[ SHOWGSD-L ] Ear Cropping Ban
- From: tsaligsds@xxxxxxxxxxx
- To: showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 09 Feb 2006 22:10:38 +0000
Just got this off my work e-mail. Here we go .................................
Senate OKs ban on cropping dogs' ears
February 9, 2006
By John Zicconi Vermont Press Bureau
MONTPELIER ? The state Senate on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill that
makes Vermont the first state to ban cropping a dog's ears for cosmetic
purposes.
A bipartisan group of senators tried to exempt licensed veterinarians from the
ban, but the amendment was narrowly defeated 14-10.
The bill now moves to the House for review.
Veterinarians said they would have supported the bill had it been modified, but
were happy it was not. Ear cropping is bloody, and causes the animal pain and
distress, they said.
"I'm very happy," said Karen Bradley, a Montpelier vet and chairwoman of the
Vermont Veterinary Medical Society's Animal Welfare Committee. "We do not
support ear cropping."
The procedure is already banned in many European countries as well as Australia
and New Zealand.
Senators who supported the amendment believe a ban puts local dog handlers at a
disadvantage when they show their animals because some judges prefer cropped
ears.
They also questioned the need to narrow the scope of a veterinarian's practice.
"This is really a restraint of trade issue," said Sen. Wendy Wilton, R-Rutland.
"Even if there is one vet in the state who wants to do this surgery, she should
be able to. ? It is unreasonable for the state to tell her she shouldn't"
The American Kennel Club lists 16 dog breeds that have cropped ears, including
Dobermans, boxers, terriers, Great Danes, and schnauzers.
Some dog clubs have already threatened to boycott Vermont's three summer dog
shows if the bill becomes law.
The ban prevents the operation ? which involves slicing off the back half of a
dog's ear ? from being performed within the state but does not forbid owners
from having the procedure done elsewhere.
The bill also does not prevent dogs with cropped ears from participating in
local dog shows.
A first offense is a civil fine akin to a traffic ticket but with a maximum
fine of $3,000. A second offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in
jail.
The bill allows the surgery only if the veterinarian determines it is necessary
to prevent chronic ear infections or other medical problems.
--
Suzanne
www.tsalishepherds.com
Home of Ch Cookie, Ch Flair, BIS/BISS Ch Yancy, Ch Flash, Mousser, and Lil'
Miss Gilli! Website updated 01/06
============================================================================
POST is Copyrighted 2006. All material remains the property of the original
author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind
are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the
Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY
MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS
PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY
FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE
PROSECUTED.
For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx
VISIT OUR WEBSITE - URL temporarily deleted due to AOL issues
============================================================================
Other related posts:
- » [ SHOWGSD-L ] Ear Cropping Ban
