In the first of this two-part series, we will look at the history and method of dog mutilations: ear cropping and tail docking.It was believed by the early Romans that tail docking and ear cropping prevented rabies but this is unsubstantiated. There was also a theory that predated evolution that if you created characteristics such as a short tail or cropped erect ears, offspring would acquire those characteristics. This belief, known as Lamarck's theory of acquired characteristics, persisted until the end of the 18th century.
Also, tails were docked and ears were cropped to try to reduce injury to the animals during fighting or other games, which are now banned worldwide.Various tax schemes may also have accounted for the proliferation of tail docking. In some areas, dogs used for work were not taxed, so the owners of such dogs would dock the tails to indicate that the dog was used for work and not subject to tax. In other areas, farmers were taxed according to the length of their dogs' tails, so docking was used to reduce the tax liability.
Surprisingly, ear cropping and tail docking are not outdated practices. They are now done for purely cosmetic reasons, usually to meet breed standards set by groups like the American Kennel Club for dog shows and competitions. These practices have nothing to do with modern veterinary care, there is no evidence they are of any benefit to the dog, and they are generally considered to be cruel.
Ear cropping is usually performed on puppies between the ages of 7-12 weeks old. The purpose is to reshape the outer ear flap to make it stand erect. Once the dog is under anesthesia (if any is used), portions of the earflap including many nerve endings are removed as the outer ear is reshaped. After the surgery, the wounds are sutured and the ears taped until they heal. Sometimes the ears are held up by a bracket during this time.
The dog suffers continuous pain during this time as pain medication is typically not prescribed.Dogs use their ears to communicate and interact with each other. Ear cropping at the least, inhibits a dog's interactions with other dogs.Tails are cropped when puppies are just a few days. Hair on the tail is removed first. A clamp is placed on the cut-off point, and the tail is sliced off with a scalpel. Alternatively, the blood supply to the tail is constricted with a rubber ligature for a few days until the tail falls off.
The remaining wound may require sutures, and the tail is bandaged. The dog suffers a great deal of pain during and after this "surgery".The "surgery" actually severs the muscles, tendons, nerves, cartilage, and bone of the tail. No anaesthesia is used. Moreover, many owners or breeders actually perform this procedure themselves without a licensed veterinarian. Long-term pain is caused bypathological nerve activity as a result of tissue damage and the development of neuromas.
Important muscles of the pelvic and perineal region of the dog continue onto the dog's tail and attach to the tail vertebrae. There is evidence that docking weakens the muscles involved in defecation and in maintaining the strength of the pelvic diaphragm, leading to increased risk of faecal incontinence, perineal hernia and urinary incontinence in bitches.
The removal of the tail deprives the dog of an important means of expression of its intentions and emotions and can lead to misunderstandings with both people and other dogs. The pain and distress caused by docking may also compromise the socialisation process in puppies. The removal of the dog's tail may reduce the strength of the dog's back and compromise its balance and agility. Some breeds use their tails as rudders when swimming. The dog may experience trauma and phantom or psychological pain for life.
Why then, do most veterinarians in Trinidad still condone and carry out these mutilations despite all the welfare issues and the fact that they are banned in most European countries? Surely consideration for the animals' well-being and education of the public takes precedence to income...Congratulations to Tenderheart Veterinary Service (645-3883) and Gentle Ben's Veterinary Clinic (675-1982) for not offering these services and for taking this positive stance for animal welfare.Next week we will continue with a look at the legal status of dog mutilations worldwide.