Members of the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia have voted to ban cosmetic ear cropping of dogs.
The decision brings British Columbia in line with the majority of provinces across Canada and supports the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association's (CVMA) position on the practice.
"Ear cropping is an unnecessary procedure unless carried out in cases of injury or for reasons of health concerns," CVBC chief executive officer Larry Odegard said in a statement posted this week on the organization's website.
No scientific evidence supports a welfare or medical benefit for ear cropping, but evidence does show a detrimental effect on behaviour and canine communication, the CVBC said.
While breed associations continue to resist ear cropping bans because of historical practices, "veterinarians have an ethical responsibility to the animals they treat," Odegard said. "Ear cropping goes against that responsibility."
The BC SPCA is supporting the decision.
"For nearly two decades the BC SPCA has been on record opposing procedures such as tail docking, ear cropping, de-vocalization and de-clawing that impact an animal's ability to experience good welfare and to express natural behaviours," BCSPCA chief executive officer Craig Daniell said.
"This decision by the CVBC to make cosmetic ear cropping an unethical practice of veterinary medicine is a significant step forward in the humane treatment of animals in our province and we are extremely pleased to support and endorse this change."
Daniell said anyone caught performing the procedure and causing distress to the animal can now face charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Veterinarians found continuing the practice will face disciplinary action from the CVBC.
