Docking and cropping dogs
I was recently reading a forum regarding the docking of dogs tails and cropping of dogs ears. The conversation began with a new dog owner trying to decide whether she should have her dog’s ears cropped or leave them natural.
Ear cropping and tail docking are not legal in Australia. In Queensland the ruling tells us that the only reason justifying a tail dock is if the vet surgeon considers it to be in the best interests of the dog’s welfare. Also no other person (non-vet) is permitted to do perform the procedure. The bans are applied for puppies and adult dogs. Keep in mind that some breeds are born with a bobtail.
The forum I refer to was international and I was blown away by the variety of justifications put forth in favour of these procedures. Along with some folks just thinking it ‘looks better’, ‘it doesn’t hurt the dog’ and ‘the pup won’t remember it anyway’, one person suggested that the ears should be up because someone had probably intervened and bred them to be down. I am not kidding when I say one contributor wrote ‘No pain, no gain’. Three breeds which up until the early 2000’s (in Australia) commonly subject to this type of cosmetic surgery were dobermans, great danes and schnauzers. Since the ban here I have heard of people ordering their dog from a country overseas where the practices are still allowed.
The tail dock, even though I am alarmed by the idea can have a practical reason as far as dogs tending to damage certain designs of tail. As far as ears I believe a flapped ear can help keep dust and dirt down beautifully. I suggested if someone is considering ears or tails being operated for visual appeal then I would consider that the wrong reason.
But there came a barrage of stories about dogs with natural ears relating to ear infections. I stand by what I say as far as it shouldn’t be done for ‘visual’ reasons. Would it mean for e.g. if environment, breed or care delivered were not factors, that if the numbers on infections etc. are great enough…. vets would be happy to recommend an ear crop for the astonishing number of dog breeds with floppy ears? They could make a fortune. I always imagined that the reason you don’t see beagles, labs, GSP’s and the rest of the multitude weren’t cropped is because those who chose to crop were going for a certain look… like giving the appearance of a cleaner line or so the dog looks like it is ‘on alert’. Perhaps I was imagining wrong. pets.webmd.com says research shows around 80% of dogs won’t get ear infections and the breeds most commonly presenting with them are cocker spaniels and poodles.
Then there was the person who asked ‘Why is it that people are happy to take their dog to the vet for de-sexing but are against ear cropping? Well, if you don’t know the answer to that question, go and visit your local pound or research the amount of unwanted dogs rehomed or euthanized in your state annually. I’m pretty sure a flapped ear has never been responsible for that type of problem
Please be aware that any surgery or anesthesia carries risk. Also, parts of the body containing nerve endings if operated on or cut off, have the potential to cause pain well into the future even long after the wound is healed. This is true of humans and animals alike due to our neurology.
Leah & Angela OMeara
Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)