Companies like Protection Dogs Worldwide import dogs with clipped ears from abroad. Leedor Borlant, director of Protection Dogs Worldwide, said: Example of a Doberman with normal ears and severed ears We can`t say it enough – these procedures have no medical benefit and are performed for cosmetic reasons. Not only do the procedures make it difficult for dogs to communicate, but there are also potential problems that can lead to lifelong complications for the dog: cutting large portions of other animals` auricles is rare, although cutting the identification forms in farm animals` earpieces, called ear tags, was common before mandatory ear tags were introduced. [46] The removal of parts of the ear of sterilized laboratory mice or feral cats for identification purposes, i.e. ear notches or ear tips, is still used. [47] The practice of cutting for cosmetic purposes is rare in non-dogs, although some selectively bred animals naturally have small ears that can be confused with culture. [Note 1] Opponents of the practice argue that it is unnecessary and inhumane, but is it illegal to cut off a dog`s ears? Why so much fuss? Well, dogs need their ears. Here`s why: Three provincial veterinary associations have banned ear clippings: Manitoba (6),[32], British Columbia (7),[33][34] and Saskatchewan (☨☨☨8). [35] Ear pruning is now considered an elective and aesthetic procedure; It is not necessary. Many countries and breed associations have banned the operation. Even in Germany, where some of the most commonly grown breeds and practice probably originated, it has been banned. It remains legal in the United States and most of Canada, despite litigation in several states to prohibit the practice.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) also does not support the practice or amputation of the tail when performed solely for cosmetic purposes, as the unnecessary risk to the animal is associated with surgery. Currently, however, the American Kennel Club and the Canadian Kennel Club support the practice and allow for the registration and display of cut dogs. The dogs cut off their ears for one reason and one reason only; to get a certain “look”. In short, it makes them harder and more intimidating. Historically, breeds like Dobermans have had their ears cut off like puppies, then splints — glued to pieces of wood or cardboard — to grow their ears upwards instead of letting them limp. Now, we tend to see races like American tyrants having all their ears removed. The BVA campaign #CutTheCrop also lobbied the government to ban the importation of dogs with severed ears. Veterinarians and animal welfare organizations are seeing more and more cases of dogs having their ears cut off. This disturbing trend is also prevalent on social media, as celebrities and influencers share photos of their dogs cut off in the ear. Elective procedures such as ear trimming and tail trimming are illegal in most European countries, including the UK. However, this practice is not restricted to the United States of America and Russia.
This has left a loophole in the law that allows the importation of dogs that have undergone these painful procedures. We are concerned that more and more dogs will be driven by dogs that are sent abroad to have their ears cut off, or that are bought and imported from countries where cultivation is still legal. Even if your condition is not among those that specifically regulate cultivation, it is highly recommended to take your dog to a veterinarian for the procedure. The AVMA reports that, like any incision, the incision increases the likelihood of infection. The practice is illegal in most parts of Europe, including all countries that have ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals and most member states of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. [3] It is illegal in some parts of Spain and in some Canadian provinces. [15] The situation in Italy is unclear; The ban in force on 14 January 2007 should no longer be in force. [17] Bottom line: Going to a veterinarian to trim can reduce your dog`s risk of infection and give you the opportunity for anesthesia — which may be needed in a handful of states. The American Veterinary Medical Association “opposes ear trimming and tail amputation of dogs when performed solely for cosmetic purposes” and “promotes the elimination of ear cuts and tail amputation from breed norms.” [22] Maryland: MD goes even further. It also requires that the abturation of the ears be “appropriate for the animal” and stops just before the words “medical necessity.” Body language – The place where a dog`s ears are placed, also known as ear tanks, can help us understand whether a dog is worried or happy and relaxed.
If a dog`s ears have been removed, it can be harder to know how he feels. Unfortunately, some people believe that certain breeds and types of dogs should have their ears surgically altered or even completely removed. This terrible process is called ear cutting. The ear clipping is painful and completely useless. Despite what some breeders claim, cutting off a dog`s ears does not benefit him in any way. This can harm their health, behaviour and well-being in the short and long term. Tail docking is another illegal procedure unless performed by a veterinarian for medical reasons – and a “working dog” is no exception. No dog should have its ears cut off. Period. The AVMA reports that there are only eight states where cultivation has been regulated. Here are some examples of the laws of these states: Ear cutting is still widely used in the United States and parts of Canada, with approximately 130,000 puppies in the United States whose ears are cut off each year.
[18] Both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club allow this practice. [15] The AKC`s position is that ear size and tail amputation are “acceptable practices that are integral to defining and maintaining breed character and/or improving health.” [19] While some states have attempted to ban the slaughter of ears,[20] there is strong opposition from some dog breed organizations citing health concerns and traditions. [21] Excision is the removal of some or all of the outer lobes of an animal`s ear.