AVMA opposes cosmetic ear cropping, tail docking of dogs

[LeftyMom]

The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when performed for cosmetic reasons and calls on breed organizations to remove mention of the procedures from their standards.

The Association's Executive Board approved the revised AVMA Policy on Ear Cropping and Tail Docking of Dogs, Nov. 14. The statement reads:

EAR CROPPING AND TAIL DOCKING OF DOGS
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 former policy, approved by the AVMA House of Delegates in 1999, pointed out that cosmetic ear cropping and tail docking afford no benefits for animal patients, and advised veterinarians that they should warn clients about related, inherent risks of anesthesia, blood loss, and infection. (more at link)

http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/dec08/081215c.asp

[BrklynLiberal]

1. That is great. I hope the AKC makes sure that is enforced.

When I watch the Crufts dog show from England, it is so great to see that they do not do any of the cropping and docking that we do here.
The dogs look so much nicer. I would bet they feel better too.


It would be nice if they would make a statement against the declawing of cats..

[Critters2]

4. Doesn't the AKC still require or at least encourage the docking of

some breeds' tails--the cocker, for instance?

[MountainLaurel]

6. Yes

And because they do all of the docking shortly when the pups are only a couple days old, before the breeder know which will be kept for showing and which will be sold as companion animals, people who don't want a docked dog have no choice.

[Gore1FL]

2. I never understood altering a dog like that

I'd never have it done.

[Political Tiger]

3. I agree with them totally!

[Muttocracy]

5. yay! nt

[Arkansas Granny]

7. We had a discussion today at work about this very subject. Personally,

I have never liked the idea of surgically altering animals for cosmetic reasons and I've never had it done to any animal that I've ever owned. Some people have grown so accustomed to seeing the altered form of a breed that they think it looks silly if it's not done and don't consider the risks and discomfort for the animal.

[no1dolo]

8. Great!