Contributed by Angie Lewis
Alaska Animal Advocates
Although it is not uncommon, altering a dog’s body surgically is a very controversial topic. The surgeries involved in these modifications are ear cropping and tail docking. Organizations such as the American Kennel Club require certain qualifications for a purebred dog’s appearance, and these are related to the function that the dog provided originally.
For many of these dogs, this means ear cropping and docking tails. The American Kennel Club refuses to change their expectations for these dogs’ appearance, despite public opinion to stop these requirements.
A consequence of the change in the appearance of these dogs is that they are viewed as more aggressive. Dobermans, Great Danes, Schnauzers, Brussel Griffons, and Boxers are some of the dogs that are viewed as dangerous as a result of these surgeries. Even the dogs’ owners are seen as more tough.
These procedures are cruel and inhumane. A human being has a choice about whether or not they decide to have cosmetic surgery, but a dog cannot do so. Typically, these dogs are just 8 to 12 weeks old when they have these surgeries imposed upon them. The pain and trauma is monumental and the psychological impact is equally dangerous. Dogs use their ears and tails to communicate and are damaged when they can no longer do so.
Many countries around the world have made tail docking and ear cropping illegal. However, the United States is not so humane and restrictions are rare.
