EAR CROPPING

Important information about ear cropping

On October 3rd, 2003, France signed the European Convention for the Protection of Animals; article 10 of the convention 2003-628 prohibits the cropping of the ears for cosmetic purposes. The effective date of the convention was May 1st, 2004. What that means is that any dog born on or after May 1st, 2004 is not allowed to have its ears cropped. The law goes further in stating that any dog with cropped ears born on or after May 1st, 2004 is not admissible in any show anywhere in France, even if the dog was born in a Country where the practice is still allowed. The dogs are banned not only from conformation shows, but also all performance trials.

Most European Countries have also banned ear cropping and other cosmetic surgeries, banning all cosmetically altered dogs from participating in any conformation or performance trial. That ban also extends to dogs born in a Country where the practice is still allowed.

Although in Canada and the US the practice of ear cropping for cosmetic purposes is still allowed and routinely done, every dog owner will have to carefully evaluate their decision to have the procedure done, especially if they intend on showing or competing in Europe with their dog. This is not a light and easy decision, and is one that should be given considerable thought.