Abstract
Many invasive procedures, including surgery (ear cropping, tail docking, and debarking in the dog), are performed on dogs for purely cosmetic reasons or convenience. These procedures, also known as “cosmetic surgery”, fall into a variety of categories from the questionably unethical to the undoubtedly criminal, because they are mostly carried out solely to alter a dog’s physical appearance. Although in several European countries these procedures are banned, except when performed by a veterinarian for medical reasons, veterinarians are often requested to perform them for various reasons. Though controversial, canine cosmetic surgery continues to be performed, reaching epidemic proportions. The authors summarize legislation, individual positions and veterinary attitudes regarding cosmetic surgery in Italy and the Czech Republic. Additionally, they explain the ways in which the law is being used in the two countries to prevent these unnecessary procedures, and how current and future anti-cruelty laws can stop unethical use of cosmetic surgery.
Highlights
Current legal situationThere is no European Community Directive or Regulation against tail docking, ear cropping and other surgical operations
Dogs have been subjected to tail docking and ear cropping
Since ear cropping is a surgical operation and general anaesthesia is required, the procedure is generally performed by a veterinarian, breeders and dog owners often undertake amateur attempts to it
Summary
There is no European Community Directive or Regulation against tail docking, ear cropping and other surgical operations. Any state may, when signing or depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, declare that it will avail itself of the prohibition of the docking of tails Under this provision of the Convention, the government of the Czech Republic allowed the docking of tails without anaesthesia on piglets, lambs and pups under the age of eight days, provided that the operation is carried out by a competent person within the prescribed time-limit. The docking of tails in puppies is still allowed in the Czech Republic, dogs with natural tails may be exhibited and considered to be equal to dogs with docked tails This policy is in agreement with the Resolution on Surgical Operations in Pet Animals adopted by the Multilateral Consultation of Parties to the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals (Council of Europe 1995). The use of those procedures is seen as abuse and is punishable by article 544ter of the Act No 189/2004 on the prevention of animal abuse and the use of the same in illicit fights or unauthorized competitions (Anon 2004)
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