A petition launched by leading veterinary and welfare bodies asking the government to take urgent legislative action to #cutthecrop and end ear cropping in dogs, has recently reached 100,000 signatures. So, what is ear cropping, why is it a problem and why is it still happening?
Table of contents
What is ear cropping?
Ear cropping is a surgical procedure whereby the outer ear, or the floppy part, is removed. This involves cutting through the ear cartilage, which is extremely painful and is often done without pain relief or anaesthetic. Commonly the ear is then temporarily ‘splinted’, meaning it is pulled up and secured to something like cardboard to encourage it to stay upright permanently.
During the healing process, which will take several weeks, the bandages of the ears will need to be changed multiple times which will also be very painful. It is possible for the surgical wounds to become infected which means more discomfort and stress for the dog.
But surely there must be benefits to the procedure if it is being carried out?
Put simply ear cropping is a painful and totally unnecessary mutilation. It is carried out purely for cosmetic purposes to please humans. It is thought by some that the appearance of ear-cropped dogs makes them look fiercer or more intimidating.
There are individuals that will claim medical/ lifestyle benefits for dogs with cropped ears. These theories have been proven untrue time and time again. It is now commonly recognised that there are no plausible health benefits to the procedure. Not just this, but there is a whole stack of evidence that shows it can actually have long term damaging effects to the dog. These issues include;
Fear induced behaviour
Given that this procedure often takes place when puppies are as young as two or three months old and without suitable pain relief it can leave the pups wary of humans and vets alike for the short or long term.
Communicating / body language
Without the power of speech animals, including dogs, communicate through their body language. A dog will be able to tell you if it is happy, relaxed, worried or on high alert by the placement of its ears. So, taking these away can seriously impact their ability to let us – and other animals – know how they are feeling.
Hearing
The natural shape of a dog’s ear aids them in, unsurprisingly, hearing. If you have ever watched your dog closely you will notice the ears will move towards the direction of the sound to effectively funnel the sound waves into the ear. They can even move each ear independently from the other!
Isn’t ear cropping already illegal?
Yes, in the UK ear cropping has been illegal since the Animal Welfare Act 2006 came into force. However, it is still legal in the US and certain countries in Europe. Unfortunately, it is not illegal to import or sell dogs that have had their ears cropped in other countries, or even take dogs abroad to have the procedure done.
These significant loopholes can act as a smokescreen, which allows this barbaric act to happen here in the UK. Given this means it will be done illegally, it is likely it will be done with crude instruments in less than suitable environments with no pain relief or anaesthetic and insufficient aftercare.
What can I do to help?
Be aware when looking for puppies, especially breeds such as Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Boston Terriers, American Bulldogs or Great Danes. If you see any sign of ear cropping you can report the breeder / seller to your local authority, the RSPCA or SPCA in Scotland.
The good news is that the petition has been signed by enough people for a debate in Parliament. But now we need to keep up the pressure to make sure something is done!
Sign the petition here.
You may also be interested in;
Discussion
This is completely false and if you’re vet doing these and not using pain relief you’re the problem not everyone else who actually likes the procedure and knows how it’s supposed to be done. I’m tired asf of you guys trying to ban something cause y’all doing it wrong AND y’all don’t like it so according to y’all if y’all done like it then it should be illegal. Like ffs can we not live our own lives? It’s the same as an ear piercing, just a little more and if they’re in so much fucking pain then why do none of them ( the dogs ) ever whine or paw at the hurting area like dogs are known to do??? Make it make fucking sense ffs and stop being fucking stupid with it. Sure you don’t like it but let people continue to have options or else it’ll just be black market type shit and God knows if there’s going to be pain relief then.
We’re not trying to ban it any more: here in the UK it is now illegal as a cruel and unnecessary mutilation. A stance I 100% agree with.
Let’s answer your points one by one:
1) “using pain relief”: as a surgeon and a pharmacologist, and as a patient, I can assure you that pain relief does not eliminate pain, it just reduces it. Why cause an animal to suffer pain when they don’t have to?
2) Because we’re doing it wrong: there is no way to do this procedure that does not cause pain. There is no way to do this procedure that does not impair the dog’s ability to communicate with other dogs. there is no way of doing this procedure that does not contravene animal welfare laws (in countries that have animal welfare laws, at least).
3) “can we not live our own lives?”: not when you’re causing gratuitous suffering to another living thing just because you think they look prettier after you have mutilated them.
4) “Its the same as an ear piercing”: no it isn’t. Firstly, humans consent to ear piercing, they aren’t taken against their will to have it done. Secondly, an ear piercing is a much more minor procedure where a single point puncture is made through the pinnal cartilage. It does not involve substantial removal and debridement of healthy tissue, with the intention of causing scar tissue to form.
5) How come you don’t recognise the pain: I would suggest because you don’t know what you’re looking for.
6) “let people continue to have options”: why? Why should people be allowed to perform procedures that are detrimental to the dog for no good reason?
7) “black market”: always a bad argument. The law should always act to minimise unnecessary pain and suffering.