Why is ear cropping and tail docking performed?
In the vast majority of cases, ear cropping and tail docking is performed as a cosmetic procedure to alter the appearance of the dog. This is often done in an attempt to meet breed standards laid out by the specific breed registries for individual breeds of dogs. The AKC believes that “that ear cropping, as described in certain breed standards, is an acceptable practice integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health.” In rarer instances, ear cropping or tail docking may be performed as a therapeutic option. An example of this would be a situation where a dog sustains an injury to the tail which will not heal without surgical intervention. These types of injuries may result in a situation where amputation (or docking) of a portion of the dog’s tail is necessary to remove the injured area and allow proper recovery. These situations are not the situations being opposed by the AVMA or being proposed as legislative bans. It should be further noted that, tho
