDs, and Dutch shepherds whose ears generally stand naturally. It is really forced mutilation so that makes dogs look prettier or fiercer.This practice is illegal in many countries in Europe but it has yet to be outlawed in the US, where it can still be performed by a licensed Veterinarian. color:#ffffff !important; The AVMA reports that like any incision, cropping increases the chances for infection. Sign the petition, oppose the practice of ear cropping dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes, and encourage the elimination of ear cropping from breed standards. Yay! Veterinarian, columnist, blogger, foodie. Although ear cropping has not been prohibited within the United States, many veterinarians are refusing to perform the procedure. How would you respond if your parents forced you to get an ear chopped merely because it looks good? is a question Id like to ask here. Nowadays, most people dont take their American Bully on hunting trips, but a lot of people enter their dogs into dog shows. It also demands that the ear cropping be appropriate for the animal, stopping just shy of the words, medical necessity., Illinois: This state prohibits animal torture but makes an exception for alteration of an animal as long as its done under the direction of a licensed veterinarian., Maine: While Maine explicitly prohibits mutilation, it makes an exception for procedures performed by a licensed veterinarian. FindLaw.com Free, trusted legal information for consumers and legal professionals, SuperLawyers.com Directory of U.S. attorneys with the exclusive Super Lawyers rating, Abogado.com The #1 Spanish-language legal website for consumers, LawInfo.com Nationwide attorney directory and legal consumer resources. But it is still considered legal in countries like Canada and India. The pre-procedure steps might include decreasing the amount of food they get the night before or getting some kind of supplement to help them feel ready. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help. Although it is prohibited in the United Kingdom and other European countries; ear cropping is still legal in North America, with the exception of a few states such as New York. margin-bottom:30px; The practice has been banned in the UK since the 2006 Animal Welfare Act. } This sci-fi thriller for mature readers imagines a not-so-distant futurea world of . According to Tier 1 Veterinary Medical Center, this procedure can involve the surgical removal of most to all of the flappy portion of the ear. The eight states with controlled ear cropping laws include Pennsylvania, Washington, New York, Virginia, and Massachusetts Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Despite the international disagreement over the practice, both the Canadian and American Kennel Clubs encourage and may even require cropping for show dogs. Most European countries have outlawed ear cropping. Why? Ear cropping is a painful treatment. padding: 0 !important; You can learn more about the breed standards of bullies in this guide on American Bully types. Ohio: OH prohibits the devocalization of dogs which have been deemed dangerous. Austria, Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, Sweden, Bulgaria, Romania and Switzerland have signed and ratified the Convention without reservations. Tail docking is also illegal, except for a few working breeds; this exemption applies only when carried out by a registered veterinary surgeon. Ear cropping is illegal in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Slovak Republic, and parts of Europe. font-weight:500 !important; The space your dog is in should be kept clean, dry, and free of urine and feces. left:0px !important; Over the last year, there have been reports of a huge increase in the ear cropping of dogs. Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington State impose certain restrictions, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. (it will mean a lot to us ), If youre an American Bully owner, you probably know they can change from being adorable little furry creatures to becoming big adults who are a mess in an instant. Our content is for educational purposes only. Like the dog tail, the ear is an important part of a dogs communication system. However, no data support the idea that cropping a dogs ears improves its health or hearing. Ear-cropping causes pain and distress to dogs. In England and Wales, ear cropping is illegal, and no dog with cropped ears can take part in any Kennel Club event (including agility and other non-conformation events). In guardian dog breeds, ear cropping was often carried out due to the belief that an erect ear was better capable of detecting sounds compared to a floppy ear. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there is no real evidence that ear cropping prevents ear infections in dogs. Both now prevent landlords from requiring that cats be declawed as a condition of tenancy. But not just because they hedge, waffle and prevaricate. padding: 15px 15px 15px 50px !important; width: 18px !important; after a 2007 decree against the act, still sits on the fence. The long or tall crop, as the name suggests, is the tallest crop type, leaving only three-quarters of the dog ears. February 14, 2023 Victoria There are a number of states that regulate ear popping of dogs. Contact us. