The states whose animal welfare laws have been either created or amended to help regulate how and when pets should undergo medically unnecessary procedures, if at all, are to be commended. Fifteen of the 225 dogs showing in the 2014 Westminster Kennel Club dog show agility contest are mixed-breed (also called all-American). transition: 0.4s ease !important; Start-Up Grants for Non-Profit Animal Rescue. The Best American Bully Bloodlines and Breeders (Photos & Prices), Can American Bullies Run? WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. box-shadow:none !important; It has also been signed by Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Portugal, although with reservations often relating to medical exceptions. #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel-heading{ The practice of surgically cutting a puppys ears is now considered largely cosmetic and has been banned in most countries, The Spruce Pets reports. And theres always the risk of catching an infection. [For Every State]. When will my American Bully fill, Read More When Will My American Bully Fill Out? color: #ffffff !important; What are the advantages of cropping your dog's ear? Cropping has only been controlled in eight states, according to the AVMA. The College of Veterinarians of B.C. Photo: Adobe Stock / Mary SwiftHelp us take a stand against ear cropping! Cropped ears or uncropped ears? There have been reports of an increase in ear cropping over the last year. Canine Journal is a trademark of Cover Story Media, Inc. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. } padding-top: 0px !important; Get a soft cotton ball and dip it in mild soap or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect and clean the wound. #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel-title > a.collapsed{ As such, theyre on the vanguard of a slow moving front that champions the welfare of animals over human vanity and personal convenience. It serves no other function than to help a dog adhere to a certain breed standard. The first accounted and written record of ear cropping dates back more than 300 years and it was performed as a defense against wolf attacks. The space your dog is in should be kept clean, dry, and free of urine and feces. Ear cropping is a cosmetic procedure whereby the ear flaps are vertically incised to allow them to stand upright. #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel{ Photo: Adobe Stock / DuskoEar-cropping causes pain and distress to dogs. This is similar to when humans get surgery. Over the last year, there have been reports of a huge increase in the ear cropping of dogs. Sign the petition and ask the American Kennel Club to remove ear cropping from its breed standards! In 1987, the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals banned surgical operations for the purposes of modifying the appearance, including ear cropping and tail docking. color:#000000 !important; It has increased by 600 percent, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel-title > a > .ac_title_img_icon{ #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel-title a, #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel-title a:hover, #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel-title a.collapsed, #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel-title a.collapsed:hover { American Kennel Club: Frequently Asked Conformation Questions., American Veterinary Medical Association: Canine Tail Docking FAQ, Welfare Implications of Ear Cropping Dogs., ASPCA: Why Do Fighting Dogs Have Their Ears Cropped and Tails Docked?, British Veterinary Association: Tail Docking of Dogs., Council of Docked Breeds: Tail injuries of shorthaired German point dogs born in Sweden 1989., Gentle Doberman: Taping and Posting Doberman Ears., Banfield Pet Hospital:Banfield, The Pet Hospital discontinues tail dock, ear crop procedures., People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Ear-cropping and tail docking.. (it will mean a lot to us ), If youre an American Bully owner, you probably know they can change from being adorable little furry creatures to becoming big adults who are a mess in an instant. The opposing sides reasons are simple and clear; its cruel and unnecessary. (CVBC) has voted to ban the cosmetic procedure of ear cropping this week and thus join several other provinces in trying to end the practice they say causes . All Rights Reserved. They will snuggle up to friends and family members, but they can rip an intruder apart. The main reason American Bullies got their ears cropped in the past was to give them an advantage during fighting and hunting. Despite the significant pain it elicits, declawing all four paws remains a relatively common practice in the US. Photo: Adobe Stock / MeganBetteridgeThe American Kennel Club (AKC) currently supports ear cropping in order to maintain the standards of appearance for certain breeds. In fact, heres the thing: While there are no solid stats on this, its a safe bet that most ear crops, dewclaw removals and tail docks undertaken in this country are not performed by veterinarians. Since their immune system is still weak, the puppy whose ear was just cropped is more susceptible to infection. font-size: 18px !important; The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking when done solely for cosmetic purposes and encourages the elimination of these practices from breed standards. padding: 15px 15px 15px 50px !important; Check with your vet to learn the removal process they recommend. Any dog with cropped ears has gone through pain and distress, as well as a possibly unpleasant recuperation process. } Many people believe that dogs with big floppy ears are more likely to catch ear infections, so ear cropping is used as a preventative procedure to keep the dog healthy and avoid unwanted complications. Owned and operated by CharityUSA.com, LLC. In the United States, no state has officially prohibited ear cropping. There are only a couple of states in which ear cropping is illegal or is at least regulated, which are Connecticut, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, and Washington. Ear cropping is the process in which the American Bully gets their naturally floppy ears cropped short to various different sizes according to the owners preference. Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Before getting into the aesthetic look of the ear croppings, listed below are the breeds that are most likely to fall victim to ear croppings: There are four main crop styles, and most breeders will make their pets get one of them. content: "\f068" !important; These procedures cause pain and distress and, as with all surgical procedures, are accompanied by inherent risks of anesthesia, blood loss, and infection. Bottom line: Going to a vet for cropping can reduce your dog's risk of infection and give you the option of anesthesia -- which may be required in a handful of states. Aesthetics is the most common reason for American Bully owners to get their dogs ears cropped. Dogfighting is illegal, and the most common dogs used for hunting and chasing down prey are hounds whose long ears serve an important role in scent trailing.. Ive worked with nearly 40 animal doctors during my career, and I know maybe two who perform crops, Roark says. Now, thats a picture worth a whole lot of words one Im hoping well one day put into laws thatll actually protect our pets welfare. The Animal . The best way to discourage cruel mutilations is to make it illegal to perform, . Every Bully Owner Should Know ThisContinue, They are friendly and affectionate, but they are also very protective of their families. Go ahead ask any veterinarian in the US. display:block; The best age to crop your Bullys ear is between 6 and 12 months old. Its length sits between the Show crop and the Battle crop. Below are the most familiar breeds. New York and Vermont have considered legislation to ban them, but neither state has so far. Not that Im holding my breath or nothin' . } Privacy Policy In the past, tail docking was thought to prevent rabies, strengthen the dogs back, increase its speed, and prevent injuries from fighting. content: "\f067" !important; However, most tails are docked primarily for cosmetic purposes, causing unnecessary pain to the dog. Please see your vet for specific and trusted advice. Maine bans mutilating an animal by irreversibly damaging body parts (includes ear cropping & tail docking) but makes an exception if performed by a licensed vet. In some provinces in Canada and Spain, ear cropping is illegal. The care the American Bully gets is an important factor in how well or bad the ear cropping will go. The AVMA has also documented the cosmetic surgery laws currently adhered to in the United States . Animal torture is illegal in Illinois (includes both ear cropping & tail docking) but has an exception for altering an animal done under the direction of a licensed vet. At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. /* open close icon option */ Ear cropping refers to the procedure of trimming an animals ear. ), So does that mean that in all forty-eight, forty-one, and forty-five other states (respectively) you can slice and dice your own dogs tails, ears and throats? This surgery requires general anesthesia and good follow up care to ensure the dog's ear stand up properly. [For Every State]Continue, American Bullies may transform from young pups into fully grown adults in just one year. The pre-procedure steps might include decreasing the amount of food they get the night before or getting some kind of supplement to help them feel ready. Connecticut, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, and Washington all have formally outlined that ear cropping is only legal when performed by a licensed veterinarian. Cropping has only been controlled in eight states, according to the AVMA. It is sometimes described as "docking," although this terms may also include trimming the tail. Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. Terms of Service apply. It does not prevent ear infections or improve a dogs balance. While its illegal in most of the Western world, its only regulated in nine US states. RSPCA inspector Herchy Boal says: "Dogs should never be mutilated for cosmetic purposes . Doberman with uncropped ears We explore this topic and give you the information you need to make an informed decision for your pup. Is it illegal to crop dog ears in the United States? Many breed standards, set by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other pedigree organizations, have cosmetic requirements, including cropped ears for certain breeds. These breeds are known for their protective nature and have those instincts whether you crop and dock them or not. Funds are paid byGreaterGood.org to benefiting organizations as a grant. The operation is extremely painful and uncomfortable for the dog since he or she may endure significant post-operative discomfort as well as psychological distress as a result of the surgery. It is a medical procedure in which the dogs ear is surgically removed using surgical scissors. The eight states with controlled ear cropping laws include Pennsylvania, Washington, New York, Virginia, and Massachusetts Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. (Its pricey to be educated, use drugs and keep things clean.). Yay! position: relative !important; Well, that is the million-dollar question, isnt it? After your chosen vet deems your Bully ready for the surgery, they might ask you to make some adjustments to your Bullys diet before the surgery. #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel-title > a.collapsed > i{ For those not familiar with these terms, ear cropping consists of cutting off up to about two/thirds of the dog's ears when the puppy is between the age of 9 to 12 weeks old. Ear cropping is illegal in England and Wales, unless it is carried out for medical reasons, under Section 5 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and punishment is about to get more severe. ;-) #dogsofstarwars #jarjarbinks #fearfreevetvisits #shihtzusofinstagram #shihtzu #vettech #vetlife #vetstudent #veterinary #veterinarysurgery @dogtorduenas, Vet techs can do anything. If youre getting your dog from a breeder, make sure they know before the dog is born if you dont want your puppy docked, Serpell says. In the United States, no state has officially prohibited ear cropping. (Have you ever seen what this procedure entails? She has a Bachelor of Science (with honors) in sociology from the London School of Economics and Political Science. When Will My American Bully Fill Out? The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. The long or tall crop, as the name suggests, is the tallest crop type, leaving only three-quarters of the dog ears. margin-top:0px !important; The ear is an important part of a dogs communication system, and removing it has long and short-term consequences for the animal. Ear cropping is illegal in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Slovak Republic, and parts of Europe. Like the dog tail, the ear is an important part of a dogs communication system. The majority of celebrities will purchase pets from breeders who are illegally cropping the dogs ears and tails. Maryland: MD takes it one step further. Well, Cropping the ears is an important aspect for guard dogs. left:0px !important; Ear cropping is illegal in many countries around the world. Since their immune system is still weak, there is always the risk of infection during the healing process, and the pooch whose ear was just cropped is more vulnerable to infection. Despite the hotly contested nature of these procedures with respect to animal welfare, the shocking truth is that these procedures are almost entirely unregulated. Global debate on ear cropping is heated and divided. #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel-title > a:hover i{ I mean, after reading what the states who regulate these procedures have to say, am I the only one who wonders about all the other states? Patterson-Kane doesnt support the procedure herself. Score: 4.9/5 (47 votes) . Tail docking on the other hand, is the mutilation of a dog's . Tail docking is banned in many parts of the world, including Australia and the U.K. Celebrities like Leigh-Anne from Little Mix and Kendall Jenner have boldly shared photos of their pets with cropped ears on social media. Dog owners and breeders in B.C. However, no data support the idea that cropping a dogs ears improves its health or hearing. They state that if a dog's ears have been removed, it can be more difficult to know how the animal is feeling. Disclosure, State Laws For Ear Cropping &Tail Docking, You Dont Have To Crop And Dock For a Strong Dog, AVMA (American Veterinarian Medical Association), Can Dogs Get Poison Ivy? While a handful of U.S. states do have rules about ear cropping, there are no states that have an outright ban. Washington: It states that it prohibits ear cropping except when its considered a customary husbandry practice., Declawing a cat requires that the first knuckle of each digit be amputated so as to remove the entirety of the claw. In order for you to form your own opinion on the matter, you need to understand all the facts and myths about ear cropping. Photo: Adobe Stock / DennisThe practice of surgically cutting a puppys ears is now considered largely cosmetic and has been banned in most countries. #accordion_pro_15601 .wpsm_panel-title > a > i{ This article has been reviewed and edited by a vet, but it doesnt replace your own vet. Social media has a significant role in the trends we follow. In four to eight weeks after the procedure, the ear will be fully healed. background:#1e73be !important; For many pet owners, "cropping" or surgically snipping a dog's ears can be a big decision. Scientific research shows that at least 80% of dogs wont get ear infections, and the breeds that are most likely to get them, such as cocker spaniels and poodles, dont get their ears docked, says Emily Patterson-Kane, PhD, an animal welfare scientist at the AVMA. Not one will give you a straight answer regarding the legality of tail docking, ear cropping, declawing and other surgical procedures deemed medically unnecessary by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Ear cropping is a cosmetic procedure whereby the ear flaps are vertically incised to allow them to stand upright. Duskoear-Cropping causes pain and distress, as the name suggests, is the mutilation of a huge in. Elicits, declawing all four paws remains a relatively common practice in the trends we follow the advantages of your. Is it illegal to perform, majority of celebrities will purchase pets from who... 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