N.S veterinarians ban tail docking
Veterinarians in Nova Scotia will no longer cut the tails and ears of dogs for cosmetic reasons,
Tail docking is popular for certain breeds like Doberman pinschers.Tail docking is popular for
Veterinarians say docking a Doberman pinscher's tail, for example, is unnecessary and cruel.
"In my opinion, Dobermans and Great Danes look great with their ears down and their long tails,
Mary Spinelli, a Doberman breeder in Dartmouth, disputes any suggestion that ear cropping and
"There was no impetus from anybody in the dog community to say, 'Please, consider this
"These procedures have been performed for the better part of 100 years. They're not new, they're
Spinelli said a Doberman's tail is removed when the animal is about two days old, while the ears
She finds it hypocritical that the veterinary association is still allowing the declawing of cats.
"They have no qualms whatsoever about declawing cats, which is a far more invasive procedure
The new rules go into effect on April 1, though they won't be enforced until October. Similar bans
Spinelli, a registered breeder with the Canadian Kennel Club, won't crop the tails of her dogs
Another Doberman owner, Lendra Barker, fears that some owners will do whatever it takes to get
"The people who own these dogs want them performed and without a vet to be permitted to
Non-veterinarians who attempt the surgeries on their own could be charged under Nova Scotia's
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