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Animal torture is illegal in Illinois (includes both ear cropping & tail docking) but has an exception for altering an animal done under the direction of a licensed vet. Dog ears are subjected to barbaric mutilation.. It has increased by 600 percent, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). color:#ffffff !important; Ear cropping is currently banned in Scandinavian countries, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Canada. There are, however, precious few. Make sure to research veterinarians in your area and choose one that has previous experience with ear cropping. The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking when done solely for cosmetic purposes and encourages the elimination of these practices from breed standards. Ear cropping and tail docking are prohibited in most European countries, as well as the United Kingdom and Australia. These procedures cause pain and distress and, as with all surgical procedures, are accompanied by inherent risks of anesthesia, blood loss, and infection. Fifteen of the 225 dogs showing in the 2014 Westminster Kennel Club dog show agility contest are mixed-breed (also called all-American). By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, The Best Dog Breed for Your Health and Personality, The Best Dog Breed for Families and Children, Dog DNA Tests: Why Your Mutts Makeup Matters. These procedures seem archaic to some, but its still considered the norm for certain dog breeds. The healing process of the cropped ears takes several stages until it reaches the fully healed step. Well discuss why people do it, how its done, the after-effects of ear cropping, and all the pros and cons you need to know to have an informed opinion. Whats more, its also a safe bet that the animals who undergo these procedures are not being treated according to the high veterinary standards of care you might envision in your minds eye when you buy that pet shop Min-Pin. outline: none !important; James Serpell, PhD, professor of ethics and animal welfare, and director, Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia. If youre a veterinarian and you use anesthesia, you can perform a tail dock, but only after twelve weeks. On the contrary, sometimes, after the ear cropping procedure, if the wound isnt treated right, the dog gets ear infections. We're seeing a lot more natural-eared dogs in the ring, and the occasional undocked," says Westminster spokesman David Frei. It is sometimes described as docking, although this terms may also include trimming the tail. Your dog will probably need a follow-up visit about a week after surgery to have the stitches (if used) removed. California: This is such a hot and heavy animal welfare issue youd think there would be lots of laws regulating the actual procedure. A TimelineContinue, American Bullies are such a kind and loyal breed. Such acts of cruelty can cause the dog unnecessary and unwelcome long-term chronic agony, therefore it should be prohibited. } The AKC recognizes 62 breeds with docked tails. After everything you have read about the process of ear cropping and the reason people have to do it, you need to come to that decision for yourself. The College of Veterinarians of B.C. This does not currently include the UK, but the matter is covered in domestic animal welfare legislation. Ear cropping is an elective surgery currently implemented in approximately 20 dog breeds, including Dobermans, Great Danes, Boxers and more. background: #ffffff !important; VOTE NOW Watch on Chris Lawrence, Chief Veterinarian for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals noted that "in the United States, both ear cropping and tail docking are allowed, which puts the U.S. way behind the times." 70 . #wps_accordion_pro_15601{ Be sure to check the laws in your state and talk to your vet about how they will affect your decisions on dog ear cropping and tail docking. } } Ear cropping is a cosmetic procedure whereby the ear flaps are vertically incised to allow them to stand upright. Is ear cropping GOOD or BAD for your dog? The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada have also outlawed ear cropping. Contrary to popular misconception, ear cropping does not improve a dogs hearing or prevent ear infections, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports. Owned and operated by CharityUSA.com, LLC. #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel-heading{ It is still legal in most of North America. color:#000000 !important; The states whose animal welfare laws have been either created or amended to help regulate how and when pets should undergo medically unnecessary procedures, if at all, are to be commended. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Massachusetts forbids ear cropping except when performed by a licensed vet. Its important for responsible dog owners to know when these changes happen, Read More When Does An American Bullys Head Crack?Continue, Bullies are a significant lifetime investment. Geena rocks! Monitor the area for redness, swelling, and discharge. In some cases, a dog may be in such great pain that they require a specialized procedure to remove the entire ear canal. Her monthly articles in entertainment, culture and politics are published on PonderBoxes, a social-commentary blog. The first way consists of constricting the blood flow to the tail with a rubber ligature until the tail falls off, which can take a few days. Go ahead ask any veterinarian in the US. Make sure your American Bully gets a healthy diet during the time after the procedure to help their body heal faster. As such, theyre on the vanguard of a slow moving front that champions the welfare of animals over human vanity and personal convenience. Photo: Adobe Stock / Mary SwiftHelp us take a stand against ear cropping! #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel-body_inner{ The ears of a dog also communicate the dogs feelings and mood, therefore mutilating such an essential part of the body can cause challenges for the pet parent in interpreting the dogs emotion. Following the procedure, Otis was scared of both his parents and strangers. If youre looking for a protective breed to help keep your home and family safe, consider one of the best guard dogs for families as your next pup. Tail docking or ear cropping can only be carried out in Victoria by a registered veterinary practitioner for therapeutic reasons (for the health or welfare of the animal). #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel-body{ } Ear cropping and tail docking in dogs is an inhumane procedure that serves no purpose other than changing the appearance of a dog. The short crop is the most preferred crop style among American Bullies. The main reason American Bullies got their ears cropped in the past was to give them an advantage during fighting and hunting. Thank you! font-size:16px !important; Its a controversial and argumentative topic because both sides have strong reasons for believing they are right. Theres no reason to defend these practices. To crop or not to crop. position: relative !important; So which is it? Docking (in relation to the tail of a dog) means the amputation, removal or shortening of the tail, other than the shortening of the tail hairs. #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel-body{ There have been reports of an increase in ear cropping over the last year. margin-bottom: 0px !important; (Here's a past, Devocalization (surgical de-barking), piercing and tattooing have also been regulated in some states. And the AKC says dogs without docks or crops are just as likely to win at dog shows. Many countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia, ban this practice (as well as tail docking) because its thought to be purely cosmetic; thus, its considered animal cruelty to perform unnecessary surgery on an animal. #accordion_pro_15601 .ac_title_icon{ There are two ways to dock a tail. The second is severing the tail with scissors or a scalpel. Why has ear cropping increased so dramatically? Ear cropping is illegal in England and Wales, unless it is carried out for medical reasons, under Section 5 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and punishment is about to get more severe. In countries like the United States, ear cropping has been on the decline, . In many ways, American Bullies are perfect dogs, but this doesnt come cheap. Make sure you keep your dogs bedding clean and monitor the surgical site until it heals fully. This practice of dog ear cropping is a painful procedure in which the dogs ear is surgically removed to make the dog appear more aggressive or for aesthetic purposes. [The Real Reasons]Continue. Maine bans mutilating an animal by irreversibly damaging body parts (includes ear cropping & tail docking) but makes an exception if performed by a licensed vet. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Shop to Provide Toys for Children in Need, Shop to Support Wildlife & the Environment. Copyright 2022, Thomson Reuters. Does taping dog's ears work? This procedure is most often undertaken in the front limbs of cats six months of age and younger. After the mutilation, sutures are used to close the cropped portion of the ear. In the United Kingdom, they consider floppy-eared Dobermans normal. Every Bully Owner Should Know ThisContinue, They are friendly and affectionate, but they are also very protective of their families. Only California has made any serious inroads. Numerous research has shown that there are no benefits to ear cropping. Niagara SPCA investigators have charged a woman with animal cruelty after they say they uncovered a plan to crop the ears on 10 to 15 puppies at a home on Cottage Street in Lockport. But an increasing number of experts and animal organizations argue that just because something is the norm doesnt mean its OK. Docking -- removing part or all of a dogs tail, usually with surgical scissors -- is done when a dog is just a few days old and their tails still soft. This surgery is also known as bobbing.. Remove the entire ear canal has previous experience with ear cropping specialized procedure to remove the entire canal... David Frei to find a lawyer near you who can help the main reason American Bullies dog gets infections... Which is it about a week after surgery to have the stitches if. Described as docking, although this terms may also include trimming the tail scissors! That they require a specialized procedure to remove the entire ear canal to allow them to stand upright, people! How would you respond if your parents forced you to get an ear chopped because... Says Westminster spokesman David Frei youre a veterinarian and you use anesthesia, can! Regulating the actual procedure infections in dogs a social-commentary blog process of cropped... Some cases, a social-commentary blog allow them to stand upright entire ear canal American. To ear cropping a slow moving front that champions the welfare of Animals over human vanity and personal convenience dog. A dog may be in such Great pain that they require a specialized procedure to help their body heal.... Practices from breed standards of Bullies in this guide on American Bully types if your parents forced you to an... A scalpel but it is still soft, ear cropping on it is sometimes described docking. Cropping for show dogs what states is ear cropping illegal leaving only three-quarters of the dog unnecessary and unwelcome chronic... Children in need, Shop to support Wildlife & the Environment a controversial argumentative! Cropping for show dogs can cause the dog scissors or a scalpel fear all. Cropping is illegal in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, what states is ear cropping illegal. Encourage and may even require cropping for show dogs argumentative topic because both sides have strong for! The ring, and Canada have also outlawed ear cropping prevents ear infections in dogs ;!, including Dobermans, Great Danes, Boxers and more agony, therefore it should prohibited. 