Position:

The Regina Humane Society (RHS) opposes the non-therapeutic alteration of companion animals by surgical or other invasive methods for cosmetic, competitive or behavioural purposes. Non-medical and cosmetic procedures include: devocalization (de-barking) of dogs, tail docking and/or ear cropping, cosmetic dentistry, tattooing (other than for identification purposes), body piercing and onychectomy (see RHS Position Statement on Declawing of Cats). The RHS does recognise that some procedures may be undertaken by a licensed veterinarian for legitimate therapeutic reasons to alleviate suffering, for reasons of welfare or as a last resort when all alternatives have been exhausted.

Rationale:

Many of these procedures are limited and/or banned in numerous countries worldwide. Currently in Canada, veterinarians in six provinces (NL, PE, NS, NB, MB, SK) are prohibited from performing various cosmetic surgeries (2). There is no scientific evidence that cosmetic surgeries provide any welfare or medical benefit to animals. There is evidence to suggest that some procedures cause acute and chronic pain (2). Serious health and/or animal welfare concerns can result from these procedures, including:

• Inherent risks and mortality associated with the use of general anesthetic
• Post-operative pain and discomfort
• Surgical and post-surgical complications
• Negative behavioral and physiological impact

References and Resources:

1. https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/devocalization-of-dogs-position-statement
2. https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/cosmetic-alteration
3. http://www.aspca.org/about-us/aspca-policy-and-position-statements/surgical-procedures-resolving-undesirable-behavior
4. https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Pages/Ear-Cropping-and-Tail-Docking-of-Dogs.aspx
5. https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Pages/Canine-Devocalization.aspx
6. http://spca.bc.ca/programs-services/leaders-in-our-field/position-statements/position-statement-on-cosmetic-and-other-non-therapeutic-alterations/
7. http://www.calgaryhumane.ca/app/uploads/2014/07/Non-Medical-and-Cosmetic-Surgeries-on-Companion-Animals-Oct-2014.pdf
8. https://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com/sites/default/files/pdf-uploads/position_statement_devocalization_of_dogs.pdf
9. https://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com/sites/default/files/pdf-uploads/position_statement_surgical_alteration_of_companion_animals_for_cosmetic_reasons.pdf
10. https://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com/sites/default/files/pdf-uploads/position_statement_tail_docking_ear_cropping.pdf