Ear cropping and tail docking dogs has been losing popularity more and more over time. However, unfortunately there are still people who prefer to have their pet's ears cropped and tail docked for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons.
It should be known by everyone that animals, dogs in this case, should never be considered a garment for your use. They are living beings, so we must be aware of the disadvantages that this practice brings for the welfare of the dog and health risks, in addition to the legal consequences that could arise.
Because some people are still uncertain, AnimalWised want to stress that ear cropping and tail docking dogs is indeed bad. Keep reading to discover why.
1. Because it is unnecessary
We must emphasize that we are not referring to amputations that must be performed for medical reasons, such as tumors in these areas. In this case, the need to perform these interventions should be determined by a veterinarian.
In this article we are referring to cutting the ears and tail of a dog solely for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons, and obviously this is not necessary for life, neither for the health nor for the welfare of the animal.
In many cases, the dog owner prefers their dogs with their tails and their ears cut because they have become accustomed to seeing specimens of certain breeds like this. In fact, even today it is "rare" for many to see a Doberman with their ears naturally fallen and a long tail.
Others like it more because they appear to be "more dangerous" because they are reminiscent of fighting dogs. These fighting dogs had their ears and tail cropped and docked, respectively, so they could not be easily grasped by the jaws of their opponent. This is why some dangerous dog owners are in favor of pitbull ear cropping, because they are preparing their pet for possible fights with other dogs.
In any case, dog fights, in addition to being completely cruel, are illegal in most civilized countries.
It has been said that for some hunting dogs, tail docking is beneficial for their work and their health, because it would facilitate their passage through burrows and prevent being entangled in brambles. But this is a debatable argument.
In addition, the majority of dogs usually seen with a docked tail belong to breeds that are not used for hunting, such as the boxer, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Doberman (Doberman ear cropping being highly common and frowned upon). So, this statement has not been proven correct.
2. Because it is painful
Some people say that if you dock a dog's tail at a very early age, i.e. newborns, animals do not show pain. This is not true at all!
In the case of ear cropping, which is usually done in more mature animals where there is no doubt about their ability to feel pain, it should not be forgotten that, even if anesthesia and painkillers are used, pain is not avoidable, especially in the post-operative stage.
Source: youtube.com
3. Because it is dangerous
Like any surgical procedure in which anesthesia is used, there are certain risks associated with it, which may even result in the death of the animal. Although this is infrequent, it is by no means impossible to occur, so it does not seem fair nor ethical to carry out these operations when the sole purpose is aesthetics.
In addition, whether or not anesthesia is used, there is a risk of wound infection, with consequences that may be more or less serious. On the other hand, it is not the only possible complication, since they can miss out parts, which may mean the animal has to be sedated again to solve it. There may have been errors during the procedures or the desired result of the owner was not achieved, so surgeons may intervene again...
4. Because it is illegal (in some places)
In many countries mutilations are prohibited, whose sole purpose is aesthetics, which includes both ear cropping and tail docking.
Today, many countries ban cropping and docking because they consider the practices unnecessary, painful, cruel or mutilation. In Europe, the cropping of ears is prohibited in all countries that have ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. Some countries that ratified the convention made exceptions for tail docking.
Specifically in the UK, The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes the docking of dogs' tails a criminal offence, except for working dogs such as those used by the police force, the military, rescue services, pest control, and those used in connection with lawful animal shooting.
In the United States it is unrestricted. Some states, including New York, and Vermont have considered bills to make the practice illegal.
5. Because it is inconvenient
We hope the aforementioned reasons are enough to deter you from the process. If not, perhaps the fact it costs money will impact you.And secondly, especially when ear cropping or tail docking adult dogs, you well spend a lot of time cleaning wounds and facilitating the healing process...
This is time that could be spent on something more positive like playing with the animal, or walking with them, for example.
6. Because it damages their relationship with other dogs
A dog's tail and ears are fundamental components of the canine language. Therefore, cropping or docking them can seriously damage the socialization and relationships of a dog with other animals. It may lead to misinterpretations that lead to aggression or fear.
The majority of veterinarians condemn these cosmetic procedures of ear cropping and tail docking and refuse to perform such painful procedures. We hope we fulfilled our aim to show you why ear cropping and tail docking is bad and have convinced you to decide against it.
If you want to read similar articles to Ear Cropping and Tail Docking Dogs, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category.