Ontario is consulting on banning medically unnecessary animal surgeries like cat declawing and dog ear cropping in Toronto and province-wide
Ontario Plans Ban on Declawing Cats and Dog Surgeries
Ontario is moving forward with a ban on declawing cats, debarking, and ear cropping dogs. Animal welfare advocates say this change is overdue but does not go far enough.
The province is consulting on the ban through early February. This proposal was first introduced as part of a larger anti-crime bill last fall. The ban would stop medically unnecessary surgeries enforced by animal welfare inspectors.
The government states that these procedures can cause pain and long-term health issues. The posting on the registry explains that these surgeries alter an animal’s appearance or behavior.
| Procedure | Description |
|---|---|
| Declawing | Surgical amputation of toe bones and claws in cats. |
| Ear Cropping | Cutting and shaping part of a dog’s ear. |
| Debarking | Cutting vocal folds to soften a dog’s bark. |
Animal welfare groups have long urged for a ban on these procedures. Ontario says licensed veterinarians can still perform surgeries if deemed necessary for an animal’s safety or health.
A spokesperson for Solicitor General Michael Kerzner mentioned that the province is consulting with stakeholders on the proposed changes. Saddam Khussain stated that these practices cause avoidable pain and long-term harm.
The College of Veterinarians of Ontario has opposed unnecessary surgeries since 2016. They support educating clients about these procedures.
However, the college also warned that without consistent changes to animal welfare laws, restrictions on surgeries could lead to unintended consequences.
Dr. Linda Jacobson from the Toronto Humane Society expressed support for the proposed regulations. She believes they will help veterinarians who face pressure from clients to perform these surgeries.
Jacobson hopes for a broader ban on all cosmetic procedures for animals, including tail cropping in dogs and cosmetic surgeries for horses.
Animal Justice executive director Camille Labchuk urged the government to implement the ban. She noted that Ontario is currently the only province in Canada where these procedures are not illegal.
Labchuk called the move long overdue, stating that Ontario has fallen behind in animal welfare.
She also emphasized the importance of including tail docking in the ban, arguing against cosmetic procedures for dogs.
NDP attorney general critic Kristyn Wong-Tam criticized the government for delaying action on these procedures. The NDP proposed a ban on declawing cats six years ago, but it did not pass.
Wong-Tam stated that the government has had eight years to address animal cruelty issues.
The timeline for the possible ban is unclear. The government will accept feedback on the proposal until February 5.
