Why this outdated procedure should be illegal
Perhaps you are aware that in the past few days I have voiced my opinion on ear cropping and tail docking, two cosmetic surgeries that are still done on certain
breeds.
As a vet, I believe it is my obligation to inform my community about possible health and emotional consequences of these unnecessary, but still relatively common procedures.
I realize that when the status quo is challenged, opposition and anger of others may be the result.
First, I need to emphasize I understand that graphic images of the procedures or creating analogies between ear cropping and cutting parts of human ears may be graphic and upsetting.
I also want to say that I have never said those who have cropped and docked their dog’s tails do not love or care about them or that they are not good people. Of course they are!
In the last few days, I have been faced with criticism and even harsh verbal insults for voicing my opinion and suggesting that ear cropping and tail docking, other than for medical reasons, should be made illegal.
One person said that “ I have the kindness gene missing." Another person wrote that I should "teach the public about caring for their dogs and not be an ignorant vet."
A kind and well-meaning friend told me that people on a variety of forums have been spreading the suggestion to sabotage our holistic healing website and products because of my stance.
Over 15 years ago I made the switch from conventional to holistic medical thinking. It was hard. Some of my colleagues tried to ridicule my work, but after a while they left me alone because they sensed that my principles were solid and that they worked.
This time, I need to voice my opinion about ear cropping for two reasons. The first one is medical because the ears and the tail are areas of energy, acupuncture points and meridians, that affect your dog's well-being and organ health.
Second, there is no reason for these cosmetic surgeries other than aesthetics.
Instead of voicing my past experiences with ear cropping and describing the agony and distress I have seen dogs with cropped ears and tails go through, I would like to share two Facebook comments from our community members.
Here is the first one from Cheryl Gilray:
"When I was in high school all I wanted to be was a vet. I did my work experience at a local vet office. I assisted in an ear cropping surgery. It was barbaric. I never went back. Instead, I became a paramedic."
Johnny Gomez wrote:
"I worked for a vet many years ago. She did beautiful ear crops, just beautiful, but one day we did a Dane pup's ears and he was in so much pain upon waking that the vet, myself and a tech looked at each other with tears in our eyes and agreed we would never crop ears again."
I would like to emphasize again that I DO NOT think that the people who crop their dog's ears are not caring or loving. It is simply my responsibility to inform you and take a stance on this important topic.
In the past, I believed that a change could happen within the cropped breed organizations and kennel clubs, however, I have come to realize the change is too slow. I have been told that many dog-show judges still favour cropped and docked dogs, which results in pressure on the breeders and a conflict of interest.
That is why I have made the decision to come forward and voice my opinion, despite the possible financial consequences. I have promised in the past that I will always put the well-being of dogs first and that is why I can’t stop. Nor do I want to take back my statement that ear cropping and tail docking should be made illegal here similar to countries such as the UK and Australia.
I understand that some people may find images of cropped ear incisions gruesome and unnecessary, but many people do not understand how severe they are. I think it is important for us to imagine what it would be like to have our ears cut. This brings us closer to understanding what this procedure is like for dogs who are helpless.
It has been suggested that ear cropping and tail docking is still mainstream in many areas and that is why I have decided to do a survey on this issue and need your help.
If you care about this issue please cast your vote and share this
blog with others. There will be pressure from those who support ear cropping and tail docking. They may even try to sway the results in their favour. That is why I need you to share this blog to achieve a fair vote and get an idea what our society thinks of these cosmetic and unnecessary procedures.
One thing I would like to ask of you is, no matter what your opinion, please be kind and respectful. I am not asking for your opinion to be the same as mine, just to be polite.
Similar to my real home, our Facebook page and our website are our online home and I will not tolerate any rude or aggressive comments. Those who can’t help themselves will be asked to leave and will be blocked.
If you are in support of making ear cropping and tail docking illegal, I thank you for your support. We can’t allow business interests to take precedence over the health and well-being of our dogs.
I know that people from both sides love and care about their best friends.
I am taking this stance about ear cropping and tail docking because it is the only one that rings true to me and I feel obligated to do so.
Please VOTE HERE
PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS.
© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM
