Canadian Kennel Club Ear Cropping Policy

TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), in response to recently announced changes to the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association's by-laws banning cosmetic ear cropping plus pending directives to veterinarians in other provinces would like to reiterate to the larger community of veterinarians, dog breeders, dog owners and the general public that none of the 175 Canadian Kennel Club breed standards require that a dog have cropped ears. We continue to support those veterinarians still able to provide the service and believe that they and breeders deserve the right to choose this procedure and that of tail docking and dew claw removal. Choosing to obtain such services through veterinary professionals will guarantee they are performed under the most humane of circumstances and consistent with similar practices in the livestock industry.

The Canadian Kennel Club is attentive to changing societal values with respect to purebred dogs and affirms that docked tails are a significant part of the history of many breeds. Breeders continue this practice for historical reasons but primarily due to safety concerns with working dogs. The Canadian Kennel Club supports breeders whose breeds have traditionally been docked.

The Canadian Kennel Club does not believe that a ban on ear cropping, tail docking and removal of dewclaws will stop the practice because these services continue to be available in other countries including the United States.

The Canadian Kennel Club supports the Canadian veterinary community and encourages continued choice for the veterinary practitioner to provide these services to those individuals seeking them.

As an adherent to the Animal Pedigree Act and operating under the auspices of Agriculture Canada the Canadian Kennel Club is the primary registry for purebred dogs in Canada. Founded in 1888 the CKC continues to protect the interests of purebred dogs and their owners through the promotion of responsible dog ownership across Canada.

The Canadian Kennel Club is a non profit membership organization with approximately 20,000 members nationally.

For further information regarding the Canadian Kennel Club visit www.ckc.ca and click on Resources then follow links to Breed Standards, Policy Statements, and Responsible Dog Ownership.

For further information on the Canadian Kennel Club view on this issue contact Sonny Allinson, Manager Communications at 416-674-3678 or <[email protected]>

Sonny Allinson
Manager Communications
The Canadian Kennel Club
[email protected]