AAHA and AMVA's position on cropping, docking and dewclaw removal

Ear Cropping/Tail Docking Position Statement

Ear cropping and/or tail docking in pets 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 anesthetic complications, hemorrhage, and infection. Therefore, the American Animal Hospital Association opposes both the cropping of ears and the docking of tails when done solely for cosmetic reasons. Veterinarians should counsel and educate pet owners that these procedures should not be performed unless medically necessary. The American Animal Hospital Association also encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Executive Board voted to strengthen association policy on two practices common in certain breeds of dogs—ear cropping and tail docking.

The revised AVMA policy states: "The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes. The AVMA encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards."

"For many years the AVMA has acknowledged that ear cropping and tail docking of dogs for cosmetic purposes are not medically indicated nor of benefit to our canine patients," explains Dr. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the AVMA. "Our latest policy revision doesn't represent a change in perspective, but, rather, makes that perspective clear with a stronger statement."

The AVMA decided to adjust its policy on tail docking and ear cropping after a scheduled review of an existing policy. The review included an analysis of scientific literature and available data, an assessment of the practical experience of veterinarians, and deliberations by the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee.

"Why we perform certain procedures is one of the first questions we ask. Once that question is answered, committee members look at any associated welfare concerns," explains Dr. Gail Golab, director of the AVMA Animal Welfare Division. "'Cosmetic' implies the basis for these procedures is to alter the dog's appearance. Welfare risks identified included those associated with surgical procedures, i.e., anesthetic complications, pain, blood loss and infection. In the committee's opinion, the risk-benefit analysis supports professional opposition to performing these procedures for purely cosmetic reasons."

In recommending policy revisions, the committee was careful to distinguish ear cropping and tail docking performed for cosmetic reasons from procedures performed for therapeutic or preventive purposes. "If it can be responsibly demonstrated that the purpose of performing the procedure is to protect the health and welfare of the dog, then of course the Association would support the appropriate surgery," said Dr. DeHaven.

Hopefully good breeders will have alternatives.

vets wont crop or dock but they will continue to reccomend Purina and Hill's Food

Hopefully good breeders will have alternatives.

What's C/D?

*is waiting for the s/n 'arguement' to make an appearence*

*is waiting for the s/n 'arguement' to make an appearence*

I'm not in agreement with cropping or docking, so I agree with their position. And gladly, I have a vet that rarely does those procedures, and has said before that he will eventually quit doing them all together.

If they ban C/D i hope they ban other surgical procedures that aren't tech. necessary....lump removals...and such...same difference.

S

So the removal of a possibly cancerous lump for biopsy is the same as cropping a dog's ears so that it can look like the breed standard? Really?

I hope that you are speaking in anger, and that you *really* don't hope that dogs who possibly have cancer don't get their cancer diagnosed because you couldn't have your dogs' ears and tails done.....

....because that's just sad and chilling....

I am not a fan of anti- crop and dock laws but it is extremist argments like the above that do *nothing* to help the cause.