EAR CROPPING OF DOGS IN INDIA: PRACTICES & LEGALITY

EAR CROPPING OF DOGS IN INDIA: PRACTICES & LEGALITY

DR G.AYUB, PET CONSULTANT,KOLKATA

What is Ear Cropping? 

Ear cropping is an elective surgery for puppies of particular types or breeds, usually occurring right after birth. It is more than 300 years old; however back then they were cropped for protection from bears, cattle, wolves, and foxes. For the past hundred years or so, cropped ears are often requested more for cosmetic purposes than for the dog’s own sake.

Historically, ear cropping was also performed on some working dogs to help decrease any health complications; mainly ear infections and hematomas.

Cropped ears is a process in which the ears of certain breeds are transformed to look alert and erect. The process can only be done by a licensed veterinarian and only if the owner is dedicated to the pet’s post-op with any aftercare that is needed. Dog ear cropping is usually done whenever the pup is 8 to 10 weeks old.

Ear cropping (or trimming) is an elective cosmetic surgical procedure that involves cutting and shaping the floppy part of a dog’s ear (the ear pinna). This is done so the ear stands up and creates a look or standard for some dog breeds. The professional and social view of ear cropping has changed over the years, as has the legality of the procedure in some countries.

Ear cropping is the act of removing part (or sometimes all) of a dog’s ears, and is often followed by taping the remaining ear upright so that it heals vertically, giving the ears an upright triangular appearance, rather than the hanging-down floppy ears of most dogs. Breeds where cropping is prevalent are Dobermanns, American bullies, pitbulls, Staffordshire bull terriers and other similar breeds. Do note that some breeds have naturally upright ears like huskies, German shepherds, westies and corgis.This procedure is always performed with general anesthesia. Both ears have many nerve endings. Meaning if there were no anesthesia the dog would be in extreme pain. The cropping is done by removing about two-thirds of the pinna, also known as the floppy part of the ears.

Why is it done?

The practice has been performed since ancient times for a number of reasons – there was a belief (which is not unfounded) that long hanging ears are more likely to get ear infections, become damaged or swell with blood. As many dogs back then were hunting dogs or sheepherders, there was some evidence this was correct.

There was also a belief that dogs with cropped ears could hear better, as they could more easily swivel their ears in the direction of sound, versus uncropped normal ears. Cropping was normally carried out on very young puppies by their owner with shears, using no pain relief.

In modern times, cropping is mainly performed for purely cosmetic reasons. Many people like the look, believing it makes the dog look fierce, or more natural (like wolves that have upright ears). This can be made worse as some official breed standards are not unclear if some ears should be ‘upright’; an example of this is The Kennel Club (KC) website, which states that Dobermanns should have ears that are “normally dropped, but may be erect”. Dobermanns do not often have erect ears without being cropped, so this statement could be interpreted as saying that cropped ears are acceptable.

The KC have banned competing dogs with cropped ears – but you have to dig into the small print to find this! Social media, as it often does, worsens this trend further. The high prevalence of dogs with cropped ears can make the look seem normal. All these factors contribute to the reason why many people do not know that ear mutilation is still taking place around the world and is not normal.

How Is Ear Cropping Done?

Under general anesthesia, the floppy part of the ear is cut in a precise shape. The surgery should only be done by a licensed veterinarian with experience with this procedure. Puppies are usually 6 to 12 weeks old when their ears are cropped.¹

In order for the ears to heal in the desired upright precision after surgery, they must be “posted” to a hard surface and taped until completely healed. Bandages need to be changed weekly, typically. The entire process can last from 4-8 weeks.

Dog Breeds With Cropped Ears

There are numerous breeds of dogs that can sport cropped ears. Usually, these breeds have a standard look that is part of the breed’s history.

• Boston Terrier
• Boxer
• Doberman Pinscher
• Miniature Pinscher
• Great Dane
• Schnauzer

One common reason given in support of the ability to have a dog’s ears cropped is to preserve traditional purebred standards.

