CA Would Ban Ear Cropping – then go California. My favourite line is:
“The American Kennel Club recognizes that ear cropping, as described in certain breed standards, is an acceptable practice integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health.”
Breed that most commonly suffers from ear infections? Spaniels. Do they crop spaniels? No. So what’s this “good health” tosh? Dobes, Rotties and Danes are not famed for their persistent ear infections and habit of getting grass seeds in their ears – that honour is reserved for the Labradors, spaniels and small terriers of the world. And as for preserving breed character, all it does is preserve the belief that the US needs to sort out it’s priorities and morals.
Bulldog breeding ban urged – flip side of the coin – Europe requiring the Kennel Club to take a look at improving the overall health of the Bulldog breed. My favourite line from that one (from the perspective of a vet student):
“Emma Milne, from BBC One’s Vets In Practice, described the dogs as “mutated freaks”.”
Nice one, Emma. That’ll make the breeders sympathetic to your opinion. You’d think five years of vet school and 2+ years of her real career as TV personality would instill a little common sense.
My personal opinions? Cropping – shoot the bastards that mutilate dogs so that they “look right”. Bulldogs – encourage better health and a more sensible conformation, but don’t destroy the breed and the symbol for British pride in the process. And keep bloody blonde TV vets out of it.
Hear hear! 😀