Cosmetic surgeries on cats and dogs, which includes docking dog ears and tails, will be illegal in Quebec in 18 months.
This regulation adds that “cosmetic” procedures will only be legal when deemed medically necessary by a veterinarian.
About the Regulation
On its website, The Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food says this regulation “is a big step for the protection of animals in Quebec …We act proactively to promote their well-being. I encourage all pet sitters and owners to constantly be at the forefront of best practices for the benefit of our pets.”
The regulation banning cosmetic surgeries on domestic pets has been years in the works. For instance, the Quebec Order of Veterinarians banned its members from docking tails or trimming ears in 2017. But, until now, such prohibitions never made into the law. The ministry told CBC News that the 18-month waiting period is to allow people and businesses time to comply with the new rules. It will also be illegal to euthanize animals by gassing.
Additionally, the regulation limits newly licensed breeders to 50 animals.
“Anyone who currently has more than 50 animals for reproduction purposes will be allowed to continue to keep those animals. And it’s only new breeders who apply for the permits that won’t be allowed to have over 50 animals,” says Sophie Gaillard of the Montreal SPCA.
Breeder Opposition
CBC reports that some breeders weren’t happy with the regulation announcement. They say pet owners may turn to the black market or go somewhere else to have it done. Dog breeder Vital Berthelot say that without cropped ears and docked tails, his Miniature Schnauzers won’t be able to compete in shows. Specifically, in the United States, judges expect the breed to sport the traditional cropped look.
According to the Quebec Order of Veterinarians (and veterinarians worldwide), docking tails and cropping ears can cause infections and chronic pain.
“Tail docking is actually an amputation. You’re cutting off multiple vertebrae with all of the nerves and tissue around it,” says Dr. Karen Joy Goldenberg, a veterinarian at the Pierrefonds Animal Hospital. And same goes for ears. Goldenberg says, “Cropping the ears, you’re basically cutting half of the ear off with its cartilage, just to give the ear a specific shape.”
Petition Breed Clubs
The news comes on the heels of a petition demanding the end of the practices that garnered nearly 22,000 signatures. Montreal-based animal health technician Alexandra Yaksich started the petition. Yaksich became overwhelmed with emotion when she heard the news. She told CBC, “I know this is something that seems small to a lot of people, but it’s really not.”
Seven provinces already prohibit ear-cropping and tail-docking, either by law or regulatory bylaws. Let’s hope everywhere else follows Quebec’s docking regulation. However, the practice of docking ears and cutting tails won’t end until breed clubs amend their standards. Hopefully, dogs will eventually be shown in their natural, beautiful, state without penalty.
“The changes have to come in the breed standards — and it is coming — but it just seems to be a really slow process,” says Dr. Nicole Gallant, president of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
