Ear Cropping and Tail Docking Opposed by the AVMA
For those of you that don’t agree with ear cropping or tail docking you will be happy to hear that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has updated their policy to read as follows:
The AVMA has essentially been issuing this same statement for the last 30 years, however this statement may be a little more direct in its wording. The AVMA is asking breed clubs within the AKC to eliminate ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards.
Dogs use their ears and tails in order to communicate with each other as well as their humans. When we step in and alter these things for cosmetic reasons we are also altering the effectiveness of the individual dog’s ability to communicate. The procedures themselves are both bloody and painful, not to mention carry other inherent risks associated with anesthesia.
The AKC calls these practices “integral to defining and preserving breed character and /or enhancing good health.” The truth is that these procedures are just for cosmetic purposes. Ear cropping and tail docking are procedures that are not commonly taught in veterinary school anymore. In fact I didn’t even learn how to do cat declaw in veterinary school. The AVMA is slowly making strides to do away with these procedures. Hopefully it won’t take another 30 years before these procedures are outlawed or the AKC decides to change the breed standards.
Photo of the super-cute un-cropped Doberman from dog nut 74's photostream.
--Dr. Wohlwend
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Dr. Wohlwend is a small animal veterinarian in Renton, WA and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.
A.D.A. on April 09, 2009 at 05:21 AM
I would ask everyone who is opposed to docking and cropping to write to the senators in support of the legislation being currently proposed banning the procedures:- New York State, Illinois, PA etc. They really do need to hear from pet owners who buy the puppies and not just show breeders and the AKC who sell them docked and cropped. It does need all States to ban. Visit the A.D.A. website to see what people say about docking and to see the results
A.D.A. on April 09, 2009 at 05:26 AM
I would ask everyone who is opposed to docking and cropping to write to the senators in support of the legislation being currently proposed banning the procedures:- New York State, Illinois, PA etc. They really do need to hear from pet owners who buy the puppies and not just show breeders and the AKC who sell them docked and cropped. It does need all States to ban. Visit the A.D.A. website to see what people say about docking and to see the results of docking
http://anti-dockingalliance.co.uk/page_20.htm
http://anti-dockingalliance.co.uk/page_14.htm
Dog Boarding Toronto on April 16, 2009 at 04:41 PM
My husband and I are completely against this! It's animal cruelty and should absolutely not be allowed.
Eggs on April 21, 2009 at 06:20 PM
I eagerly await the AVMA's opposition to other elective surgical procedures, especially spaying and neutering.
If we are not allowed to surgically alter our dogs, we should not be allowed to breed them selectively - which, FYI, causes MUCH more damage than a simple crop or dock job.
Nor should be be permitted to remove their sex organs and deprive them of vital hormones critical to their mental and physical development.
The notion that cropping and docking are somehow unacceptable but spay/neuter and selective breeding are is ludicrous.
Carry on, ignoramuses.
My cropped and intact male and I are enjoying your stupidity.
Ellie on June 10, 2009 at 12:07 PM
I totally agree with eggs
joesen on December 19, 2010 at 09:32 PM
The AVMA is asking breed clubs within the AKC to eliminate ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards.