~ ~~ Griffon-tastic:
Cropping ~ I have learned a lot.
Cropping is an animal welfare issue.
| Veterinarians in Canada and the United States have official position statements opposed to cropping. They have seen the surgery and the aftermath of the surgery. They know the results. North American Veterinarions, without a doubt, have a more highly qualified position about cropping than any others. Families and breeders who continue cropping choose to ignore the unnecessary pain they cause to their griffs. | 
Uncropped ear = massage points |
I have learned that most people and countries are opposed to what they call "cosmetic surgery" for dogs. In many countries the procedure is banned and has been for many years. It is not the radical fringe that opposes the unnecessary surgery. It is a viewpoint of the informed and educated. The act is seen as inhumane, unwarranted, and self-serving. I've learned that our veterinary schools are no longer even teaching the procedure. It's only an elective course in some. That says a lot.
definition: Webster's dictionary: to remove the upper or outer parts of (crop a hedge)
| Cropping is the removal of a portion of a dog's ears so that they stand up. Cropping is often done to the dogs at around the age of four months but it might occur at different ages. In the United States it is the American Brussels Griffon Association who dictate the breed standard for the American Kennel Club. Cropping: If the dog owner feels they have no choice but to do it, should always be done by an experienced, educated Veterinarian. Many vets will not do the cosmetic procedure. It is not standard training. | Healing from ear surgery is slow and painful for a dog and there is a risk of complications such as infection. That according to Dr A Crook of the Atlantic Veterinary College. **Note: this article is not online anymore. I have written to the magazine & Dr. Crook to get the information.** If you want to learn more about the pain and problems caused by cropping, do an internet search. You may be surprised the organizations keeping this antiquated cosmetic procedure from being banned like most civilized countries have done, in spite of the medical facts. |
| Many of us have seen the pathetic examplies of the butchery that happens when inexperienced, uneducated, unqualified people crop puppies' ears.
From: http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/earc.html U.S. Veterinarian: Dr. Dunn
" The fact is that ear infections are common in all sorts of breeds whether they have cropped ears or not. As a veterinarian with 32 years of experience treating hundreds of thousands of dogs during that time, I cannot find medical justification for cropping a dog's pinnas. So the choice to crop a dog's ears is a personal decision that a purebred dog owner needs to weigh carefully... partly because what you think you will get may not occur. I refer to the disappointing cases where the pup's ears have been cropped and yet, no matter what everyone tries to do, the ears won't stand erect! " | Why crop? There is no physical need for the dog. In the countries where cropping is still legal, the main reason to subject a sensitive Brussels Griffon to this surgery is "Breed Standards". What does that really mean? Cosmetic reasons - "If I want to show my dog, I have to adhere to the breed standards. I must crop." Because the ears aren't "perfect". Certain countries haven't adopted their standards to reflect the humane viewpoint. BEWARE: of any breeder that crops ears on their own without using a qualified veterinarian. |
Countries where cropping has been illegal: (some for centuries:)
- United Kingdom: Cropping is illegal. I believe Queen Victoria banned cropping because of the animal suffering.
- Australia: Cropping is illegal.
- Canada: In Newfoundland and Labrador cropping is illegal.
- New Zealand: Cropping is illegal
- Netherlands: Ear cropping became illegal in the sixties. September 2001 docking was also illegal.
- Belgium: cropping was illegal by end 2001. January 1st 2006 docking became illegal.
- Italy: Cropping is reported to be illegal. Docking is reported to be illegal since February 2001.
- Germany: Docking and cropping have been forbidden for a few years. Docking was banned 1st June 1998 with exceptions for working gundogs.
- Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark): docking has been also banned for years.
- Switzerland: docking has been illegal for a couple of years
- Sweden: Cropping has been forbidden for at least 30 years and docking tails has been forbidden by law since 1989
- PLEASE advise any I've missed.
| The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has a position statement opposing ear cropping and tail docking and encouraging breed associations to modify their standards to discourage these practices. It is also the official policy of the American Veterinary Medical Association that "Ear cropping and tail docking in dogs for cosmetic reasons are not medically indicated or of benefit to the patient. These procedures cause pain and distress, and, as with all surgical procedures, are accompanied by inherent risks of anesthesia, blood loss and infection. Therefore, veterinarians should counsel dog owners about these matters before agreeing to perform these surgeries." The resolution was approved July 8, 1999.
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( Docking is the practice of removing all or part of a dog's tail. Tails are generally docked within the first three days of a puppy's life. )
Research is ongoing. Thanks for reading. ~ Griffon-tastic