Different Styles of Cropped Ears

Along with the many different breeds that are acceptably ear cropped, different ear cropping styles exist. The four ear cropping styles are as follows, from the shortest to the tallest ear crop:

• Battle Crop— This is the shortest available ear crop. Since this is such as low cut it will not allow for protection from dirt and insects.
• Short Crop— This ear cropping is a little longer than that of the battle crop. There is only about two-thirds of the original ear left.
• Show Crop— This medium crop that is a little longer and taller than the show crop. This is the most requested ear cropping for show dogs. It gives off an alert look. This crop is the one that requires the most attention and time. You will spend more time wrapping and posting the ears than with others since there is a higher risk of the ears not correctly standing.
• Long Crop— The long crop is the longest ear cropping that can be done. It only leaves three-quarters of the original ear. This is available for pit bulls.

Currently, the most common ear crop styles are short and show styles.

THE BATTLE, SHORT, SHOW, AND LONG EAR CROP STYLES.

Is Ear Cropping Right or Wrong?

Ear cropping is a topic that crosses many different groups that are involved with dogs, from breeders to veterinarians, and those who show dogs to animal rights activists. There are varied opinions on this subject, most of which are subjective.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) policy is that they “oppose ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes. Their policy has been in place since 1999 and was affirmed as recently as 2012 when the AVMA added that they “encourage the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards”. (AMVA, nd)

However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) “recognizes that ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal, as described in certain breed standards, are acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving the breed character and enhancing good health.” They emphasize that dogs with natural ears are not prohibited from entering dog shows. More and more “natural” dogs are being successfully shown, according to a Westminster spokesperson. (Pagan, pets.webmd)

Ear cropping is banned in the United Kingdom³ and Australia⁴ and in many European countries. Animal rights activists consider this procedure to be unnecessary and a violation of an animal’s rights. Those who support the practice tout breed preservation, breed standards, and health concerns as reasons to allow the procedure to remain an owner’s decision. (Goldman, NAIA)

Risks of Ear Cropping

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Normal concerns with using anesthesia on animals as well as the possibility of post-surgical complications are included in the risks.⁵ Cropped ears can become infected, continue bleeding, cause the animal pain from sensitivity or phantom pain, and the success of surgery is never a guarantee. In some extreme cases, the dog’s cropped ears could become so infected, amputation is needed which comes with an entirely separate list of complications.

Reasons behind cropping dogs’ ears appear to be purely cosmetic. Although the prevention of ear infections (Canine Otitis Externa) is often cited as a benefit of ear cropping, there is no research data that supports that claim⁶. Please consult with a vet before considering this procedure.

 

The Problems with Ear Cropping

The biggest issue with ear cropping is that it is unnecessary mutilation and a non-essential procedure. Traditional cropping performed by owners is painful, stressful, potentially dangerous for both the dog and owner, and could lead to hearing loss or infection. However, even if cropped surgically by a vet, the practice carries risks. All surgeries are dangerous to some degree and we try to put animals under general anaesthesia only when necessary. An elective cosmetic procedure is not a necessary surgery.

The social problem

Finally, dogs with cropped ears can have problems with expression compared to dogs with normal mobile ears. Dogs’ ears are relied on heavily for communication, but if they are cropped this can be difficult. It is unknown if this affects how dogs interact with each other, but there has been some evidence that it affects how dogs interact with people. Because some people think a dog with cropped ears looks fiercer, they may subconsciously treat dogs like this more negatively, causing all sorts of welfare issues. Furthermore, dogs with cropped ears may not be able to show the traditional ears-back expression when aggressive – this appearance is a ‘stay-back’ warning, and if it is not obvious, people may not take appropriate precautions. This is especially important for us vets, as we deal with dangerous dogs every day and need these subtle early warning signs to know when to be wary.

The Laws on Ear Cropping and the Problems Still Faced

In September2011,the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) issued an advisory that the non-therapeutic tail docking and cropping of ears of animals amount to mutilation,constitute cruelty to animals and is a punishable offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,1960. The order came in response to a petition by the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO).

“The directive is binding on vets,breeders and citizens,” says Shakuntala Majumdar,governing body member of FIAPO and president of Society for Protection of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA),Thane. The tails of Boxers,Dobermans,Cocker Spaniels,Great Danes,Rottweilers and other breeds are docked when they are only a few days’ old. “This is done for cosmetic reasons as people want their pets to participate in animal shows.”

