Ear cropping is painful, and can cause health and behavior issues in dogs. Find out why the procedure is done – and why it should end.
Cropping a dog’s ears used to be common. Today, this controversial practice is viewed more as a cosmetic choice than a necessity. Proponents say it enhances the character of certain breeds. Others argue it’s cruel and unnecessary. This article explores how ear cropping in dogs affects health and behavior.
What is ear cropping and what does it entail?
Ear cropping removes part of a dog’s floppy ear to create a specific shape. It’s done when a puppy is six to 12 weeks old and requires anesthesia. After the procedure, the veterinarian tapes the puppy’s ears to his head for several months to help them heal.
Ear cropping is not only painful and traumatic for the dog. It can also cause infections, especially if the dog reopens the wounds by shaking his head or scratching.
Why is ear cropping bad for dogs?
Here are several reasons ear cropping is dangerous and unhealthy for dogs.
- It can cause long-term pain and tenderness. Some dogs may even experience a lifetime of pain.
- Improperly performed procedures can result in misshapen ears, which may require additional surgeries.
- Ear cropping can emotionally scar the dog. Most of a pup’s brain development occurs during the first year of life, when the procedure is performed. Some pups become traumatized by the surgery and the long healing period. This can create behavior issues that last into adulthood.
- Unlicensed breeders or inexperienced vets may perform poor surgeries, resulting in mutilated ears that can impair a dog’s hearing.
- Dogs use body language, including ear positions, to communicate with humans and other dogs. Cropping removes their ability to express happiness, anxiety, fear, etc., through ear positions.
This can cause confusion and miscommunication between the dog and those around him, potentially leading to defensive or aggressive behavior.
So why do some people still support ear cropping?
Ear cropping makes a dog’s ears stand up instead of flop. People often crop ears to meet specific showring standards for certain breeds. Some claim ear cropping prevents ear infections, improves hearing, and protects the ears from injuries.
To date, no studies confirm these claims. This suggests ear cropping offers no medical benefits for dogs and prioritizes human preferences over canine welfare.
Is ear cropping still legal?
Many countries have implemented restrictions on ear cropping. For example, the European Union Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals bans both ear cropping and tail docking unless for health reasons.
“It’s banned in the UK as a cruel, unnecessary cosmetic surgery,” adds veterinary behaviorist Dr. Dodman. “And I agree — it should end.”
In the US and Canada, despite opposition from many groups, ear cropping continues in several states and provinces. Regulations vary by region.
For example, Pennsylvania law allows only veterinarians to perform the procedure. Washington state exempts ear cropping from animal cruelty laws but requires a licensed breeder or vet to do the procedure. Massachusetts issues a $250 fine to anyone besides a qualified veterinarian who performs ear cropping.
Hopefully, the procedure will eventually become illegal in North America, as it is in most of Europe.
Like declawing in cats, ear cropping (and tail docking) in dogs is an inhumane and unnecessary procedure. It causes pain and trauma and prioritizes human aesthetics over the animal’s well-being. Understanding how ear cropping affects a dog’s health and behavior is a crucial first step in banning this practice everywhere.
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