Is Cutting dogs ears cruel?

Ear cropping, the process of surgically altering a dog’s ears to make them stand erect, is a controversial practice that remains legal in much of the world. Proponents argue it’s done for health or cosmetic reasons, while critics say it’s an unnecessary, painful procedure.

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What is Ear Cropping?

Ear cropping is a surgical procedure where a dog’s ear flaps are trimmed and shaped to make them stand erect. It’s usually done on certain breeds like Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Boxers, Schnauzers, and Pit Bulls. The surgery is typically performed when puppies are 8-12 weeks old. The ears are cut and then taped or stented into position while they heal over the next several weeks.

What are the Main Reasons for Cropping Ears?

There are a few commonly cited reasons for cropping dog’s ears:

To adhere to breed standards – Many breed standards call for cropped ears as part of the desired look for that breed. This is primarily for cosmetic reasons.
To prevent ear infections – Erect ears may provide better air circulation which could reduce the risk of ear infections. However, there is no scientific evidence that cropping prevents infections.

For fighting/protection dogs – Cropped ears on guard dogs or fighting dogs prevent other dogs from easily grabbing onto the ears.
To prevent future injury – Cropped ears won’t get torn while hunting or running through brush. But dogs’ natural ear flaps protect the ear canal, so cropping may increase injury risk.

What’s the Controversy Around Ear Cropping?

Ear cropping is controversial because it’s considered an unnecessary, painful cosmetic surgery. The main criticisms of ear cropping include:

Purely cosmetic – Cropping is not medically necessary for dogs. The procedure is primarily done for the look and to meet breed standards.
Painful procedure – As with any surgery, ear cropping is painful. The cropping itself and the taping/stenting during healing is uncomfortable.
Risk of complications – Cropping carries risks of infection, hematomas, ear motions abnormalities, and other complications.

Alters natural state – Dogs are born with natural, floppy ears. Cropping alters what’s normal for that animal.
No health benefits – There is no scientific evidence that cropping offers health or infection prevention benefits.

Many vets and animal welfare organizations oppose ear cropping as an unnecessary cosmetic procedure. They view it as a form of animal cruelty given the pain it causes.

Where is Ear Cropping Legal?

Ear cropping is legal in most parts of the world, though some countries have bans or restrictions:

United States – Legal in every state, though some cities ban it.
Canada – Varies by province, illegal in parts of eastern Canada but legal elsewhere.

Europe – Banned in the UK, much of Europe considers it a “mutilation.”
Australia – Banned nationwide except when deemed medically necessary.
South America – Legal in some countries like Brazil, illegal in others like Ecuador.

Africa – Legal in most countries, banned in parts of West Africa.

In the United States, ear cropping is broadly legal across the country. Some individual states require the procedure be performed by a licensed vet, and cities like Denver, Colorado have banned cropping unless it’s medically needed. The American Kennel Club supports cropping in order “to preserve breed character and enhance good health.”

What’s the Argument For Allowing Ear Cropping?

Those who support ear cropping offer several reasons why the practice should remain legal:

Meets breed standards – Cropping creates the upright, pointed ear shape that’s ideal for breeds like Schnauzers and Dobermans according to breed standards.
Owner preference for cropped look – People should be able to choose the cropped ear look they prefer for aesthetic reasons.
Population control – Cropping done properly reduces unwanted strays since owners are less likely to abandon disfigured dogs.

Prevents injury while hunting – Cropped ears on hunting dogs prevent snags and tears while running through brush pursuing game.
Reduces ear infections – Some claim cropping improves air circulation and makes ear infections less likely.

Proponents argue ear cropping is a personal choice that has legitimate benefits when done properly by veterinary professionals. They say the procedure should remain legal and an option for dog owners.

What’s the Argument For Banning Ear Cropping?

Here are some reasons why many veterinarians and animal rights advocates believe ear cropping should be illegal:

Causes unnecessary pain – Putting dogs through an invasive, painful surgery primarily for cosmetic reasons is cruel.
Non-medical procedure – Cropping healthy ears provides no medical benefit, unlike spay/neuter procedures.

Normalizes “mutilation” – Keeping cropping legal reinforces that it’s okay to surgically alter dogs’ natural bodies.
No health benefits – Cropping doesn’t clearly reduce ear infections according to veterinary associations.
Done for owner preference – Dogs don’t care what they look like; cropping caters solely to owners’ aesthetic tastes.

Unethical for vets to perform – The veterinarian oath calls for doing no harm; cropping for cosmetic reasons violates that principle.

Opponents view cropping as an outdated, inhumane practice that deforms dogs’ natural ears for vain reasons. They want cropping made illegal, following bans in many European countries.

What do Veterinary Groups Say About Ear Cropping?

Most veterinary associations worldwide consider ear cropping medically unnecessary and ethically problematic. Here are the stances of some major groups:

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Opposes ear cropping and tail docking that are not “medically indicated.”
Encourages vets to educate clients against these unnecessary procedures.

Believes cropping detracts from dog welfare and client education about risks.

British Veterinary Association (BVA)

Strongly opposes ear cropping along with tail docking and devocalization.

Views cropping as “an unjustified mutilation and unethical.”
Successfully lobbied for cropping ban in England and Wales in 2007.

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)

Opposes ear cropping for cosmetic reasons.
Says cropping provides “no medical benefit to the animal.”
Wants cropping banned in all Canadian provinces.

Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)

Strongly opposes cropping as “inhumane and unnecessary.”
Encouraged nationwide ban on cropping in Australia.

Says cropping done for fighting dogs encourages further cruelty.

These major vet groups align in viewing ear cropping as ethically unacceptable due to the unnecessary pain it causes. Most support banning cropping except when truly medically warranted.

What are the Pros and Cons of Ear Cropping?

Pros of Ear Cropping	Cons of Ear Cropping
Can create preferred pointed, erect ear shape for certain breeds	Putting puppies through unnecessary pain purely for cosmetic reasons
Follows breed standards for showing dogs competitively	No evidence it benefits dogs’ health, despite claims about ear infections
Personal choice of owners seeking cropped ear look	Completely alters dogs’ natural ears
May slightly reduce ear injury risks for hunting dogs	Carries risks of complications like infections and hematomas
Population control if fewer unwanted strays	Normalizes concept of surgically altering dogs’ bodies

There are ethical arguments on both sides of ear cropping. However, veterinary associations and animal welfare groups overwhelmingly view the practice as cruel and outdated given the pain inflicted on puppies for primarily cosmetic purposes.

What are Alternatives to Ear Cropping?

For those who want the aesthetic of upright, pointed ears on certain dog breeds, there are some alternatives to surgical ear cropping:

Taping and stenting – Taping puppy ears gently into position over time can teach them to stand erect without cropping. Stenting devices can also be used to train ear position.
Breeding dogs with naturally erect ears – Responsible breeders can selectively breed dogs that naturally have upright ears to produce the desired ear carriage without cropping.

Accept natural ear shape – Embracing dogs’ natural ear shape avoids unnecessary alteration of their bodies.

These alternatives allow owners to achieve some of the aesthetic effects of cropping without putting dogs through painful surgical procedures. As awareness of dog welfare grows, more owners are willing to forego cropping and appreciate dogs’ innate ear shapes.

Conclusion

Ear cropping is a controversial practice that remains legal in much of the world, including the United States. However, most veterinary associations believe cropping healthy dogs’ ears provides no medical benefit and subjects dogs to unnecessary pain solely for cosmetic reasons.

There is a growing movement to ban elective ear cropping given enhanced understanding of dogs’ pain and renewed focus on their welfare. Continuing education on the downsides of cropping may lead more people to accept dogs’ natural ears as they are – rather than surgically altering them to adhere to rigid breed standards or personal preferences.