Animal welfare organisation Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) has been discouraging pet lovers against tail docking,ear cropping and other forms of animal mutilations. Khurshid Bhathena,honorary secretary,BWC,Pune,says they welcome the directive. “In our Spring 2011 issue of Compassionate Friend (magazine of the organisation),we even asked readers to spread the word that mutilation of dogs was cruel and illegal under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,1960. We would like to add de-barking (surgical removing or reducing dogs’ vocal chord tissues),filing teeth and removing dewclaws (amputation of that extra toe,higher up on the side of the forepaw,used to facilitate gripping) to the list.”

The AWBI directive says SPCAs and animal organisations can work with police and animal welfare departments to ensure action against offenders.

At dog shows,if there are two dogs one with a cropped ear is likely to have an edge,” says Neil Gajjar,secretary,Pune National Canine Club. However,he says the AWBI directive will be followed. “No one wants to break law. It might be tough to implement the directive initially,but since Europe and the US have also banned tail docking it can be abolished here,too.”

While hearing an appeal filed by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), in which PETA India filed an intervention application, the Madras High Court confirmed a ban on cruel cosmetic procedures such as tail-docking and ear-cropping in puppies and dogs. After hearing the counsel appearing for the parties – who informed the court that, in view of the enactment of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018, such commonly practised unnecessary mutilations are prohibited by law – the court disposed of the appeal, which had become infructuous in view of the enactment of these Rules.

Previously, PETA India had sent letters to numerous Indian veterinary regulatory bodies, including the Veterinary Council of India, state veterinary councils, central and state animal-husbandry departments, veterinary colleges and universities, and veterinarians’ associations, as well as the AWBI – a statutory body established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 – urging them to implement and enforce the ban on the cosmetic tail-docking and ear-cropping of dogs as per the 2017 and 2018 Rules.

The cruel procedures were originally banned by the Veterinary Council of India in 2011 following an advisory issued by the AWBI explaining that non-therapeutic tail-docking and ear-cropping mutilations amount to cruelty to animals under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and that performing these procedures is therefore a punishable offence. Maiming dogs also violates Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code. Nevertheless, the Madras High Court overturned the ban in 2013. The AWBI filed an appeal against this order, which has now been disposed of by the court. Although these Rules have been challenged before the High Court of Delhi, the Madras High Court, and the Supreme Court of India because of the vested interests of breeders and pet shops, no interim stay has been granted to the petitioners, and the provisions of the Rules remain in force. In fact, the challenge to the 2017 Rules before the Rajasthan High Court was dismissed in May 2018.

Ear-cropping, or cutting off a portion of a dog’s ears, even when performed under general anaesthesia by a veterinarian, causes post-surgery pain and psychological trauma and can lead to complications such as infection. After the procedure, the cropped ears are taped and re-taped to try to force them into a pointed shape, causing the dogs further distress. Some breeders take matters into their own hands and use scissors or a blade to cut dogs’ ears without pain relief. Even when done by veterinarians, tail-docking is usually performed on puppies with scissors or a scalpel and without pain relief. As an alternative, breeders often use a ring to cut off the blood supply to the tail so that it eventually falls off.

Those who perform these procedures disregard how essential these body parts are to dogs – they use their tails for balance and their ears and tails to communicate with their human guardians and other dogs.

Ear-cropping is also banned in Australia, New Zealand, many countries in Europe, and most Canadian provinces, and tail-docking is prohibited in Australia, Iceland, Israel, South Africa, and elsewhere.

Ear Cropping Surgery and Aftercare

Let’s look at what both the surgery and the ear cropping aftercare period look like.

Ear cropping surgery

During the cropping surgery, the vet makes an opening and cuts each ear. This starts from the top and goes to the bottom of the ear. This will give the ear a pointed look. This is not the end. The rest completely depends on the owner.

When the vet is finished with the cut, a kind of rack that is made usually out of aluminum is used to lengthen the ears and hold them to erect. After stitches are in the dog’s ears, they are securely taped. The owners should expect the dog to stay with the vet for the next night or two to make sure nothing serious occurs (infections.)

General anesthesia is used to block the pain. Some vets will give pain meds after the surgery if the puppy visibly experiences discomfort. Some dogs will even have phantom pain from the missing appendage just like humans do.

