Tail docking and ear cropping of dogs are punishable offence : AWBI

NEW DELHI, Sept 20: Acting on a petition by Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations (FIAPO), the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has issued an advisory stating that non- therapeutic tail docking and cropping of ears amounts to mutilation and constitutes cruelty to animals and is a punishable offence as per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

The statutory body has directed the veterinary council of India to stop promoting this cruel practice and has asked the Kennel Clubs not to register dogs whose tails have been docked and ears clipped.

Tails and ears of 2-5 days old pups of certain breeds such as Boxer, Doberman, Cocker Spaniel, Great Danes etc are cut. Tails of dogs have many useful functions, including maintaining balance and body language. If a tail were not useful to a dog, natural selection would have eliminated it long ago. The fact is that, with very rare exceptions, most breeds of dogs are born with tails. There is considerable scientific evidence that docking can lead to complications, including death of the pup.

“This decision should pave the way to put an end to this cruel and unnecessary practice. It is just a traditional practice based on the whims and fashion ideas of human beings. It does not benefit the dog in any manner. We appeal to people to not to inflict their companion dogs with pain and report breeders and vets who indulge in such practices.” says FIAPO CEO, Arpan Sharma “people who tail dock and ear clip and veterinaries who practice this should be prosecuted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.”

Globally, in many countries like Australia, England, France, Netherlands, South Africa and several others, cosmetic docking of tails or cropping ears of dogs is banned. In England and Wales, ear cropping is illegal, and no dog with cropped ears can take part in any Kennel Club event.

Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. R.M. Kharb, the chair of the AWBI has encouraged animal welfare organisations and pet owners to initiate legal action against practitioners of such cruelty.