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Illinois Holds Hearing on Tail Docking, Ear Cropping Restrictions

The Illinois Senate Agriculture & Conservation Committee held a hearing on March 10 concerning SB 139, which limits the practices of tail docking and ear cropping in the state.

Results of the hearing were not available at press time.

The bill amends the Humane Care for Animals Act and considers ear cropping and tail docking “animal torture” unless the procedures are performed by an Illinois licensed veterinarian for a medical reason.

Torture, as defined in the bill, means the infliction of or subjection to extreme physical pain, motivated by an intent to increase or prolong the pain, suffering or agony of the animal.

A person convicted of violation would be guilty of a Class 3 felony.

The American Kennel Club posted a news alert March 10 encouraging dog owners and breeders to contact their state legislators to oppose the measure.

The AKC said it “recognizes that ear cropping, tail docking and dewclaw removal, as described in certain breed standards, are acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health. Appropriate veterinary care should be provided.” <HOME>

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Illinois Holds Hearing on Tail Docking, Ear Cropping Restrictions

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i think ear cropping is fine on certain breeds of dogs. As long as you are not doing it for the wrong reasons. Certain breeds just look better that way. If you are worrying about hurting the animal im sure it will be alright.No one asked me if i wanted my foreskin removed when i was born im just saying. So yes if you do it for the right reasons i think it is fine if done by a licensed vet. ryan, lebanon, IL Posted: 8/20/2010 11:11:05 AM If it is cruel to crop a dobes ears is it not just as cruel to pierce a baby girls ears, or circumcise a baby boy? No pain killers are used in either practice. Yet it is done all the time. When the cropping is done by a vet as a surgery with the use proper meds. I don't understand the up roar. As far as a pet being property, they are property. If they were not the OWNER would not need to buy a license for the dog. the dog would have a job and buy a license for their owner. lynn, toledo, OH Posted: 4/10/2009 12:31:51 PM In my medical opinion it is medically unnecessary to dock and crop dogs. This practice began when dogs were looked at as property, today dogs are family members. This inhumane practice needs to be re-evaluated and in my medical opinion should be illegal unless performed for medical reasons. Dr. Alok Bhaiji, Strongsville, OH Posted: 3/12/2009 1:35:51 PM I have three dogs of my own and love all dogs. I feel very strongly that docking and cropping are both unnecessary and cruel. It is inhumane to cut off puppies tails at a few days old without any pain killers just for a breed standard. I have not heard a reason to crop or dock that justifies putting a dog though that pain. Cristine Bhaiji, Strongsville, OH Posted: 3/12/2009 1:27:49 PM