In 2007, a total of 103,925 purebred dogs were registered with the AKC that might have had
their ears cropped. Additionally, there are all the mixed breeds that some folks think look
"macho" with their cropped ears, as well as those breeds not yet accepted by the AKC that
usually have their ears cropped.
From the above statistical data and from 2007 registration stats, the magnimity of the
permanent mutilation through cosmetic alteration is sizeable.
It is against the law to crop ears on dogs in so many large and civilized countries: the UK,
Australia, New Zealand, Norway, England, Sweden, Singapore, South Africa and Germany, and
is not sanctioned in other places. Then what is wrong with the veterinarians and kennel club
representatives in the United States who continue to permit ear cropping and tail docking from
so many purebred dogs? Why have there not been more strict state and local laws to protest
this continuing inhumane animal cruelty? What can we all do, as individuals, pet owners, dog
breeders and exhibitors, professional dog handlers, judges and all those connected with the
business of working with dogs in one way or another, to come to the assistance of all of our
canine friends, not one of whom would elect if they had free choice to have his ears chopped in
half?
The AVMA's position on ear cropping and tail docking, adopted on July 9, 1999,
states: "Ear cropping and tail docking in dogs for cosmetic reasons are not medically
indicated nor of benefit to the patient. These procedures cause pain and distress,
and, as with all surgical procedures, are accompanied by inherent risks of
anesthesia, blood loss, and infection. Therefore, veterinarians should counsel dog
owners about these matters before agreeing to perform these surgeries."
The AVMA had received petitions, on which they could have acted but chose not to, which
would have ended these cruel and inhumane practices. Their complete policy and voting can
be seen in the August 15, 1999 issue of the Journal of the AVMA. Clearly they could have
taken a stand but they did not! Why not? Was it because there are thousands of U.S.
veterinarians making a substantial living through cropping ears? Some clients will travel across
state lines in order to have this procedure done by 'expert' hands. Was it because they felt
comfortable in letting all those who govern individual breed clubs dictate to them? Vets already
know the policies from breed clubs and what taking a firm stand on this issue would cause. It
would bring the practice of cropping ears to a STOP. If the AVMA said they oppose further ear
crops by licensed veterinarians, the American Kennel Club would also STOP allowing any dogs
to be in any of their shows if their ears had been cropped. It would no longer matter what
individuals thought or what was in the written policies of the breed clubs. Unless, of course,
breeders wanted to continue to do illegal ear crops, puppy mill owners wanted to keep on
cropping ears when puppies are still babies (with fingernail scissors and without any
anesthetics), and other people wanted to continue plying the illegal drug trade by bringing
anesthetics into this country from outside sources, or obtaining it from vets or doctors, to
perform crops, the inhumane practice would stop.
their ears cropped. Additionally, there are all the mixed breeds that some folks think look
"macho" with their cropped ears, as well as those breeds not yet accepted by the AKC that
usually have their ears cropped.
From the above statistical data and from 2007 registration stats, the magnimity of the
permanent mutilation through cosmetic alteration is sizeable.
It is against the law to crop ears on dogs in so many large and civilized countries: the UK,
Australia, New Zealand, Norway, England, Sweden, Singapore, South Africa and Germany, and
is not sanctioned in other places. Then what is wrong with the veterinarians and kennel club
representatives in the United States who continue to permit ear cropping and tail docking from
so many purebred dogs? Why have there not been more strict state and local laws to protest
this continuing inhumane animal cruelty? What can we all do, as individuals, pet owners, dog
breeders and exhibitors, professional dog handlers, judges and all those connected with the
business of working with dogs in one way or another, to come to the assistance of all of our
canine friends, not one of whom would elect if they had free choice to have his ears chopped in
half?
The AVMA's position on ear cropping and tail docking, adopted on July 9, 1999,
states: "Ear cropping and tail docking in dogs for cosmetic reasons are not medically
indicated nor of benefit to the patient. These procedures cause pain and distress,
and, as with all surgical procedures, are accompanied by inherent risks of
anesthesia, blood loss, and infection. Therefore, veterinarians should counsel dog
owners about these matters before agreeing to perform these surgeries."
The AVMA had received petitions, on which they could have acted but chose not to, which
would have ended these cruel and inhumane practices. Their complete policy and voting can
be seen in the August 15, 1999 issue of the Journal of the AVMA. Clearly they could have
taken a stand but they did not! Why not? Was it because there are thousands of U.S.
veterinarians making a substantial living through cropping ears? Some clients will travel across
state lines in order to have this procedure done by 'expert' hands. Was it because they felt
comfortable in letting all those who govern individual breed clubs dictate to them? Vets already
know the policies from breed clubs and what taking a firm stand on this issue would cause. It
would bring the practice of cropping ears to a STOP. If the AVMA said they oppose further ear
crops by licensed veterinarians, the American Kennel Club would also STOP allowing any dogs
to be in any of their shows if their ears had been cropped. It would no longer matter what
individuals thought or what was in the written policies of the breed clubs. Unless, of course,
breeders wanted to continue to do illegal ear crops, puppy mill owners wanted to keep on
cropping ears when puppies are still babies (with fingernail scissors and without any
anesthetics), and other people wanted to continue plying the illegal drug trade by bringing
anesthetics into this country from outside sources, or obtaining it from vets or doctors, to
perform crops, the inhumane practice would stop.
WhipStaff Rescue does NOT
allow the docking or cropping of
any dog adopted from our
rescue!
To cut off the ears or tail of a dog, to us, is
unnecessary cruelty. To us, it would be like
removing the smile from a baby's face.
allow the docking or cropping of
any dog adopted from our
rescue!
To cut off the ears or tail of a dog, to us, is
unnecessary cruelty. To us, it would be like
removing the smile from a baby's face.