Try to imagine a Doberman with droopy ears? How about a Corgi with a long wagging tail? Was it difficult for you to picture that? It’s something that many people have never even considered, but the truth is they are born with these features. Popular trends amongst certain dog breeds are ear cropping and tail docking—otherwise known as cosmetic surgery. The purpose of these medical procedures are solely for the desirable, “fashionable” traits.
A Doberman in its natural states vs. one that has had its tail docked and ears cropped.
Dogs will usually get their ears cropped when they are only 8 to 12 weeks old. This age is vital to their mental development, and having such a procedure done can be psychologically damaging. There is a long and arduous process of taping and retaping a puppy’s ears to keep them standing straight up after the surgery. Tail docking is an equally painful process. At only a few days old, puppies get their tails cut off by veterinarians, sometimes even without anesthesia. Having tails is natural for dogs, as it is their form of expression and communication not only for other dogs, but for their owners as well. Ear cropping and tail docking are simply selfish measures that humans take to sacrifice their dog’s pain for desirable traits.
Even though the American Veterinary Medical Association has outwardly stated that “these procedures cause pain and distress, and, as with all surgical procedures, are accompanied by inherent risks of anesthesia, blood loss, and infection,” restrictions are very rare. Maintaining those age-old images of pointed ears is popular in part due to the dog pageants that ensure only dogs with these unnatural characteristics will be victorious. On the other hand, cosmetic surgeries have been banned across Australia and Great Britain. British kennel clubs outlawed ear-cropping a century ago, and cosmetic tail-docking was stopped the U.K. in 1993.
However, this practice is not always unethical. For farm animals such as sheeps, pigs, goats, and chickens, the removal of certain body parts are beneficial for their health. Sheep have long tails that are docked for the purpose of preventing fecal accumulation and fly strike—a lethal infection of fly larvae. Pigs get their tails curled and tusks removed so they do not tip each others tails or accidentally stab one another. Considering that the scent of blood may trigger pigs to attack, following such practices are very helpful for their health. In a similar sense, goats and cows get their horns removed so they can’t hurt each other or have them grow in a way that can cause infection.
Therefore, surgeries involving the removal or altering of an animal’s body part should only be conducted if they cause benefit to that animal’s life. For example, spaying or neutering helps control pet behavior and prevents unwanted offspring from being born. On the other hand, If they are being used to achieve a “look” that people desire, then it should be deemed inhumane and restrictions must be implemented. Here, you can sign a petition that bans ear cropping and tail docking in dogs! Spreading awareness is the most efficient method of banning this unethical practice, so posting on Instagram or simply telling a friend can go a long way.
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