The American Veterinary Medical Association's stance now falls in line with other veterinary groups.

The executive board of the American Veterinary Medical Association (Schaumburg, Ill.) recently voted to strengthen the organization's policy on two practices common in certain dog breeds: ear cropping and tail docking.

Officials agreed to revise the policy after reviewing scientific literature and available data, and listening to opinions from several veterinarians and the recommendations of the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee.

The AVMA has acknowledged for years that ear cropping and tail docking for cosmetic purposes are not beneficial to canines. "Our latest policy revision doesn't represent a change in perspective, but rather makes that perspective clear with a stronger statement," said Dr. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer and executive vice president of the AVMA. "If it can be responsibly demonstrated that the purpose of performing the procedure is to protect the health and welfare of the dog, then of course the association would support the appropriate surgery."

The AVMA policy now is consistent with those of the American Animal Hospital Association (Lakewood, CO) and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (Ottawa). Ear cropping and tail docking -- with some exceptions for working breeds -- are banned in the United Kingdom. Both procedures are prohibited in Australia and most European countries.

"Why we perform certain procedures is one of the first questions we ask," said Dr. Gail Golab, director of the AVMA Animal Welfare Division. "Once that question is answered, committee members look at any associated welfare concerns. 'Cosmetic' implies the basis for these procedures is to alter the dog's appearance. Welfare risks identified included those associated with surgical procedures, [like] anesthetic complications, pain, blood loss and infection. In the committee's opinion, the risk-benefit analysis supports professional opposition to performing these procedures for purely cosmetic reasons."