NB-Regardless of the trimming standard, all ears cannot be trimmed alike.  Variations are justified in any breed, and shape and length of the ear vary with the sex and conformation of the individual dog.  The type of ear trim performed here is a ‘straight’ cut following the natural curve of the ear.  This hospital does not perform ‘show cuts’.   We encourage you to discuss with the Doctor or Technician your preferences on ear width and length prior to surgery.

• Pit Bulls         3/5 of ear left (this is not a ‘fighting’ cut) 
• Boxer             2/3 to ¾ of ear left 
• Doberman          ¾ of ear left 
• Great Dane        ¾ to 7/8 of ear left 
• Min Pin           2/3 to ¾ of ear left 
• Schnauzer         2/3 of ear left 
• Boston Terrier    ¾ to full trim 

Ear cropping aftercare tips

The first week after surgery is vital for the puppy. Since cropping is usually done between 8 and 12 weeks the puppy will usually experience distress from the procedure. E-collars or Elizabethan collars are commonly used to keep the puppy from scratching and messing with his ears, which can consequently result in more stress. Constant monitoring is needed as the racks on the puppy’s ears are far from comfortable and the puppy could hit or rub his head against things which will just further the pain.

The rack or tape that is put in place will need to stay for at least 21 days. It is recommended to use disinfectant around the edges of the cropped ears two times a day. As well as an antibiotic ointment. The longer you wait to rewrap the ears the better.

After the first week, if the rack comes off the ear will still need to remain wrapped. Be sure to go to all vet appointments and follow all instructions to take proper care for the puppy. If the ears become unwrapped call the vet and make sure to take the puppy in as soon as possible.

Nine Myths and Reasons Why Ear Cropping Is Still Practiced

These nine myths about ear cropping contribute to owners continuing to crop their dogs’ ears despite the AVMA’s recommendation to eliminate the practice.

1.It Prevents Ear Infections

Some people may claim that upright ears tend to develop fewer ear infections. First of all, if this were true, cropping ears for this sole purpose would be an exaggerated preventive method.

Because all tissues have the potential for infections, this would translate into cutting toes, appendages, and tails for the simple fact of preventing infection. It is also not uncommon for dogs with cropped ears to develop ear infections because ear infections set in for a variety of reasons.

On top of this, according to American Veterinary Medical Association, it would be inaccurate to make claims that dogs with floppy ears are more likely to develop ear infections. A predisposition to ear infections should be looked at on a breed-by-breed basis. Interestingly, one of the dog breeds most predisposed to ear infections is the German Shepherd, which ironically, is equipped with erect ears!

The AVMA explains that while some dogs breeds, such as the Dalmatian and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog were cropped in this past, once this tradition waned, there were no apparent detrimental effects. The AVMA, therefore, concludes that “it cannot be assumed that ear cropping has a medical purpose.”

2.It Is a Standard of the Breed

Dogs are born with full-length ears as a result of domestication and because humans have been selectively breeding dogs for specific looks and purposes. Like it or not, floppy ears have become a part of the package.

Humans though spoiled and fastidious beings, have decided that those floppy ears are a big no-no and therefore, after crafting some breeds in a certain way, have decided to subject them to cosmetic surgeries. Dogs, though, shouldn’t be treated as objects that we can morph on a whim with drastic measures just because we don’t like something about them.

But it’s the breed standard! Well, if a dog is born with floppy ears because that’s how we bred them to be, who are we to decide one day that it’s no longer acceptable? More and more dog owners are straying away from standards because they have no purpose. Most dogs are no longer working dogs, and fortunately, dogfighting is outlawed in most places. So unless you are planning to show your dog in the ring and plan to win a lot of trophies, what’s the purpose?

Dog owners who refuse to crop and dock tails have come to appreciate their dogs for who they truly are.

3.A Boxer (or Other Cropped-Ear Breed) Is Not a Boxer With Full-Length Ears

People and breeders really have grown accustomed to cropped ears. They associate them with the breed standard. They have been fixated on the idea that pinnas must be erect, and they believe that refraining from having them that way makes their dogs look like half a dog. They fear changes, and they feel their dog breed is stripped from its dignity and breed status. They are perhaps also afraid to be ridiculed by others.

