Is it legal to clip off pitbull's ears?

Answer 1

If you do it yourself, no, it's not legal. It's considered animal abuse.

If you take the dog to the vet, to have his ears cropped, yes. But totally unnecessary.

Answer 2

Hi there, I am a Veterinarian Technition and hope I can answer your question. I am a little confused (and worried!!!) about your question. Do you mean "ear cropping" commonly seen on breeds such as Dobie's, Great Danes, etc.? Or do you actually mean removing your dogs ears (I sure hope not and I am assuming you meant cropping because cutting off ANY animals ears is considered animal abuse and depending on the state you could face a $5,000+ fine and jail time)?? However, It is perfectly legal to crop ears, the problem you may face is finding a good (and moral) Veteriarian who would perform the surgery if your dog is over 7 weeks of age. If you can live with the way your dogs ears were intended by nature, I would say leave them be... it is a painful surgery and leaves scaring which prevents hair growth on the sides of the ears. Not to mention the expense of the procedure especially considering the size of your dog. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

First you have to consider why you want to do as a vet needs to do the surgery and it must done when the dog is a puppy. the only reason for doing the surgery is cosmetic. Cropping a dogs ear serve no real function other then to make them look otougher and with the bad reputation that pitbulls already have today what the point in making so more people are afraid of a dog? plus if the dog is older then 12 weeks it will take alot of time to get their ears to stand properly and there is the possibility as with an older dog that the ears will never stand correctly. As a breeder of amstaffs i tell all my pet buyers whay put a puppy through what i consider unnecessary surgery?

Answer 4

Ear cropping is done on a select group of dogs for cosmetic purposes only. Boxers, Great Danes, Doberman Pincers, Miniature Pincers, Schnauzers, Bouviers des Flandres, and American Pit Bull Terriers, are among the more common breeds in which ear cropping is performed.

Usually recommended to be done around the age of 10-14 weeks old, the procedure requires full anesthesia. The ears are then cut in a way that instead of flopping down to the side of the head, they stand erect on the head to a point.

In most breeds however, the ears require a period of bandaging and support splinting in order to get them to stand. This is essential for the ears to ultimately stand, and if not done sufficiently, the ears may not stand erect. The longer the ear length is, the more time required for splinting is necessary.

Although breeders can perform this procedure, it is best left to a licensed veterinarian, who has appropriate anesthetics. Puppies who undergo this procedure expect at least a few weeks of painful, sensitive ears. Unfortunately, the splinting of the ears is necessary especially during the early stages of healing, which adds to their discomfort. Unless you're planning to show your dog in conformation classes, ear cropping is un-necessary, and therefore becomes personal preference.

Be sure and understand all that is involved not only with the surgery, but afterwards during the splinting procedures. Know what to expect, and when to seek help during this time from your veterinarian, to avoid ears that ultimately won't stand.

The Association of Veterinary Medicine (AVMA), has recently made a statement regarding cosmetic ear cropping and tail docking in the dog. Essentially, and ultimately the AVMA would like to see this type of cosmetic procedure discontinued for cosmetic purposes only.

So it's legal!

Answer 5

The legality may differ from state to state etc. but I suggest that more important is the ethics of doing so. If there is no medical reason to clip their ears then I would say it is highly unethical and cruel to do so.

Answer 6

Yes it is legal, however for safety of the pet, it is suggested to go through a vet to have it done. (Unless you are experienced, then you can have the vet perscribe you the drugs needed) A friend of mine was a breader, he could clip the ears and the tail him self, and go to the vet for an over all check up after it was done.

Answer 7

Yeah its legal. But you dont clip them yourself,you have a proffesional do it, and just a little gets clipped off. Mine has it done, but i sure didnt take him to get it done. I think its absolutely stupid and mean. If you want to clip the tips off your own ears, Hey go ahead, but why do it to a poor animal just because you think it makes him look cooler.Same with docking tails, you should leave your animal in the one piece they came in.

Answer 8

I think someone should clip your ears so you can feel the same pain the dog will feel. With a question like that you have no business owning a pet and should be reported for animal abuse.

Answer 9

I dont care that guys say that it makes the dog look tough. This is wrong if people want to look tough with a dog next to them why dont they clip off their ears? Oh and I doubt that its legal I know its inhuman so if your thinking of doing this answer this question, "Would I let someone do it to me"?

Answer 10

I guess I question the wording. If you are going to "clip off" it's ears, then that is inhumane and you should be shot. If you plan to have them "cropped" so that they stand up, your vet can do that for you. I don't agree with that either, but it is done for many breeds of dogs.

Answer 11

like everyone has said, it is legal. however alot of people do try to do it themselves and then the dogs ears will get infected, or other issues may arise. personally, i breed miniature pinschers, according to AKC standard they are not required to have their ears cropped anymore, but most breeders do still do it. i choose not to do this procedure.. i leave it up to the buyer of the puppy. i cant bear to see the dogs bandaged and splinted ears and know that i did that too them just for looks. i just cannot bring myself to do it. min pins also have their tails docked and dew claws removed, this procedure is done within 3 days of birth. the ear cropping is done 3 months plus so the dog is older and is going through the stage where it should be building trust for its owner. then people crop their ears..urgh..ill just stop there. i just dont believe in ear cropping.