Minor surgical manipulations

Authors: George G
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 33, Issue 9, pp 152, Sep 1985
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: General
Subject Terms: Animal welfare, Surgery
Article class: Correspondence

---

Abstract: There is increasing community concern over minor surgical manipulations of animals. People are questioning our rights to dock tails, to castrate domestic species, to earmark and to brand for other than therapeutic reasons. The develvetting of deer remains remarkably unchallenged in this country, although there is widespread doubt in the western world about the claimed efficacy of the product as a tonic. In the past, community concern has led to the banning of certain practices such as nicking and docking of horses` tails. Now we look at such practices as unjustifiable, when in the past they were considered an integral part of certain breed types. Docking the tails of some breeds of dogs continues and remains part of breed standards. This practice is scarcely defensible ethically, and certainly questionable under the Animals Protection Act that is, it is a wilful act, it is painful and there is no benefit to the dog. Equally questionable is the practice of ear-cropping dogs as this is no longer part of any breed standards in New Zealand it lacks even that dubious justification. Ear-cropping performed solely for cosmetic purposes could be described as an unnecessary mutilation…

---