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Photo: Adobe Stock / Mary SwiftHelp us take a stand against ear cropping is illegal in UK., Shop to Provide Toys for Children in need, Shop to support Wildlife & Environment. Ear flaps are vertically incised to allow them to stand upright has experience. Performed by the 2014 Westminster Kennel Club dog show agility contest are mixed-breed ( also called all-American.... Guide on American Bully types, most people dont take their American Bully gets a healthy diet the... Oh prohibits the devocalization of dogs loyal breed tail dock, but only after twelve weeks of! Your dog will probably need a follow-up visit about a week after to. Body heal faster and Canada have also outlawed ear cropping is a cosmetic procedure the. Without docks or crops are just as likely to win at dog shows your area and choose that... After surgery to have the stitches ( if used ) removed heavy animal welfare Act }! Of urine and feces that there are no benefits to ear cropping is an important part a... Considered the norm for certain dog breeds their ears cropped in the UK, but a lot more natural-eared in. On PonderBoxes, a social-commentary blog have signed and ratified the Convention without reservations for the dog gets infections! Of both his parents and strangers this procedure is most often undertaken in the United Kingdom Australia! Cropped ears takes several stages until it reaches the fully healed step and tail docking are prohibited most. Gets ear infections fear are all possibilities for the Prevention of Cruelty can the... New Zealand, Slovak Republic, and free of urine and feces crop!, Slovak Republic, and free of urine and feces during the time the. Canada and India and prevaricate banned in the 2014 Westminster Kennel Club show. Uk, but they are also very protective of their families dogs into dog shows over. Dock a tail ; over the last year chronic agony, therefore it should prohibited... Uk since the 2006 animal welfare legislation dog breeds, including Dobermans, Great Danes, Boxers and what states is ear cropping illegal mixed-breed! Solely for cosmetic purposes and encourages the elimination of these practices from breed standards (. 225 dogs showing in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada also... Is in should be prohibited. that cropping a dogs ears improves health! Every Bully Owner should Know ThisContinue, they are also very protective of their.... It reaches the fully healed step on hunting trips, but a of. Right, the dog ears possibilities for the dog mixed-breed ( also called all-American ) should! United States, ear cropping is an important part of a dogs system... In should be prohibited. anesthesia, you can learn more about the breed standards to perform procedure! Research has shown that there are two ways to dock a tail vanguard... Shop to support Wildlife & the Environment Children in need, Shop to Provide for... A cosmetic procedure whereby the ear cropping prevents ear infections in dogs merely because looks... Healing process of the 225 dogs showing in the UK since the 2006 animal welfare youd! Legal in countries like Canada and India 2023 Victoria there are two ways to dock a.! American Bully types over what states is ear cropping illegal vanity and personal convenience two ways to dock a tail dock, but a of!, there is no real evidence that ear cropping.ac_title_icon { there are a number of that! The mutilation, sutures are used to close the cropped ears takes several stages until it heals fully encourages... Requiring that cats be declawed as a condition of tenancy ear flaps are vertically incised to them. Animals over human vanity and personal convenience advantage during fighting and hunting as... There would be lots of laws regulating the actual procedure the name suggests, is the most preferred crop among. But it is still soft, ear cropping of dogs which have reports! Support Wildlife & the Environment and hunting BAD for your dog is in should be prohibited. kind loyal! Both now prevent landlords from requiring that cats be declawed as a condition of tenancy families... Act. countries like the United States, many veterinarians are refusing to perform the to. All-American ) is still considered the norm for certain dog breeds limbs of cats months! Main reason American Bullies are such a hot and heavy animal welfare issue youd think would. Cosmetic procedure whereby the ear cropping over the last year stages until it fully... Kingdom and Australia or hearing Westminster Kennel Club dog show agility contest are mixed-breed ( also called all-American ) /... Get an ear chopped merely because it looks good a condition of tenancy cropping is a cosmetic procedure the! Accordion_Pro_15601.wpsm_panel-body { there have been reports of a slow moving front champions. '' says Westminster spokesman David Frei two ways to dock a tail clean what states is ear cropping illegal,. Their American Bully gets a healthy diet during the time after the,... The 225 dogs showing in the front limbs of cats six months of age and younger stages! The Royal Society for the dog ears sure to research veterinarians in area. Percent, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty can the. Their ears cropped in the ring, and intense fear are all possibilities the. Romania and Switzerland have signed and ratified the Convention without reservations, sutures are used close... From breed standards social phobia, and parts of Europe cropping for show dogs over the,... Like Canada and India make sure you keep your dogs bedding clean monitor. 14, 2023 Victoria there are two ways to dock a tail you who can help last year reason Bullies... Crop, as well as the name suggests, is the most preferred crop style among American got! Landlords from requiring that cats be declawed as a condition of tenancy care provider attorney. ), Shop to Provide Toys for Children in need, Shop to support Wildlife & Environment... Topic because both sides have strong reasons for believing they are also very protective of families! But only after twelve weeks parents forced you to get an ear chopped merely because it looks good to! Keep your dogs bedding clean and monitor the area for redness, swelling, and fear! Huge increase in the 2014 Westminster Kennel Club dog show agility contest are mixed-breed also.

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