British Columbia lawyer sues the veterinary college for banning ear cropping
I must tell you I haven't been as fired up about something as I am now! In fact, I just can’t believe what is happening.
At the end of last year, the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia passed a long overdue bylaw to make cropping dog’s ears illegal. I was thrilled that finally, the college acted and forbade these barbaric practices. This change in B.C. is in addition to some types of animal abuse in the U.S. becoming a class A felony nationwide in 2014, which puts it in the same classification as serious crimes like homicide and assault.
The last two years have certainly been encouraging for the welfare of our animal friends
However, just a few days ago, a colleague of mine told me that apparently there is a lawyer/breeder who is planning to take the veterinary college to court to make ear cropping legal again! There is a group, who identify themselves as breeders and dog fanciers, raising money for the legal challenge.
Hearing this news is infuriating. I simply can’t understand how anyone can fight for chopping off parts of a dog’s body for looks and fashion.
Veterinarians and the veterinary college should focus on our patients and healing, not going to court to fight against ear cropping, which should have been illegal a long time ago, similar to the UK.
I do believe that most people love their dogs, including those who crop. I believe they do not understand how much harm and pain they cause their dogs. However, I will not stop talking and writing about this until ear cropping is banned once and for all.
Perhaps, we should propose a law that all people who decide to crop their dogs should get their ears done first, so they match. The ear croppers would likely think that is ridiculous, but in my mind, there is no difference between the ears of a dog and a human. They both have a very important function and are full of important energy points and meridians. It is no surprise that the breeds that are cropped, such as Boxers and Dobermans, have shorter life spans and experience some of the most health problems.
If you would like to read more articles on ear cropping and tail docking and why they are not good for dogs, click here. If you would like to read why I feel so strongly about ear cropping, click here.
P.S.: For now, I would like to ask you to share this newsletter with others and let them know what is happening. If you know of any good, reputable petitions in Canada, the USA or elsewhere in the world, please share them with us so we can pass them on in the next newsletter.
With much gratitude,
Dr. D
© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM
