After reading my post on ear-cropping and tail-docking, a visitor left the following comment (thank you!):

"AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (AVMA) states:
a) Ear Cropping and Tail Docking
Ear cropping and tail docking in dogs 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 anaesthesia, blood loss, and infection. Therefore, veterinarians should counsel dog owners about these matters before agreeing to perform these surgeries."

I decided to find out what the Canadian and British veterinary associations had to say on the topic. Here's what I found:

"The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) opposes surgical alteration of any animal, for purely cosmetic purposes."
Background
The CVMA believes that cosmetic surgery is unnecessary. Surgical alterations in cases of injury or for reasons of health are not considered cosmetic. Examples of cosmetic procedures include:
tail docking in the equine, bovine, or canine species; tail nicking/setting in the equine species; ear cropping in canine species; and onychectomy in species other than the domestic cat.The CVMA recommends that breed associations change their breed standards so that cosmetic procedures are not required."
(Onychectomy is the surgical removal of claws)

The British Veterinary Assocation says:
"From 6 April 2007 in England, and 28 March in Wales, the docking of dogs' tails has been banned except for certain working dogs or where the procedure is required for the purposes of medical treatment. The docking of dogs' tails has been banned in Scotland, without any exception for working dogs, under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 with effect from 30 April 2007. Advice from the RCVS is also available.
The BVA and BSAVA have been campaigning against the non-therapeutic docking of puppies’ tails since the sixties because they believe that it is not in the animal’s best interests. In fact:
there is good evidence to show that the act of docking causes pain; there is some evidence to show that pain in neonates is enhanced compared to adults; a dog’s tail is a vital form of canine expression and an important means of communication with other dogs and other species; the removal of the tail may induce or exacerbate other medical conditions such as incontinence and perineal hernia in bitches.A poster showing traditionally docked breeds with full tails has been re-designed by the BVA:AWF in association with the BVA, BSAVA, Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, PDSA, RSPCA and Wood Green Animal Shelters. The poster was mailed to all veterinary practices last year and further copies can be downloaded from the BVA:AWF website.

http://www.bva-awf.org.uk/resources/posters/BVA_AWF_tail_docking_poster.pdf"

By the way, the image included in this post is an ear clamp used as a template for cutting the dog's ear flap.

Ear-cropping And Tail-docking

I’ve long been an admirer of the Schipperke breed, with their foxy little black faces and keen intelligence. While attending a trade show recently, I spotted a pretty female and got ready to bolt out of my chair to go say “Hello” to her. I almost fell off my chair instead.

The dog had a tail, a cute little fluffy tail that curled up over her back. I’d always believed that Schipperkes were a naturally tail-less breed, but the dog’s owner explained to me that most Schipperke puppies are born with tails.

I was dumbfounded. Why would breeders routinely remove the tail from a dog, especially a nicely formed tail that curls up over the dog’s back?

Nowadays dog owners have a full range of services they can use to keep their dogs healthy and happy — everything from animal communicators to acupuncture.

So why are we still cutting off their ears and tails?

Why do we crop the ears of some breeds to stand upright in a point when the breed’s natural ear is a neat, satiny triangle that sets off the face superbly?

My reading on the subject revealed that some dog breeders consider ear-cropping a way to promote good health in the dog. Details as to which illnesses or conditions were avoided by ear-cropping were somewhat sketchy.

Research on the Internet resulted in this interesting article on “cosmetic surgery” on the In Defense Of Animals website:

http://www.idausa.org/facts/cossurgery.html

Here is the American Kennel Club’s policy on ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal:

“The American Kennel Club recognizes that ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal, as described in certain breed standards, are acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health. Appropriate veterinary care should be provided.”

The Canadian Kennel Club’s standard for Schipperke tails is much more straightforward and doesn’t mess around with politically correct jargon:

“Tail: Docked to no more than 1 inch (3 cm) in length.”

Since breed standards are defined by the breeders, it’s clear that the breeders are the ones who are actively promoting this practice. But are they? If people stopped buying puppies with cropped ears and docked tails, this practice would have to stop.

The power of the consumer…it’s worth thinking about.

One final note on Schipperkes I found on The Breeds Of Dogs website: Schipperke legend tells of a shoemaker who, in 1609, became irritated at the persistent thieving of his neighbour’s dog and, after finally catching him at it, cut off his tail. The much-improved appearance of the mutilated thief supposedly was copied, starting the trend for docking. (www.thebreedsofdogs.com)

If this legend is true, it’s been nearly 400 years since one Schipperke stole something from a shoemaker. Have we not evolved as human beings since 1609?

Healthy Horse Expo

If you’re a horse lover in the Victoria, BC area, be sure to attend the Healthy Horse Expo at the Saanich Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 5.

Organizers have a full slate of informative workshops and demonstrations including:

Natural horsemanship
Lameness
Equine-facilitated mental health
Equine homeopathy
Equine personalities
Animal communication
First aid and safety on the trail
Bodytalk healing system

This event was held two years ago at the same location and proved to be popular with exhibitors and customers alike. The emphasis on holistic health provides a great venue to see new products, meet equine practitioners, and generally network with other horse people.

I’ll be there with my book, “The Dog Who Looked At Heaven”, so stop by my table with your rescue stories!