As you may or may not be aware, the American Veterinary Medical Association has recently made an even stronger statement, condemning the practice or ear cropping and tail docking. In a statement by the AVMA, "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." They would like dog breed organizations, such as the AKC, to remove the requirement for ear cropping and tail docking from their standards.
These practices began in the 1700's because they believed it would help to reduce injury of fighting dogs, increase the dogs speed, strengthen the back, and was even considered a prevention for rabies. The AKC still adamantly supports ear cropping and tail docking, while other dog breed organizations around the world have banned the practice for being inhumane. Ear cropping and tail docking are banned in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia. Yet, the AVMA isn't demanding to have the practice made illegal, they do want the AKC to consider dropping the breed standards that would require certain breeds to go through these procedures. The AKC doesn't disqualify a dog from being shown that does not have a docked tail or cropped ears, but they do ensure that they won't win in competition. Here is an example of the AKC standards for Weimaraners in which they state a Weimaraner with an undocked tail will be penalized. Some common dog breeds that undergo ear cropping and tail docking include schnauzers, boxers, cocker spaniels, Great Danes, Dobermans, and miniature pinschers.
I've been trying to understand the AKC position, so I've looked up their mission statement which is, "The American Kennel Club is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKC® and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership." What I do not understand, is how requiring dogs to undergo painful cosmetic surgery to be successful in the show ring, has anything to do with this statement. While I think they are terribly wrong on this issue, I do want to recognize that the AKC is comprised of many people that love dogs, and they have no evil intent. IMO, their beliefs are rooted in heritage and tradition. I'm hoping that ear cropping and tail docking will be a tradition they consider changing. If these procedures are ever required for the health and well-being of a dog, I can understand, but not for cosmetic reasons.
To be fair, here is the statement made by the AKC in response to the AVMA.
AKC Statement on AVMA Crop and Dock Policy
[Wednesday, November 26, 2008]
New York, NY (November 21, 2008) -- The American Kennel Club® was advised this week of the AVMA's newly amended policy on ear cropping and tail docking following its adoption by the AVMA Executive Board at the recommendation of their Committee on Animal Welfare on November 15, 2008.
Historically, the AKC has worked closely with the AVMA to ensure that the rights of individual dog owners, and breed standards, remain protected. However, the AKC was very disappointed to not have been consulted regarding this latest iteration of the policy, despite having been in frequent contact with the AVMA in recent months.
At a joint meeting this Wednesday AKC explained to the AVMA that we recognize ear cropping and tail docking, as prescribed in certain breed standards, are acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character, enhancing good health, and preventing injuries. These breed characteristics are procedures performed to insure the safety of dogs that on a daily basis perform heroic roles with Homeland Security, serve in the U.S. Military and at Police Departments protecting tens of thousands of communities throughout our nation as well as competing in the field.
Mislabeling these procedures as "cosmetic" is a severe mischaracterization that connotes a lack of respect and knowledge of history and the function of purebred dogs. Breed standards are established and maintained by AKC Parent Clubs (each of the 158 AKC registered breeds is stewarded by a breed-specific Parent Club) keeping foremost in mind the welfare of the breed and the function it was bred to perform.
As a not for profit organization that has been devoted to the advancement and welfare of dogs for 125 years, the AKC believes that all dog owners bear a special responsibility to their canine companions to provide proper care and humane treatment at all times and that responsible dog owners, in consultation with their veterinarian, have the right to make decisions regarding appropriate care and treatment of their pets.
AKC's policy on the issue, which remains unchanged, states:
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.
Dog owners who would like to contact AVMA directly regarding their policy should direct comments to Gail Golab, head of the AVMA Animal Welfare Division: ggolab@avma.org or 847-925-8070.
It's funny how they drag Homeland Security in this, as if they have anything to do with it. The AVMA isn't even calling for an out and out ban or to make it illegal. The AVMA is requesting that the AKC "remove the requirement for ear cropping and tail docking from their standards." That's all. This wouldn't undermine preserving breed character, as the supposed breed character requires cosmetic surgery to achieve. Why don't we just let dobermans be au natural with cute floppy ears, is it because they would lose that scary guard dog look? The AKC says ear cropping and tail docking is healthy for dogs, but veterinarians beg to differ.
According to the AVMA, tail docking is painful with a potential for complications such as excessive bleeding, infection, and necrosis. Some studies are also suggesting underdeveloped pelvic musculature and incontinence later in life may possibly result from tail docking. Although, the AKC suggests tail docking should be required because of possible tail injury, AVMA doesn't really agree with that either.
It has been suggested that docking protects the animal from later tail damage, in cases where the breed is more vulnerable or more likely to experience tail injury during its activities (e.g., breeds that hunt in thick cover and have vigorous tail action). Tail injuries generally have a low rate of occurrence and many working breeds' tails go undocked. However, the German Shorthaired Pointer Breed Council collected breeder reports showing a high incidence of tail injury after the 1990 ban on docking in Sweden. It is possible that some breeds and uses are particularly vulnerable to tail trauma, but peer-reviewed data is lacking. sourceOn the subject of ear cropping, the AVMA states there is the risk of anesthesia, discomfort of bandaged ears for a few days to a few months, infection, and repeated surgery if necessary to acheive desired look. While the AKC maintains ear cropping is for good health, the AVMA states that
It has been suggested that dogs with cropped ears are less likely to suffer from infections of the ear canal. Although the development of some serious infections has been linked to the presence of a heavy hanging ear, there is no evidence that cropping prevents or successfully treats these conditions. It has also been suggested that cropping avoids later ear injury or improves hearing, but no evidence is available to substantiate these claims either. source
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