At just 8-12 weeks old, many dog breeds are subjected to ear cropping. This painful procedure, involving altering or completely removing a dog's outer ear, is completed for purely cosmetic purposes.
Some dog breeds are more likely to contract ear infections and other diseases due to their floppy ears. It is said that ear-cropping prevents this risk. This is simply untrue. In cases of obvious disease, a veterinarian will create a plan of care for the dog and offer more humane alternatives.
Cropping ears can potentially impact hearing, communication with owners and other animals, and our ability to accurately read dogs' body language and anticipate their needs. There is also an increased risk of infection, severe scarring, and other complications after surgery.
As of 2019, there are only nine U.S. states that regulate ear-cropping, but none that ban the painful practice. We need the United States to follow countries like Wales and England's lead. Will you stand up for dogs by signing this petition to call for a ban on cosmetic ear-cropping in the United States?
Sign this petition today to help innocent dogs that are being forced into unnecessary cosmetic surgery.
