Tail docking and ear cropping in dogs: a short review of laws and welfare aspects in the Europe and Turkey

Ear cropping and tail docking in domestic dogs are complex issues involving economic, aesthetic, welfare and moral considerations. The protagonists of tail docking claim that tails have to be docked in order to prevent tail-tip injuries of working dogs in particular hunting dogs in the world and tails could cause problems through wagging in households. In Turkey, dog owners or breeders especially those with Turkish Kangal Shepherd dogs have the ears of their dogs cropped to prevent the injuries due to the fights with wolves and other dogs. Additionally, it is believed that injuries from the thorny iron leash are prevented and a better hearing capacity is warranted next to a better traditional aesthetic appearance. There is scientific evidence that dogs need their tails for balance and support, also the ear is known to have important functions in the dog's body as anatomical and physiological and there is no rational reason to support the cropping of a dog’s ears or docking of their tail. Although both practices are forbidden by law in Turkey, ear cropping and tail docking are still practiced by a few veterinarians and breeders. In this study, the physiological and behavioural responses caused by tail docking and ear cropping in dogs are affirmed in terms of scientific evidence and rationale in evaluating animal welfare and laws in Europe and Turkey.