Cosmetic surgery refers to procedures which are done to alter the appearance of the nonhuman patient, but are not necessary to improve her or his health. In dogs, if refers to ear crops and tail docks. Both procedures are done solely to benefit the human guardian with very little to no consideration given to the possible effects (physical or psychological) they might have on the puppy undergoing surgery.

Tail docks have been performed since the days of the Romans who thought that the practice would prevent rabies. It continues because guardians of breeds which are docked claim that the procedure prevents injuries to the tail. Because some breeds remain undocked, despite their use in the field, it seems evident that the real reason for the perpetuation of this practice is the preference for a certain appearance in the docked breeds - i.e., it is done solely for 'fashion.'

Similarly, ear crops were originally performed because the human handlers believed that the dog would be incapacitated less in either 'sport' fights or in hunts if their long ear flaps were removed and could not be used by the opponent as a body part upon which to purchase a grip. The present rationalization is that ear crops prevent ear infections, and thus have a preventative health benefit. Because many breeds which are notorious for developing ear inflammation are never cropped (cocker spaniels and basset hounds, for example), it seems clear that the current preference for the cropped appearance, as with the docked tail, is due to the adherence to anachronistic traditions and standards of 'beauty.'

Tail docking involves removing a segment of the dog's vertebral column which may comprise as much as 1/4 to 1/3 of the total body length. It is done with no anesthesia on puppies who usually are 2 to 5 days old. The pups shriek in pain as the tails are cut off.

Ear crops are much more traumatic and inhumane for the developing dog. The optimal age for this procedure is determined by the degree of maturity of the ear cartilage and varies between 9 to 12 weeks depending on the preference of the practitioner. Although anesthesia is used, it is very stressful for several reasons. The puppy is separated from her or his littermates or new home and exposed to the frightening sights, sounds, and smells of a veterinary hospital. He or she awakens from anesthesia to throbbing, painful ears affixed by tape to some form of rack, usually metal or plastic. Furthermore, the detrimental effects of the procedure are magnified by the fact that the ideal cropping age coincides with a period of development in which traumatic experiences can have a permanent effect on the pup's developing psyche. Finally, added to the trauma of the original procedure are a number of follow-up visits in which the ears are handled, stretched along the edges to prevent a crumpled appearance, re-taped, etc., which procedures are painful and frightening to the canine victim. In addition to the pain and suffering endured by dogs subjected to ear crops and tail docks, there is the issue of removing body parts which serve a function to the individual. Tails are used by dogs, as in many other vertebrates, for maneuvering and balance.

Tails and ears used extensively by dogs as a part of their behavioral repertoire, signaling a variety of emotions from hostility to enjoyment to submission to alertness. To deprive an individual of a significant part of her or his body seems as outrageous as it is unnecessary.

The Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights adamantly opposes surgeries whose sole purpose is to alter appearances of nonhuman animals to satisfy human whims. The AVAR believes that the veterinarians' primary responsibility is the welfare of their patients, rather than the aesthetic preferences of the guardians. Tail docking and ear cropping are unacceptable because the suffering and disfigurement they cause the individual are not offset by any benefits to her or him. The AVAR believes that breed standards, as dictated by the American Kennel Club (AKC), must be changed so that only uncropped and undocked dogs may compete in the show ring. The AVAR also encourages veterinarians to refuse to perform these unnecessary surgeries and encourages veterinary medical associations to adopt policies unequivocally opposing such perverse practices.

Fortunately, public and professional opinion is swinging away from both of these practices in some part of the world. Note that the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the British Government, and the Council of Europe all oppose tail docks, and ear cropping is illegal in England, West Germany and several Canadian provinces. Whereas this is encouraging, much more needs to be done to eliminate these unnecessary surgeries.

Ordering copies or downloading this brochure and distributing them to breeders, veterinarians, groomers, and the general public; Letting your puppy's ears and tail grow normally, should you adopt a dog who is of a breed routinely cropped or docked; Speaking with your veterinarian about adopting a policy of refusing to perform these unnatural and unnecessary surgeries; and supporting PAWS and the AVAR in its efforts to stop these barbaric practices.

Information courtesy of the AVAR.