Yet, humanity evolves, and often for the better. Jets fly faster; we reach out to others with a click of a mouse, and we talk from different countries. The day may also come when dogs will be different from what they are now. We may look back and think of how naïve they looked without tails and without ear tips. We may actually laugh at our mistakes, just as the first cars developed made us smile.

4.Ear Cropping Is Like Getting Ears Pierced

Ear piercing is to ear cropping like an injection to an arm is to an arm amputation. There are really a lot of differences. Ear piercing requires no anesthesia, whereas ear cropping requires total general anesthesia. Ear piercing consists of a little needle prick, and the procedure is over.

Ear cropping consists of general anesthesia and weeks of recovery and bandages. People would not get their ears pierced as often if they had to go through general anesthesia and get almost more than half their ears chopped off!

5.Ear Cropping Is Like Spaying and Neutering

Many pro-ear-croppers, when confronted with the unnecessary practice of ear cropping, may state that if the practice is considered painful, then people must not spay or neuter their pets. However, there is a big difference in this scenario.

Spaying and neutering can help prevent some diseases such as testicular cancer and pyometra. More of all, it prevents hundreds of dogs from being euthanized because of the pet overpopulation problem. If you visit a shelter, you will see how many dogs are put to sleep a day, and that is disgusting until we as humans learn to be responsible owners.

Interestingly, some exemplary countries have started to not neuter, and yet, they are not contributing to the pet overpopulation problem. This is because they are very responsible and adamant about not letting their dogs roam free.

6.Owners Have a Right to Crop Ears

Sure, you can crop your dog’s ears, but what is the purpose? It’s not medically necessary. You are not going to show your dog in the ring. Who cares what others think? If you just like the look, admit it’s for that purpose. Don’t come up with millions of excuses to justify that.

However, consider that dogs are not fashion accessories and shouldn’t be primarily used to boost a human’s ego. Ear cropping is taken seriously and banned in many countries nowadays. The right was taken away in these countries because the practice interferes with the dog’s well-being and has been deemed unnecessary.

Dogs use ears for communication, and dogs cropped very shortly (think battle crop) no longer can use them to communicate effectively. These dogs also have little protection against bugs and other irritants from entering the ear canal.

7.Ear Cropping Is Not Painful

There is proof that the procedure is not a walk in the park. Pain meds are often prescribed for recovery. Puppies may yelp as they hit their ears against furniture. They are obliged to wear cones for many weeks to allow the ears to stand up correctly. Owners and breeders often may say that their dogs act normally, but dogs are very well known for their stoicism. And since dogs cannot talk, it is unfair to presume that they are free of pain.

8.Ear Cropping Helps Dogs Hear Better

You may have heard that many dog breeds are cropped to help them be good guard dogs and to therefore hear better. How true is this? Well, it may help to a minimum, perhaps. An ear flap shouldn’t impact hearing to a significant extent that would make dogs with floppy ears poor guardians, just like humans can still hear if they have long hair in front of their ears.

But don’t take my word for this: consider that there are amazing guardian dogs such as Rottweilers who have floppy ears and are alert to all noises.

9.There Are More Important Factors to Consider

It is true; the Animal Welfare Organization may focus on larger issues than ear cropping. But why should owners spend so much money on dog cosmetic surgery when they can donate to shelters or other charities? There are so many more proficuous ways to spend money other than turning dogs into fashion accessories.

Ears have a function, and there is a reason why dogs were born with a complete set of ears. Floppy ears help prevent water from going into the ear canal and protect the ears from insects and burrs and other irritants.

Dogs need their ears to effectively communicate their feelings, keep debris and bugs away, and last but not least, as a statement of who they are and who they were meant to be.

More and more dogs are showing their full-length ears and long tails as owners and breeders are educated about the disadvantages and needlessness of ear cropping.

Did You Know?

According to a 2016 study, “Tail Docking and Ear Cropping Dogs: Public Awareness and Perceptions,” dogs with cropped ears and docked tails appear to be negatively perceived by the public, and this same negative perception carries over to the dog’s owners.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

 https://www.pashudhanpraharee.com/procedure-for-ear-cropping-of-pit-bulls/