B.C. vet college bans cosmetic ear cropping for dogs

The College of Veterinarians of B.C. (CVBC) has ruled that ear cropping for dogs is not medically necessary. (SPCA photo)

British Columbian veterinarians who perform ear cropping on dogs could now face charges under the province’s animal cruelty act, after a sweeping ban of the cosmetic practice took effect.

The procedure involves cutting off 60 to 70 per cent of the floppy part of a canine’s ear, normally when they are between three to six months old.

Ear cropping was historically performed on working dogs to decrease ear infections – or to maintain a certain breed standard for show dogs that were being exhibited in competitions.

But the College of Veterinarians of B.C. (CVBC) has ruled the procedure is not medically necessary and says members who still crop ears could face disciplinary sanctions.

Ear cropping is already banned in Australia and much of Europe. In Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador ban the practice under its prevention to cruelty act, and in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and PEI there are bylaws to prevent vets from performing the surgery.

“Veterinarians have an ethical responsibility to the animals they treat. Ear cropping goes against that responsibility,” the college's Chief Executive Officer Larry Odegard said in a statement.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest cropping is medically beneficial for the animal, the CVBC says.

Dogs use their ears to communicate emotions, and cropping prevents this behaviour, it adds.

“There is no benefit to the actual dog. This is strictly cosmetic,” said Dr. Emilia Gordon, Senior Manager of Animal Health for the BC SPCA.

The ban is being applauded by the BC SPCA, which has publically opposed the practice for more than two decades.

The animal welfare agency feels that it causes unnecessary physical and emotional pain to the dog, and can lead to behavioural issues.

The B.C. ban has come under heavy fire from breeders and kennel clubs, who say it’s still a common breed standard – and many pet owners still want their dog’s ears cropped.

Marla Williamson, President of Kelowna Kennel Club, said she’s concerned people will now just do it at home by themselves without proper vet care and anesthetic.

The SPCA hopes the purebred dog community will support the ban, which they believe is a huge step forward for animal welfare progress.

“This proves vets in this province are incredibly progressive,” said Gordon. “We need to change the culture so it’s not just okay to have natural ears, it’s better.”